On February 16, 2024, a severe and unexpected storm swept through the New York region, causing widespread disruption and damages. For *David*, a resident of Cortlandt, New York, the storm did more than just knock out power. It triggered deeply buried memories and emotions linked to a traumatic event from his past.

The news of the storm immediately brought David back to a time when a similar weather event had wreaked havoc on his family, leading to his parents' struggles with substance abuse. Overwhelmed with anxiety and a sense of helplessness, David knew he needed to find a way to cope with these resurfacing emotions.

In his search for solutions, David stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program from Hofman & Hollis. Intrigued, he decided to dive into the program, hoping it could provide the clarity and tools to manage his present-day challenges. Following the program's guidelines, David slowly started to understand his emotions and built actionable steps to move forward positively.

'The past doesn't define you, it's your response to it that shapes your future,' David often reminded himself, a mantra he adopted from the program's teachings.

Experts were divided on the effectiveness of online programs for dealing with trauma and substance abuse. Dr. *Jane Thompson*, a psychologist, praised the accessibility and structure of such programs, stating they can be invaluable for those who lack access to in-person therapy. On the other hand, Dr. *Mark Reynolds* raised concerns about the lack of personalized interaction and potential for relapse without face-to-face support.

Despite the divided opinions, David found solace and tangible improvement in his life through the online program. 'It's a good idea to seek help, even when it's hard to find locally,' he thought, feeling grateful that a digital solution was available to guide him in these stormy times.

<*a href='https://hofmanhollis.com'>Stepping Into Action program