How to Spot a Dangerous E-Therapist And Find a Great One!

Our nation is only getting more internet-centered. You can change your driver's license address online. You can transfer money online. You can order fast food online.

It's not a surprise that internet therapy is another thing in high demand right now. It's more convenient than driving to an office, and more private. People can access it from anywhere! At some point very soon, I predict that therapists who are not practicing at least partially online will be in the minority.

However, right now, E-Therapy is still barely a toddler in terms of the overall age of psychotherapy. At this stage, the practice is still working out the kinks. There's not a good overall screening system for ethical online therapists.

That puts you, the potential client, in danger.

This is a business that requires a huge amount of trust. Unfortunately, some clients get hurt when they put that trust in unethical, abusive therapists. That's why I want to share some simple "red flags" that indicate a potentially unethical online therapist and some "green flags" that mean this person is probably legit. Use these guidelines to help keep yourself safe when searching for a therapist online.

Red Flag #1 The first way you can tell something might be wrong is that you cannot find information about the therapist's license anywhere. Each therapist should proudly list the state license they worked so hard for, and you should be able to verify their name and license with your state's licensing board. You can find the web address of your state's licensing bureau at the American Association of State Counseling Boards website.

Red Flag #2 The therapist disregards state licensing laws. Did you know that it's unethical to practice outside of what's called the "scope" of your license? Counseling outside of your state of licensure is considered beyond the scope of your license. It's such a no-no that the counselor's liability coverage will not protect them in the event they are sued for practicing outside of their state. If your counselor doesn't restrict practice to those in their state, be aware they may take liberties with other ethical guidelines as well.

Red Flag #3 The therapist offers you manipulative free session offers in which the boundaries are undefined. Manipulative free session offers might be "unlimited" minutes or sessions until you decide you're ready to pay. How much will they hold back in the time you are getting for free?

Red Flag #4 The therapist cannot explain how he or she will protect your privacy online. Did you know that just like medical doctors, licensed counselors have to protect your information in a HIPPA-compliant manner? So, you might ask them, how will they store your files? Will they collect your credit card information? If the counselor cannot answer this readily, that's a red flag.

Red Flag #5 The therapist doesn't require paperwork or informed consent from you as a client. Why does this matter? Because it's against the law! A first "session" can legitimately work around this under the umbrella of being a first consultation. But before you get into a committed relationship with your therapist, (i.e. they begin collecting money from you) they should require a signature on an informed consent document showing that you understand the risks and limitations of online therapy.

These are some things not to do. But there are some ethical, responsible E-Therapists out there, and here's how you can find them.

Green Flag #1 The therapist identifies their license and state, and can provide the date their licenses expires on demand. This means they have been through rigorous standards to get to this point, and they know what they will have to do to keep it up.

Green Flag #2 Your counselor states that they practice only in the state in which they are licensed. Breakthrough.com is the pioneer service for authenticating counselor licenses and restricting client contact to those licensed in their state. If you're looking for an online therapist, I would start there.

Green Flag #3 Your therapist clearly defines "free" offers, such as a single free session, discounted first 10 minutes, free e-book, or free initial email consult. These are a legitimate tool for a therapist to demonstrate their effectiveness. It's when the boundaries are unclear that it might be a ploy to manipulate you.

Green Flag #4 Your therapist tells you how they collect credit card information and if they store it, as well as what service they will use to conduct therapy. Video, chat and email therapy need to be encrypted to HIPAA standards. The therapist should have a private line to talk to you that no one else can use to "pick up the extension."

Green Flag #5 You are given a full informed consent document to sign, as well as an intake form to fill out. E-signatures are fine. The therapist should let you know of potential risks of therapy in general and online therapy in particular, when he or she would have to break confidentiality, and where you can complain if he or she behaves in an unethical manner. They also need to know your real name and emergency contact information, so they can get you help if you become suicidal.

I predict more and more e-therapists will arise in the future, as people realize the benefit to be had from private, in-home therapy sessions. But while it is still emerging, clients like you must be aware that there are some scammers out there. You deserve the best care possible, so arm yourself! If you have any further questions, I'm always here to help. Drop me a line anytime!

