In this episode of Meet Your Mental Helper, host Jim interviews Nathan Driskell, MA, LPC — a therapist, author, and public speaker based in the Houston/Cypress area of Texas, specializing in internet addiction and high-functioning autism. He helps teens, young adults, and adults — along with concerned parents — understand how technology, neurodiversity, and anxiety intersect so they can create real, sustainable change instead of staying stuck in online escape.Discover how Nathan uses behavioral strategies, desensitization work, structure, and deep psychoeducation to guide clients through internet and gaming addiction, sensory overload, social anxiety, and the unique challenges of high-functioning autism. He shares his own story of being a “high-functioning” online gaming addict, the brain and body consequences that followed, and what finally helped him quit, rebuild his life, and now help others do the same. Nathan also talks about his three 30-day workbooks for autistic adults, individuals struggling with electronics addiction, and parents trying to regain healthy balance at home.-
⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction to Nathan Driskell & his background 1:05 – “My job is to induce change” – how Nathan defines therapy 2:14 – Gen Z, social skills, and growing up on phones 5:22 – Born premature, developmental delays, and an undiagnosed autism story 9:41 – Becoming addicted to a text-based online game and “being a god” 14:54 – Three core warning signs of internet and gaming addiction 20:53 – The shower moment, quitting cold turkey, and rebuilding a real life 26:06 – Healthy obsessions vs. turning work and hobbies into new addictions 36:11 – Autism, online personas, and why online worlds feel safer 40:41 – Sensory issues, fluorescent lights, textures, and desensitization 54:32 – Speaking for the FBI about internet addiction and autism 57:21 – Nathan’s three books and 30-day activity guides 1:00:55 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Nathan
🌐 Connect with Nathan DriskellWebsite: https://mathandriskell.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndriskell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathandriskelltherapy email: nathan@nathandriskell.com
🎙️About the Host**James Weisbecker, LPC** Licensed Professional Counselor (Arizona, Colorado) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (Ohio) Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida) Certified Life Coach (Global) **Counseling Website:** https://frameofheartcounseling.com/ **Podcast Website:** https://meetyourmentalhelper.com/ **Instagram:** https://instagram.com/jamesaweisbecker **Facebook:** https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559260102139 **LinkedIn:** https://linkedin.com/in/james-a-weisbecker-1b28841b9 **Email:** james@meetyourmentalhelper.com