On November 24, 2022, a breaking news story about a sudden rise in countryside alcohol-related incidents caught the attention of *Emma*, a quiet resident of Farmersville, Indiana. *Emma* had lived in Farmersville her entire life and found herself deeply affected by the news. The increase in incidents brought back vivid memories of her late father, who had struggled with alcohol abuse for most of his life before his untimely death.

These memories triggered something deep within *Emma*, awakening the long-buried distressing times of her teenage years spent trying to cope with her father’s addiction. It was an event she thought she had put behind her.

In an effort to confront her past and find some way to cope with the resurfaced emotions, *Emma* stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program at Hofman Hollis (hofmanhollis.com). The program promised tools and strategies to step forward from past traumas by taking actionable steps daily. Enrolling in the program, *Emma* found solace in structured guidance. Through the assignments and emotional check-ins, she slowly began to find peace and a way to deal with her past.

As she continued with the program, *Emma* shared: 'I realized that although my pain was deep-rooted, having a plan and guidance helped me pull through. It was like having a map made things clear and manageable.'

Expert opinions on such programs are quite divided. Supporters argue that creating a structured framework for people to follow can be incredibly beneficial, as it provides a sense of stability and purpose. Critics, however, argue that not all experiences can be structured and programs that fail to consider the nuances of each individual might end up doing more harm than good.

Despite the opposing opinions, for *Emma*, finding the program online was a godsend. 'Had this been a service only available in person, I don’t think I would have pursued it,' she confessed. The flexibility and anonymity of online resources why many like *Emma* can initiate their healing journeys from the comfort of their homes.

In a profound realization, *Emma* concluded: 'Seeking help turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. It wasn't easy, but the convenience and comfort of doing it online made all the difference. Sometimes, taking that step from home can be the safest way to start healing.'

*Emma* is a fictional name. The situation described is imaginary.

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