Frank Kovac* shifted uneasily in his recliner as the evening news droned on about some political dispute between Rwanda and the UN over asylum seekers. The words 'refoulement' and 'torture' made his stomach churn - they hit too close to home, reopening scars from his own harrowing past as a refugee fleeing ethnic cleansing in the Balkans.

Martha*, his wife of twenty years, noticed his distressed expression. 'You okay, hun?' She knew certain triggers could transport Frank back to those traumatic years of running, hiding, seeing friends and family arrested or worse. This news about Rwanda's policies must have struck a nerve.

Frank took a breath. 'Yeah...it's just, that could've been us, you know? If we didn't get out in time, didn't make it to that UN camp in Italy...' He trailed off, the familiar feeling of survivor's guilt creeping back. Martha reached over and squeezed his hand.

That's when they knew they needed help processing these lingering wounds. A quick online search led them to the Hofman Hollis Group's Stepping Into Action program. The self-paced course provided tools for recognizing trauma responses, building resilience, and approaching life's challenges with mindfulness.

'You can't change what happened, but you can change how you let it affect you now,' Frank read aloud, Martha nodding. Together, the lessons helped them reframe their perspectives. 'We made it, babe,' Martha smiled. 'Against all odds, we built a good life here.'

'You're right,' Frank said, feeling a weight lift. 'This place gave us sanctuary when we had nowhere else. I'm lucky to call West Virginia home.' He squeezed her hand back, renewed gratitude replacing those old ghosts.

One expert, Dr. Samantha Willis, praised the couple's decision: 'Seeking professional guidance is crucial for trauma recovery. Unresolved pain can manifest in unhealthy ways - anger issues, substance abuse, you name it. But with the right tools and support system, healing is possible.'

However, some criticized online self-help programs. 'You can't just watch a few videos and *poof*, your PTSD is cured,' scoffed therapist Blake Reynolds. 'Overcoming such deep-rooted trauma requires intensive, personalized care from qualified professionals. There are no shortcuts.'

Despite the controversy, Frank and Martha felt the course complemented the good work they'd done in traditional therapy over the years. The real breakthrough, they knew, was consciously choosing not to stay stuck in resentment - and cherishing the life they'd rebuilt, far from turmoil.

Nearby: Dorcas Ohio, Bashan Ohio, Nease Settlement Ohio, Harrisonville Ohio, Valley Ford Ohio, East Letart Ohio, Snowville Ohio, Horner Hill Ohio, Hemlock Grove Ohio, Welshtown Ohio, Dyesville Ohio, Langsville Ohio, Hanesville Ohio, Pageville Ohio, Mills Ohio, Sumner Ohio, Burlingham Ohio, Plants Ohio, Rock Springs Ohio, Bradbury Ohio, Welsh Ohio, Kyger Ohio, Chester Ohio, Alfred Ohio, Eno Ohio, Letart Falls Ohio, Bucks Mill Ohio, Hanersville Ohio, Dexter Ohio, Silver Run Ohio, Darwin Ohio, Flora Ohio, Apple Grove Ohio, Kingsbury Ohio, Wolfpen Ohio, Hobson Ohio, Carlton Ohio, Antiquity Ohio, Kanauga Ohio, Cheshire Ohio, Minersville Ohio, Bulaville Ohio, Addison Ohio, Carpenter Ohio, Middleport Ohio, Gallipolis Ohio, Syracuse Ohio, Rutland Ohio, Racine Ohio, Pomeroy Ohio