Whether it’s tarot cards, angel numbers, or polished influencers online, many people look outside themselves for clarity. These tools and teachings often promise empowerment, but for some, they lead to cycles of obsession, self-blame, and dependency.

The following composite case studies (details blended and changed for privacy) show how two clients became stuck in different — but equally draining — patterns, and how therapy helped them reclaim self-trust and clarity.

Layla’s Story: Waiting for Signs

Layla turned to tarot and angel numbers after a painful breakup. At first, pulling cards and noticing repeating numbers felt comforting — like the universe was guiding her.

But soon, her days revolved around them:

• Tarot pulls. She relied on cards to decide whether to reach out to her ex. A “positive” card meant waiting; a “negative” card meant spiraling with anxiety.
• Angel numbers. Every 11:11 or 333 screenshot felt like proof they were destined.
• Twin flame teachings. Online coaches convinced her that the pain of the relationship was “divinely meant.”

Instead of moving forward, Layla felt more anxious, isolated, and stuck in a cycle of waiting for signs that never brought peace.

Sophia’s Story: Following Influencers

Sophia was drawn to self-help influencers who promised transformation through concepts like “feminine vs. masculine energy” and “twin flame unions.”

She signed up for expensive programs and followed every rule, believing her relationship struggles were proof she needed to “soften” or “align” better.

But over time, she realized:

• She was constantly self-blaming. If her partner mistreated her, coaches told her it was because she wasn’t aligned enough.
• She was financially drained. Thousands went into coaching and courses with little to show for it.
• She was more confused than ever. Different influencers gave contradictory advice, leaving her anxious and overwhelmed.

Instead of empowerment, Sophia felt smaller, lonelier, and less sure of herself.

The Shared Pattern

Though Layla and Sophia’s paths looked different, both were caught in the same cycle:

• Outsourcing decisions to external sources (tarot, angel numbers, or influencers).
• Blaming themselves when things didn’t improve.
• Staying in toxic dynamics because the “signs” or “coaches” told them to.
• Investing time, money, and energy into systems that profited off pain.

Both found themselves stuck not because they were weak — but because the systems they trusted were designed to keep them dependent.

The Turning Point in Therapy

In therapy, the focus shifted from chasing external answers to building internal clarity. Together, they learned to:

• Recognize when tools had shifted from playful to compulsive.
• Name red flags in influencers and teachings that projected more pain than healing.
• Rebuild self-trust through evidence-based strategies like mindfulness, affirmations, and solution-focused exercises.
• Make decisions grounded in their own values, not in signs or someone else’s agenda.

The Outcome

With time, both Layla and Sophia:

• Stepped back from harmful cycles of magical thinking and influencer teachings.
• Learned to spot red flags (overpromises, blame-shifting, financial exploitation).
• Practiced healthier, green-flag practices like mindfulness, journaling, and grounded spirituality.
• Reclaimed their sense of agency and self-worth.

Instead of waiting for signs or paying for answers, they learned to trust themselves.

Closing Thought

Layla and Sophia’s stories show what I’ve seen often in clients: when we outsource healing to cards, numbers, or influencers, we end up more confused and stuck. Healing happens when we stop giving away our power — and start building self-trust, boundaries, and clarity within.

At Crescent Counseling & Coaching, I help clients untangle these cycles and step into growth that’s grounded, sustainable, and truly empowering.