Online counseling is not new. Other terms for online counseling include etherapy, online therapy, cybertherapy, and internet counseling. Nearly 10 years have passed since I first offered online counseling. Professionals worried that online counselors were trying to replace traditional face-to-face psychotherapy. Now many psychotherapists offer online counseling or at least use technology to enhance relationships with existing clients.

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to obtain counseling without scheduling hassles or the commute? Many people are finding that engaging in online counseling is easier, more convenient, and more cost effective. The idea of logging on from home or most anywhere with the convenience of wireless internet and a laptop is quite attractive.

So how is online counseling conducted? Email, chat and webcam are the most common methods of delivery. Some therapists are offering counseling in virtual worlds such as Second Life. But mostly, online counseling is text-based, meaning that the usual cues of hearing and seeing are not available. Some describe email therapy much like exchanging letters. Chat therapy is conversational in style and compares more readily to the process of traditional psychotherapy. With technological advances, webcams are offer more resolute images than just a few years ago. Webcams introduce the audio and visual components back into the process. Any of these delivery methods can be used singularly or in conjunction with one another.

If you are interested in online counseling, be sure you choose a therapist who understands the importance of confidentiality and offers an alternative to traditional chat and email. Ideally, your communication should be secure and encrypted and a variety of free encryption options are available that are very user-friendly. Many therapists who practice online have additional education that ideally indicates a certain level of proficiency. Therapists who have received additional training will usually indicate the training on their website. Therapists may opt to become certified as a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). This designation suggests a basic level of expertise and the certification is offered by through the Center for Credentialing Education and the National Board of Certified Counselors. In addition, you should be able to verify a therapist’s other credentials. At a minimum, expect your therapist to be able to practice independently. In the United States, this is usually indicated by a state license.

People take herbal health food for various reasons but the misguided notion about medicinal value is gradually being corrected. For whatever reasons people take herbal products and supplements, the guidelines prescribed through federal legislation provides that herbs cannot allege that these can prevent, detect or treat any ailment or disease.

The “health factor” was born out of the claims regarding positive effects of herbs on certain body functions or structures and the general welfare of those who consume these so-called natural products. However, this explanation is disputable and gives weight to ambiguous health claims. While legal stipulations have come out, consumers are still responsible for verifying their legitimacy and actual effects. The bottom line is to stay away from products with questionable claims despite all the hype about them.

What medical and fitness professionals maintain is that the best remedy for disease prevention is a healthy lifestyle. This consists of a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low in cholesterol. At the same time, physical exercises also play a vital role. Yet, workouts should be regulated. There is no available data suggesting that herbs are more useful than prescription drugs for curing illnesses.

Herbs have always been advertised as natural so millions of people believe that these are completely safe. Nevertheless, this is not always true. While many of these botanicals are considered safe, some have harmful side effects. There have already been several deaths because of the improper use of herbal products. In certain instances, even minimal amounts of herbs, have produced had injurious effects.

For the benefits of consumers, some of these products that have been mentioned by medical research and journals include the following:
• Ephedra allegedly for hypertension, strokes and seizures
• Chapparal for kidney and liver troubles
• Comfrey for liver poisoning
• Lobelia for breathing difficulty
• Wormwood for kidney ailments

Physicians recommend to their patients and the public in general that consuming herbal health food should only be for limited duration. It is still uncertain if temporary benefits that could lead to long-term use will be damaging to people’s health. You have to follow instructions printed on labels strictly and discontinue use in case of abnormal side effects. Medical practitioners do not prescribe herbs for medical remedies of chronic maladies like grave depression, diabetes, hypertension and heart ailments. Herbs are not recommended for kids under six years old; pregnant women; individuals with HIV; and, people affected by kidney and liver diseases.

Herbal vitamins and are classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration as mere dietary supplements and not as drugs. Henceforth, these are not tested for safety. Herbal commodities can be sold any time even without scientific research and approval from regulatory government agencies. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical firms are mandated to conduct clinical research to establish the usefulness of prescription medicine, probable interaction with other substances and proper dosages.

Consumers need to be well-informed for their own welfare especially at this time when the herbal industry continues to flourish. Research continues if only to determine the real causes and effects of herbal health food.

Home decorating can be very fun but yet challenging at times; whether it be with western decorations or rustic home decor. Western home decor is decor that will give your rooms a look and a feel of warmth, invitation, and loaded with charm. On the other hand, rustic decor is a type of decor that will reflect a love of the outdoors and it also makes the home welcoming and homey.

Both types of these decor are perfect to add elegance and beauty to your home or cottage the western style. It adds so much charm and beauty and can be very stunning for others to walk in to.

There are many items of western style decor nowadays. Just to name a few, you will find beautiful floor rugs, the antler chandaliers, tables and lamps, and many more western decorations and accessories. To add more of the western and rustic house decor, how about some throw pillows or even a plush bear or moose. The rustic looks offer homage and the feel of the woods and outdoor life. Decorative elements such as clocks, wall hangings, and art work can add a natural look and enhance the western and rustic style of decor to any home or cabin.

The western decor was introduced back in the eighteenth century by artistic cave dwellers who drew pictures on the walls of caves. Later in years, it was introduced to people as a luxury item and then became very popular throughout our world. Rustic decor was originally made from natural materials that were in greatest supply and often made by poor people as items of trade for food or cash. It was associated with the Great Depression.

Decorating is very beneficial. You can give your home a complete new look that is stylish, comfortable and attractive for any dream catchers eye. The major benefit of western home decor is that this style of home decoration is not very expensive and can be done rather quickly. It can suit the needs of any persons’ pocket whether big or small. Rustic furnishings are very nice and can give your home the natural look of wood. Rustic decor is beneficial as well because it helps to preserve old age ideas and natural slendor.

Both types of decor are very stunning and brings such warmth, relaxation and a feel for the outdoors. It also brings so much coziness to the atmosphere of your home. After a long hard days work, it is so nice to come home to your own personal space and relax with your feet up and ponder on the beautiful decor of your home.

As mentioned before, you can relax and feel right at home. If you are thinking about making a decorative change to your home, we have many decorative items that may interest you with the change.