On October 08, 2023, a news article reported on the impact of Hurricane Otis hitting the Gulf Coast, causing widespread devastation. While the world was gripped by the unfolding natural disaster, a resident of Great Neck Gardens, *Margaret*, found herself unexpectedly affected by the news. *Margaret*, a 52-year-old community librarian, had never lived through a natural disaster herself, but the story stirred emotions rooted in a traumatic event from her past. Many years ago, she had lost her younger brother in an overseas conflict, and the scenes of destruction and chaos in the news triggered haunting memories of her loss.

Desperate to find some way to cope, *Margaret* stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on the Hofman Hollis website. The structured approach of the program provided her with tools to manage her emotional distress. *Margaret* started diligently following the program, which helped her address the underlying trauma that had surfaced. One particular exercise prompted her to reflect on her past and acknowledge her pain openly.

'Taking the first step is always the hardest, but I knew I had to face my fears' said *Margaret* with determination.

Experts from the field have varied opinions about the effectiveness of online programs in dealing with past trauma. Dr. *Anna Fernandez*, a renowned psychologist, believes that such programs offer an accessible way for individuals to seek help when traditional therapy is not available. On the other hand, Dr. *James Parker* argues that while online programs can be beneficial, they may lack the personalized touch that face-to-face therapy provides, potentially limiting their effectiveness.

Despite the controversy, *Margaret* found profound value in the program. She realized that seeking help, even through unconventional means, was a good idea. In the small community of Great Neck Gardens, options for such tailored assistance were limited, making the availability of online resources invaluable. With each step she took, *Margaret* found herself slowly reclaiming a sense of peace and strength she had long thought lost. She concluded that sometimes, the most important journey is the one we take to heal our own hearts.

Nearby: Alpine New Jersey, Twombly Landing New Jersey