In a world where devices are always within reach, it’s easy to feel like technology is running your life instead of the other way around. From endless scrolling to late-night gaming, technology addiction can disrupt sleep, damage relationships, and increase anxiety and depression.
At Triad Psych, we specialize in helping clients understand their relationship with technology, address compulsive use, and rebuild a healthy balance—without giving up tech entirely.
Why Technology Feels So Rewarding
First, let’s get down to basics. Why is it so addictive? Because it is designed to be. Starting with gaming companies, which make more money, the more time you spend on their games, this dynamic has spread to all forms of interactive technology. Mental health professionals know that people thrive when three core needs are met:
- Competency – Mastery and progress, like beating a game level or hitting a learning streak.
- Autonomy – Control over choices, such as customizing apps or curating your online experience.
- Relatedness – Feeling connected through social media, messaging, and online communities.
These are the same needs that make technology so appealing—and why it can be so hard to put down. But when our need for competency, autonomy, and relatedness is met almost entirely online, it can lead to dependency and imbalance. As well it deprives people of a lot of deeper meaning in their lives. Additionally, obtaining the three core needs mentioned above in the real world, often requires effort and is not always available for immediate gratification and requires some patience.
Triad Psych’s Approach to Technology Addiction Treatment
We use evidence and relationship based strategies to help clients regain control over their technology use:
- Comprehensive Assessment – Understand patterns, triggers, and emotional drivers behind screen use.
- Interpersonal Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) – At Triad we reject the idea that psychotherapy can exist absent of relationship. So while we help you identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts while creating healthier routines; we still put your relationship with your clinician first and foremost. Remember, relatedness before the rise of technology was and is still defined as having interactions with other people which are meaningful.
- Values-Based Goals – Reconnect with real-world sources of competency, autonomy, and relatedness. Starting with your relationship with your therapist.
- Mindful Tech Use Plans – Create personalized boundaries and introduce fulfilling offline activities.
The Goal: Technology as a Tool, Not a Trap
We don’t believe in eliminating technology. Instead, we teach clients how to use it intentionally—supporting their mental health, relationships, and long-term happiness. As well we also teach you strategies to enhance relationships, knowing when NOT to use technology to convey messages and information.
At Triad Psych, recovery from technology addiction or just problematic technology use or unhealthy dependence means more than just reducing screen time—it’s about building a life where both your online and offline worlds work together to make you feel competent, autonomous, and connected with YOU in charge. We put you in charge, not the other way around.
Call to Action:
If technology is interfering with your sleep, mood, or relationships, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Contact Triad Psych today to start your journey toward balanced and intentional tech use.