Stephanie A. Adams, MA LPC
Beginnings Counseling & Consulting:
Encouraging, Empowering E-Therapy
http://www.stephanieadamslpc.com/
Tweet Me: @BeginCounselor
Write me: stephanie@stephanieadamslpc.com

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Best Way To Treat ADHD - Thinking Outside The Box To Raise A Great Kid

Many parents are unaware that there are alternatives to ADHD medications and they insist that powerful psychostimulants are the best way to treat ADHD. Well, here are four good reasons why they should start thinking outside the box and look at diet and homeopathic remedies, for example.

1. The drugs are all based on amphetamines and as such, they are controlled substances. Take a teenager who wants to enroll in the National Guard. If they have been on the popular ADHD drugs like Ritalin, Vyvanse and Adderall, during the last two or three years, they will not be accepted for enrollment. The recruits have to have a doctor's certificate stating that they have not taken any of these drugs in the last four years. Now, with homeopathic remedies, there are no such restrictions because there are absolutely no health risks and side effects. There is no risk of addiction either.

2. In spite of the fact that there are risks and side effects of these drugs, the medical profession is convinced that they are best way to treat ADHD. They may well be in the short term and they can indeed alleviate symptoms such as hyperactivity and restlessness while helping children to pay more attention and get their homework done faster. But over the long term, the drugs have been shown to be less and less effective. Once their effects wear off, the teenager is left defenseless and has learned no coping skills at all in the meantime. Again, with homeopathic remedies, the approach is a holistic one and the aim is to restore balance in mind and body without causing any unpleasant side effects. Luc Montagnier the Nobel prize winner for Immunology recently came out in favor of homeopathy and that we should consider it more carefully and be more open minded.

3. As regards diet, there has been a lot of hype, ranging from the Feingold diet which eliminates all the nasty additives and preservatives which can affect a child's brain in a negative way to all the other elimination diets. However, it is true that some children do have an allergic reaction to the four 'white witches' and it is worth investigating these at least. These are:

• sugar
• salt
• flour
• milk

4. The fact that many children with ADHD were found to be nutritionally deficient puts diet right at the heart of the best way to treat ADHD, in my opinion. Studies have actually shown that they seem to be lacking in zinc, magnesium and calcium. They are also deficient in EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in fish and nuts. One of the best ways to make up for this deficiency is to use Himalayan rock salt which is the purest on this planet as it comes from the salt deposits of the Jurassic age when there was no pollution at all! It is so rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.

These then are the four facts which should make us pause and start thinking outside the box. We should stop sneering at homeopathy as Luc Montaignier has suggested and integrate homeopathy with a healthy diet, exercise, an ADHD friendly home and behavior therapy or effective parenting skills. I firmly believe this is the best way to treat ADHD. Why don't you check out my website and learn how easy and safe it is to raise a great kid. You will never look back.

Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in children's health. He has written extensively on ADHD. Discover what Alternative ADHD Therapy is available. Find out about ADHD natural cures.

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Stress Relief - Hobbies That Are Great for Stress Management

Almost any hobby could be good for stress relief, given that it wasn't the thing that caused the stress in the first place. The old truism; "a change is as good as a holiday", really is true. So, the hobby that you are already passionate about is likely to be a great place for you to unwind and recharge. The degree to which your hobby can absorb and excite you is exactly the degree to which it will help you relieve work related stresses. If your hobby can take you to the "zone" it is great for you.

The "zone" is a place where you are infinitely energized and time means nothing. That said there are several types of hobbies that lend themselves readily to relieving stress.

a. Physical hobbies: Getting your body moving is an excellent way to reduce and relieve stress. Ideal hobbies in this category would be activities like drumming. The more that you can abandon yourself to the beat and move with it, the better. Other physical hobbies would include almost any sport, yoga and dance. Especially good for stress relief would be any activity that took you into the outdoors for long stretches of time.

b. Intellectual pursuits: This would include crossword puzzles, sudoku, reading "whodunits" or fantasy or romance, researching your genealogy and Geo-cacheing. These all offer the benefits of allowing your brain to change tracks and focus on a new challenge.The best of all the hobbies here is the kind that work to calm and silence the mind. Most of the traditions of meditation are excellent for this.

c. Creative challenges: Creative challenges move your mind away from the stress. They also develop your ability to problem solve and think laterally. Simple examples of this category of hobbies include sketching, drawing, painting, sculpting, building, carpentry, gardening, writing and cooking new dishes.

