*John Smith* sat in his dimly lit living room in Wiota, Wisconsin, staring at the news article on his laptop screen. The story of a Minnesota man who joined the Islamic State group struck a chord deep within him, triggering memories he had long tried to forget.

Years ago, *John* had been stationed in Iraq during his military service. He witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed by extremist groups, leaving him with haunting memories and unresolved trauma. The news of the Minnesota man's involvement with the Islamic State group reopened those old wounds, causing *John* to spiral into a dark place.

It was then that *John* stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program on the Hofman Hollis website. The program promised to help individuals overcome past traumas and find healing through a structured approach. Desperate for relief, *John* decided to give it a try.

Over the course of several weeks, *John* diligently followed the program's guidelines, engaging in self-reflection exercises and implementing coping strategies. As he delved deeper into the process, he began to unravel the layers of guilt, anger, and fear that had plagued him for so long. One particular quote from the program resonated with him: 'The path to healing is not a straight line, but a winding journey filled with both setbacks and triumphs.' These words gave him the strength to persist, even on his darkest days.

As *John* progressed through the program, he sought guidance from mental health experts. Some professionals praised the online approach, citing its accessibility and potential for self-empowerment. However, others expressed concerns about the lack of personalized care and the potential for misinterpretation without proper guidance.

Despite the conflicting opinions, *John* found solace in the Stepping Into Action program. It provided him with the tools he needed to confront his past trauma and embrace a more positive outlook on life. As he neared the end of the program, *John* felt a renewed sense of hope and purpose, realizing that seeking help, even online, was a courageous step towards healing.

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