20. How Help a Kid with OCD and Screen Addiction

Join Ekaterina and licensed professional counselor Alexandra (Alex) Dimoff as they explore the complexities of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and screen addictions in children. Discover how family history and environmental factors contribute to OCD, and learn about effective interventions and therapies.0:00 – Why video games are so addictive0:40 – Introduction to guest Alex Dimoff (licensed counselor)1:16 – Alex’s journey into becoming a therapist2:00 – What is OCD? Definition and symptoms3:15 – How OCD develops: predisposition vs. triggers4:03 – Is screen addiction the same as OCD?5:22 – Treatment approaches: therapy vs. medication6:17 – Real client case study (hair pulling & skin picking)9:11 – Importance of parent participation in therapy10:06 – Coaching parents to change habits11:13 – Managing electronics: passwords & device control11:56 – Why screen addiction happens15:03 – Peer competition, skins & bragging rights in games15:49 – Strategies for parents to manage gaming addiction18:09 – Using timers, warnings, and smooth transitions18:15 – Handling aggression & consequences19:44 – What if a child breaks things at home?21:00 – Do kids outgrow screen addictions?22:46 – When to seek therapy & what to expect24:46 – How long therapy typically lasts26:02 – New obsessions replacing old ones27:12 – Can OCD last a lifetime? Extreme cases28:40 – Life events triggering relapse29:00 – Final advice for parents29:39 – Where to find Alex Dimoff #OCD #MentalHealth #Parenting #Therapy #OCDinkidsGuest Information: Alex Dimoff is a licensed professional counselor specializing in OCD and screen addictions, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexandra-dimoff-mars-pa/1215088