PLATINUM LIFESTYLE CHANGES

When we think of all the terrible sacrifices we all have to make in these very difficult economic times, one thing we rarely consider is the fact that we are not only cutting back on luxuries, but also on our physical and mental health. People are spending less money on things like health club memberships, exercise equipment, and expensive sports. They are also cutting back on mental health care, with fewer people going for counseling or psychotherapy or even buying self-help books. After numerous discussions with several prominent psychologists and psychiatrists, we set about to create the finest possible website for self-help.

We chose the name Platinum Lifestyle Changes to reflect our policy of avoiding things like fad diets in favor of promoting a healthier and happier lifestyle. However, before publishing any of our programs, we agreed that each one had to meet the following criteria:

1. Written by recognized experts in each field

Every program we publish is written by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is an acknowledged expert in the area. Every author has either taught, done research, or published in their area of expertise, in most cases, all three.

2. Affordable

By publishing online, we save printing costs and can make our programs within everyone's reach. All programs will be sold for less than $20.

3. Use only scientifically proven techniques

Every program is based on techniques with years of research behind them. This means that there are no fad diets, dangerous drugs, or unproven treatments.

4. Easy to read

There are a lot of programs out there that are pretty good, but nobody uses them. One reason for this is that they often require hours of difficult reading. All of our programs are designed to be read in less than an hour. The only exceptions are those programs designed to be read in sections, so that each reading will only take a short time.

5. Very specific instructions

Every program gives step-by-step guidelines, telling the reader not just what to do, but in most cases exactly how to do it. There will be absolutely no doubts about what to do to follow the program.

6. Highly individualized

Even though certain principles apply to virtually everyone, each person is still very different. That is why all of our programs will teach principles, but will also teach how to apply them to each person's unique situation and personality.

7. Offer support for each program without having to addend meetings

Hundreds of studies have shown that people do better at making lifestyle changes when they have good social support. Unfortunately, many people do not get such support for a variety of reasons. Some are simply shy or do not like groups, others do not have groups in their area to attend, and still others feel that they do not have the time to attend. We teach our readers how to enlist social support from family and friends. We also offer support through our chat room, and in many cases, by communicating on our website with the author of a particular program.