Scientific Evaluation
The following critical evaluation is provided by John E. Martin, Ph.D. - Professor of Psychology and Director, Behavioral Medicine Clinic at San Diego State University; and Scott T. Walters, Ph.D. - University of Texas, School of Public Health, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas."We find the SHW Programs (Living Free™, Living Lean™ and Living Smart™) to be safe and scientifically sound, based on the highest standards in the field of behavior change and Internet-based lifestyle management interventions. The SHW approach to dependent behavior is consistent with well-established theories of cognitive-behavioral psychology, such as bibliotherapy, behavioral self-control training, behavioral-economic theory and acceptance and commitment theory. Most importantly, two especially unique and positive features employed across the three lifestyle management intervention sites is SHW’s unique employment of methods designed to empower personal choice as well as urge- approach conditioning/desensitization.
Some might consider this to be counter-intuitive as it is a non-traditional approach in addressing and eliminating the urge to smoke, eat, or drink compulsively. However, it is a scientifically sensible employment of method (the encouragement of choice behavior and urge approach), rather than attempting to run from powerful urges through ways of avoidance. We believe that using the urge to smoke, drink, or eat as an advocate facilitates the normal desensitization process and disables the power of these urges to cause emotional crisis and compulsive/addictive behavior and relapse. Clients are taught in creative and effective ways to "dance" rather than the more standard and less effective urge-avoidance/escape techniques which are to “wrestle” or fight with the urge – the latter which often leads to failure to withstand an urge and giving in to its pull.
Further, the staff at SHW was found to be highly motivated, very competent and self-directed, and clearly committed to the future success of the company and their clients."