All of these require that you be completely conscious in the current moment, aware of what is actually happening and able to choose the best response to it.

In an ideal world, if you could find a hobby that delights you and has you physically moving, intellectually stimulated, spiritually grounded and sparks you to be creative - all at the same time - you have the precise hobby for you.

Here are five that leap to my mind as fitting all of those requirements:

drumming circles at dusksand sculpting at the beachdance in a parktai chi in the forestbuilding a mandala or labyrinth in your garden

The most important of all the elements is how much pleasure the hobby gives you! That is vital. Time is limited. It is essential that you have play-time. It is vital that the play-time makes you smile.

Go forth and enjoy!

Karen Pasqualucci is a passionate, lifelong learner. She is an author, artist, entrepreneur, internationally accomplished speaker/trainer, a third degree black belt in Taijitsu and a homeschool mom of three. She shares her newest insights on her blog at http://doodlemeanings.com/ and gives away free Mandalas simply to make you as addicted as she is to the pleasures of mandalas:)
Come and get 'em!

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Great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer's, according to survey

ScienceDaily (July 20, 2011) — Results of an international survey reveal that over 85% of respondents in the five countries surveyed say that if they were exhibiting confusion and memory loss, they would want to see a doctor to determine if the cause of the symptoms was Alzheimer's disease. Over 94% would want the same if a family member were exhibiting the symptoms. The findings were presented July 20 at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2011 (AAIC 2011).

The survey of the U.S. and four European countries -- France, Germany, Spain and Poland -- was designed and analysed by Alzheimer Europe and the Harvard School of Public Health.

In four of the five countries, Alzheimer's disease was the second biggest health fear after cancer. The public were asked to choose which disease they were most afraid of getting from a list of seven diseases including cancer, heart disease and stroke. Around a quarter of adults in four of the five countries say they most fear getting Alzheimer's disease.

Fear of Alzheimer's gets worse with age, but even young adults are concerned, with approximately one in seven 18- to 34-year-olds reporting Alzheimer's as the disease they are most afraid of getting from the list provided.

The survey found a large proportion of the public has had some experience with Alzheimer's disease. Majorities in all five countries say that they know or have known someone with Alzheimer's disease, including about seven in ten in France (72%), Germany (73%), Spain (77%), and in the U.S. (73%), and 54% in Poland. In addition, about three in ten have personal experience with a family member with Alzheimer's disease. Experience with a family member ranges from 19% in Poland to 42% in the U.S.

This high level of contact with Alzheimer's disease is likely to have contributed to the wide recognition of common symptoms such as confusion and getting lost, which were recognised by at least 86% and 88%,respectively.

Few people recognised the severity of Alzheimer's disease with approximately 40% knowing that it is a fatal condition (33-61%). In fact, Alzheimer's is the seventh-leading cause of death in high income countries and the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented or cured.

Many of the respondents believe there is now an effective medical or pharmaceutical treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and make the symptoms less severe (27%-63%). Also, nearly half believe there is a reliable medical test to determine if a person suffering from confusion and memory loss is in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (38%-59%).

The survey also found public interest in predictive testing. Approximately two thirds of respondents said that, they would get a medical test which would tell them whether they would get Alzheimer's disease before they had symptoms.

Heike von Lützau-Hohlbein, Chairperson of Alzheimer Europe, said: "The results demonstrate the importance of being honest with patients when diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. As a former carer myself, I recognise how valuable it is for people to have first-of-all a name for all the uncertainties of their condition and then have the time to get their affairs in order. It will always be difficult to receive such a diagnosis but doctors need to empower patients and their loved ones to take the appropriate steps. The findings also show there is high awareness of Alzheimer's disease, which is a testament to the success of the many awareness campaigns coordinated by Alzheimer societies."

Dr. Robert Blendon, Professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis from the Harvard School of Public Health said: "Many of the public have high expectations about the possibilities of treatment alternatives and medical testing. It is important for doctors to talk to patients about what treatment and testing options are or are not available."

Florence Lustman, Coordinator of the French Alzheimer Plan, said: "Alzheimer's is a fatal condition that affects most people's lives at some time. One of the key priorities of the French Alzheimer's Plan is early diagnosis, and the survey results support this focus. The findings demonstrate overwhelming public support for receiving diagnosis."

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Harvard School of Public Health.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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