Technology related problems can range from the over-use or addictive use of texting, social media, video gaming, internet surfing, and more.

Technology Addiction


Over the past few years, Dr. Kincade has become increasingly alarmed by the number of people that she sees in both professional and personal settings, whose lives are being negatively impacted by technology over-use. Technology related problems range from the over-use or addictive use of texting, social media, video gaming, internet surfing, and more. Common challenges experienced by individuals with maladaptive technology habits include: anxiety, low mood, insomnia, impaired social interaction skills, relationship problems, bullying, and a lack of productivity.

It seems quite likely that society has the potential to face an epidemic of psychological, social, behavioural, and emotional disorders as a direct consequence of technology over-use and addiction. Because of her tremendous concern for the avalanche of problems that may accompany this technology over-use epidemic, Dr. Kincade has chosen to make a major focus of her practice to work with people to find a better, healthier balance for the use of technology in their lives.



Programs & Seminars
INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS

Individual treatment programs are offered for children, teens, and adults who are looking to regain a healthier balance on the role that technology plays in their lives. The treatment programs will place major emphasis on helping individuals refocus on living their lives according to the people, values, and opportunities that matter most to them. We will use a combination of techniques with an emphasis on mindfulness and present-moment focus to help people get back on track with living their lives actively and intentionally, according to their personal goals and values as opposed to living in a mindless, distracted, and constantly plugged-in existence.

The goal of these programs is NOT to eliminate technology use from daily lives. Instead, the primary focus of these groups will be to help people develop better balance and a healthier relationship with technology so that it can be used as an effective tool in living the life that matters to them.

Individual Treatment Programs will be continuously offered to children, teens, adults, and families who would like to work in a one-to-one setting to achieve a better balance for technology in their lives. Individual treatment programs can be done as a structured, 8-week program with 1-hour weekly sessions. Alternatively, individual treatment can be customized to meet your specific goals.

SMALL GROUP TREATMENT PROGRAMS (Children & Teens)

Small group treatment programs for CHILDREN and TEENS will typically be structured as follows:

  • Initial individual meeting with parents and child/teen to discuss specific areas of concern and to understand current situation, and goals for achieving more balance
  • Small group, weekly sessions facilitated by Dr. Kincade on a specific topic and related strategies to focus on moving towards creating better balance in technology use. Parent review at the end of each session to discuss the topic of the week with parents along with specific goals and homework for the upcoming week.
  • A Post-treatment individual meeting with parents and child/teen to discuss progress and plan for continued balanced use of technology.

Age ranges for groups for treatment programs will be based generally according to these guidelines:

Children: 9 to 11 year olds
Pre-Teens / Early Teens: 12 to 14 year olds
Teens: 15 to 17 year olds
Young Adults: 18 to 20 year olds

Treatment program may be eligible for extended health care benefits under psychological services benefits.

SMALL GROUP TREATMENT PROGRAMS (Adults)
  • An initial individual meeting with Dr. Kincade to discuss specific areas of concern and to understand current technology use situation and individual goals for achieving better balance.
  • Small group, weekly sessions with Dr. Kincade with a specific topic and related strategies as a focus for the upcoming week. There will also be some contact from Dr. Kincade to provide encouragement and support between sessions.
  • Post-treatment individual meeting with individuals to discuss progress and plan for continued balanced use of technology
  • Treatment program may be eligible for extended health care benefits under psychological services benefits.
TECHNOLOGY OVER-USE / ADDICTION SEMINARS and WORKSHOPS

In addition to group treatment programs, Dr. Kincade will be offering some evening and weekend seminars to provide information about the problems related to technology over-use and ideas about how to start making changes to implement a more balanced role for technology in your life.

Full-day and half-day workshops can also be provided to give more in-depth information, strategies, and hands-on activities for helping people to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issues related to technology over-use and tools for implementing changes in technology habits.

The initial list of topics of seminars and workshops that will be available include:

Parenting Kids in a Wired World
(Designed for parents with children from toddler years to about age 11)

Helping Teens Learn to Use Technology as a Tool – Not as a Companion
(Designed for parents with children from about ages 12 through 18)

Is Technology Getting in the Way of Living the Life You Want?
(Designed for adults who feel their use of technology is out of control and are looking for a healthier balance)
CUSTOMIZED SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
Seminars and Workshops can also be customized for specific parent groups, schools, organizations, and companies to incorporate these topics and additional topics of interest. Call Dr. Kincade to discuss your specific goals for a seminar or workshop tailored to your particular audience.