From Episode 494 – Church Solutions Podcast
Guest: Mary-Catherine Liscinski, Licensed Professional Counselor & Digital Addiction Specialist
Screens are everywhere—pockets, desks, dinner tables, even sanctuaries—the question is no longer “Are our kids online?” but “At what cost?” In this powerful episode of the Church Solutions Podcast, host Phil Thompson sits down with Mary-Catherine Liscinski, a licensed counselor and certified digital addiction specialist, to unpack an epidemic few are talking about honestly: digital addiction.
Mary-Catherine, founder of LifeWalk Coaching & Counseling in Hot Springs, Arkansas, works closely with teens, adults, and families struggling with screen overuse. Her insights aren’t rooted in opinion—they’re rooted in neuroscience, family systems, and years of heartbreaking stories.
What Is Digital Addiction? More Than “Too Much Screen Time”
Mary-Catherine describes digital addiction as a behavioral addiction that mirrors substance dependency. It’s not just time spent online—it’s withdrawal, emotional instability, isolation, and loss of real-world interest.
Common warning signs include:
• Isolation – Withdrawing to bedrooms or private spaces solely to be on devices
• Intense Anger or Meltdowns – Especially when asked to turn off screens
• Declining Focus or Grades – Damaged attention span due to dopamine overload
• Poor Communication Skills – Loss of eye contact and inability to read body language
• Chronic Exhaustion & Insomnia – Blue light disrupting melatonin and sleep cycles
• Loss of Joy – No interest in hobbies beyond gaming or scrolling
“Screens hijack the brain’s reward system. They produce dopamine spikes higher than anything in real life.” – Mary-Catherine Liscinski
What About Adults? We’re Not Immune
It’s easy to point at teenagers, but Mary-Catherine reminds us:
Adults are hooked too.
Social media scrolling, binge streaming, gaming, and “just checking email” are robbing adults of relationships, quiet, and even spiritual focus.
Pastors, ministry leaders, and parents are burning out—not from work alone, but from digital overload and constant information anxiety.
When Should Kids Get Devices? Her Sobering Answer
Rather than giving a specific age, Mary-Catherine offers a piercing rule of thumb:
“Give your child internet access only when you’re ready for them to access the darkest parts of the internet—because they will.”
Even with filters and parental monitoring, peers and platforms are always one step ahead.
Hope & Healing: The 7 Keys to Reversing Digital Damage
Mary-Catherine is currently writing a book outlining practical steps to restore brains, families, and relationships harmed by screen addiction. Her 7 Keys to Healing include:
1. Nature & Outdoor Time – Activates the brain’s calming system
2. Face-to-Face Conversation – Rebuilds communication and empathy
3. Secure Attachments – Strengthens parent/child trust
4. Healthy Sleep Patterns – Especially no screens in bedrooms
5. Physical Movement & Exercise – Restores brain function
6. Mindfulness & Presence – Living in real time, not digital time
7. Faith & Spiritual Grounding – Addiction is spiritual, not just behavioral
“Teens don’t know what life feels like without screens. It’s up to us to show them real life in 3D—not just 2D.” – Mary-Catherine Liscinski
A Word to Parents: Grace Over Guilt
Parents often carry deep regret over past decisions. Mary-Catherine offers grace:
• “You did your best with what you knew.”
• “Now you know better—you can move forward differently.”
• “There is always hope for healing, no matter how old your child is.”
For Ministry Leaders: This Is a Discipleship Issue
Our churches are filled with people—adults and youth—who are present physically but absent mentally. Helping families break free from screen addiction is not anti-technology… it’s pro-discipleship.
Technology is a tool. Addiction is a master. The Church must help families tell the difference.
Connect with Mary-Catherine Liscinski
Mary-Catherine Liscinski offers parent coaching, counseling, and soon—a book to guide families toward freedom.
Website: 👉 lifewalkcoaching.com
Phone: 📞 501-290-7132
If you need help implementing digital health in your church or home, or want to connect with Mary-Catherine, you can also reach out to us at StreamingChurch.tv and we’ll make the connection.