Many adults who visit our center tell us that they delayed for a long time before deciding to contact us. The decision is often complicated by doubts: what is normal when using digital technology, whether the advice is really effective, and whether they have enough power and will to make an effort to change. If you are currently facing similar questions, this article is for you. It's completely normal to have doubts – thinking, weighing, and hesitating are a natural part of the process when we consider a change. But it's especially important at this point to get professional support that makes it easier for you to continue.

About Logout Center

We are the Center for Help with Excessive Internet Use, a non-profit organization with years of experience in counseling and prevention in the field of digital addictions. This includes addiction to video games, social media, online gambling, online sex and pornography, online shopping, cryptocurrency trading, and general internet addiction (browsing, news, email). We also address cases of problematic or excessive use, where we are not yet talking about addiction, and we take preventive action before any problems arise. Additionally, we have a program for individuals who have experienced online violence, which includes support and individual counseling. The program's goal is to enable the victim to speak about their distress experienced online without fear or judgment.
We provide individual and family counseling, workshops, lectures, and other forms of support and assistance to help individuals, families, and organizations cope with the challenges brought by digital technology. Our doors are open to everyone who feels burdened by digital devices.

When should I seek help?

Anyone can feel at some point that the use of digital technologies has gotten out of control. It is important to recognize the first signs that indicate that you would benefit from professional support.

These can be:

• You spend more and more time in front of screens,
• it is difficult for you to control your use of digital devices,
• because of the internet, other important areas of life are suffering (sleep, work, obligations, relationships, health care),
• feel tension, guilt, or helplessness when trying to reduce your use of the internet,
• You have lost interest in previous hobbies and leisure activities,
• You often use online activities to relieve negative moods ...

If you have tried to make changes on your own before, but they only worked for a short time, or you don't know where to start, the introductory consultation is the right opportunity to get support and a clearer sense of how to continue on the path to the desired changes.

What can I expect at the introductory consultation?

• Confidentiality, professionalism, and a sympathetic approach of the advisors.
• The introductory consultation is an opportunity to discuss your experiences with the counselor and receive professional feedback.
• The meeting lasts 45–60 minutes. The first consultation is informative and non-binding. Its purpose is primarily to provide you with information on the basis of which you can decide on the further form of resolving your problems.

I'm ready, where can I sign up?

You can register for the introductory consultation via the online form. Counseling is available in Ljubljana, Kranj, Celje, Koper, and Maribor, and you can also choose remote counseling (on Zoom).

"I'm full of energy, I want to prepare for the introductory meeting. How can I prepare?"

• Think about the past of your usage - what influenced it, how the usage changed over time, etc.
• Think back to the measures you have already tried and their effectiveness.
• Reflect on your motivation - why you want to change, why you are seeking help.
• Check your own expectations - what are your goals, what do you want to see in your life, what do you expect from the introductory meeting at Logout?

"Oh, I'm not sure if this is the right choice for me..."

Of course, it is possible that the meeting won’t go as expected. Our goal is to work together to determine what support you need to deal with excessive internet use. You won't lose anything if you try, but you can gain a lot.

... and other common thoughts that make the first step difficult:

• My problems are too small/too big. - Our counselors will assess the severity of your problems based on your stories and the use of psychodiagnostic tools.
• I have had bad experiences with counseling/psychotherapy/treatment, it will be the same again.- Each treatment experience is unique. Perhaps a new counselor or approach to treatment will be more suitable for you.
• I already know everything, I just need to get started. - Knowledge and discipline are not always enough to achieve lasting change. Many individuals need support, help in establishing a structure, understanding obstacles, and gradual steps.
• I'm ashamed of my online activities. - Many of our world citizens initially experience feelings of shame about various online activities. At the meeting, we won't judge you, but we will work together to find ways to better control your digital activities.
• They certainly don’t have experience with such a case. - Logout's professional work is the result of years of experience, education, and knowledge sharing among colleagues, participation in intervisions, supervisions, and dealing with a wide range of situations. Like any expert, we learn something new with each case.

If you notice that digital technologies are negatively affecting your daily life, we recommend that you sign up for the introductory meeting. We can promise you that our consultants will do their best to make the initial consultation as meaningful and useful as possible.

What did others say about the introductory meeting?

"Thank you, my life is indeed much better than before. Deciding to seek help and a colleague suggesting Logout was the best decision I made!”

"Thank you, you've changed my life 100% for the better! :)"

"I am extremely satisfied with my time at LogOut. One unexpected effect I noticed after I finished the work was that my relationships improved because I stopped relying on my friends' constant availability and communication."