Mastering the Game: Navigating Gaming Trends and Healthy Play with Karen Hlady and Tracy Tsui
The Mastering the Game: Navigating Gaming Trends and Healthy Play workshop explores the world of gaming, emerging trends, online platforms, why people game, the neurobiology, gamblification, benefits and risks of gaming, as well as resources and strategies for healthy play.
Karen Hlady, for the past decade, has been contracting with Gambling Support BC (GSBC) on behalf of Vancouver Island Gaming Support (VIGS), offering an array of gaming and gambling education workshops. With over 25 years of experience in the community education, health, and social services field, she has provided culturally responsive support services to vulnerable youth and families negatively impacted by a variety of mental health and addictions. Karen currently serves on the Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board, holds a MA in Leadership Studies, along with certifications in gambling (GIS) and gaming disorder (IGDC).
Tracy Tsui is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in British Columbia, Canada. She has been working in the field of mental health and substance use for almost 15 years. She has a diverse experience providing counselling services and advocating for marginalized populations for non-profit agencies, health authorities, provincial and federal support programs, and in private practice. For the last 5 years, she has focused her private practice work in the field of video game addiction. Tracy has a wealth of experience working with individuals, families, and relationships. Her approach is client-centred and strengths-based, and influenced by a variety of modalities. Tracy’s goal is to work collaboratively with people to create a safe place to foster healing from a trauma-formed and culturally-safe lens, as well as decrease the stigma of seeking support.