Support for social media overuse, screen dependency, and digital burnout
Technology is designed to be addictive. But your wellbeing wasn’t designed to be optional.
ou’re always connected—but somehow, you feel more disconnected than ever.
Technology addiction doesn’t always look dramatic. It often starts with good intentions: keeping in touch, unwinding, staying informed. But for many, what begins as everyday use quietly turns into dependency—affecting mood, sleep, concentration, relationships, and even self-esteem.
At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, we support individuals struggling with digital burnout, screen-related anxiety, and compulsive online behaviour. Whether it’s scrolling for hours, feeling unable to switch off, or using devices to avoid emotional discomfort, we provide a safe, grounded space to begin reclaiming control.
What is Technology Addiction?
Technology addiction refers to a pattern of compulsive, emotionally driven use of digital devices, platforms or apps—despite negative effects on daily life. It may include excessive:
- Social media scrolling
- News consumption
- YouTube or streaming
- App-switching
- Gaming or gambling
- Phone use or online messaging
Unlike traditional addictions, there’s rarely a clear ‘bottoming out.’ Instead, it creeps in gradually. You find it harder to concentrate. You feel anxious without your phone. You lose time. You feel guilty. And the moment you’re alone or stressed, you reach for the screen again.
UK Context: How Widespread Is It?
- The average UK adult now spends over 6 hours per day on screens (Ofcom, 2024)
- 49% of adults say they feel addicted to their smartphone (Digital Wellbeing Survey, 2023)
- 7 in 10 adults report that screen time negatively affects their mental health
- Among 18–34s, over 60% say social media increases anxiety, loneliness, or comparison
This isn’t about blaming technology—it’s about understanding why we rely on it, and how to shift the relationship.
What’s Going On Underneath?
In our counselling work, we’ve seen time and again that technology overuse is rarely just about boredom or laziness. Often, it serves as an emotional crutch:
- A way to escape anxiety, grief, trauma or depression
- A substitute for real connection when isolation creeps in
- A form of control when life feels uncertain
- A numbing mechanism when feelings are overwhelming
Rather than removing all tech, counselling helps explore what needs are being met—and whether those needs could be honoured in healthier ways.
“I Don’t Know Who I Am Without My Phone…”
If that resonates, you’re not broken. You’re human. And in a world that monetises attention, constantly triggers reward-seeking behaviour, and rarely allows stillness, it makes sense that it’s hard to let go.
We work gently with:
- Screen dependency & compulsive checking
- Digital overwhelm, burnout and fatigue
- Social media comparison and self-esteem issues
- Tech-related anxiety, sleep disruption or mood swings
- Emotional avoidance through online distraction
- Reconnecting with offline identity and values
How Hope Therapy Can Help
Hope Therapy is a professional, UK-wide team of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who understand behavioural addictions from a mental health perspective. You won’t be judged, pathologised or told to “just put it down.” Instead, we walk alongside you as you:
- Explore your emotional relationship with devices
- Rebuild boundaries and find balance
- Restore presence, calm and self-trust
- Reconnect with your body, relationships and purpose
We work at your pace and adapt support around your needs.
Options That Work For You
We offer a range of counselling formats to suit your lifestyle and preferences:
- Zoom Counselling – Private, flexible and easily accessible
- Telephone Counselling – Discreet and effective for those who prefer audio
- In-Person Counselling – Available at several calm, welcoming therapy rooms
Wherever you are, you can find support that fits your reality.
Why Work With Hope?
We’re not a faceless platform. Hope Therapy is a team of real, empathetic human beings who bring warmth, professionalism and depth to every session. Our team includes practitioners with specialisms in:
- Behavioural addictions and compulsions
- Social anxiety and tech-related burnout
- Trauma, low self-esteem and identity
- Emotionally focused counselling and integrative approaches
Take the First Step — Gently
If you’re wondering whether your tech habits are “bad enough” to seek help, here’s the truth: if it’s impacting your peace of mind, that’s reason enough.
You don’t have to go cold turkey. You don’t have to explain yourself. You just have to start where you are.
👉 Book your free consultation here
FAQ
Do I need to stop using my phone or laptop altogether?
No. Counselling helps you find a sustainable, intentional balance—not total avoidance.
What if I rely on technology for work or family?
That’s entirely normal. We focus on what’s realistic for you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Will I be judged or told I’m doing something wrong?
Absolutely not. Our work is built on compassion and understanding, not blame or shame.