Luca* Marinis hadn't been the same since his football career ended prematurely due to injury. The former high school quarterback in Talahi Island, Georgia had dreamed of playing in the NFL one day. When he saw the news about Trevor Lawrence's record-breaking $275M contract extension with the Jaguars, it stirred up feelings of regret and resentment.

The news triggered Luca because it reminded him of how close he had been to achieving his dreams before a knee injury derailed everything. He had been bitter for years, turning to alcohol to cope with his disappointment and depression.

However, Luca's wife Maria* persuaded him to try the Stepping Into Action program to get his life back on track. Through the program's mindfulness exercises and counseling sessions, Luca began to find peace with his past. "I can't change what happened, but I can control how I respond to it," he said, adopting a more positive mindset.

"The program helped me see that my self-worth isn't defined by football or any accomplishments. I'm enough just as I am," Luca shared in a group session, his eyes filling with tears of realization.

While some experts praised the effectiveness of online programs like Stepping Into Action, others expressed concerns about the lack of in-person support and accountability. "Virtual therapy can be a great supplemental resource, but it shouldn't replace face-to-face counseling for complex issues," cautioned Dr. Samantha Lewis, a licensed therapist.

Despite the differing opinions, Luca felt the online program was a lifeline for him when he had limited local options for affordable, high-quality mental health support. As he continued on his journey of healing, he realized how fortunate he was to have found a way to work through his pain and move forward with purpose.

It was a challenging path, but Luca knew that seeking help was the best decision he had ever made – even if it meant embracing unconventional methods to find the inner peace he had been lacking for so long.

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