Celebrating World Water Day: Recognizing Sawyer’s Global Impact on Clean Water Access

Women's Journal Staff on March 20, 2025

By: Publicity For Good

90% of Sawyer’s Profits Fund Clean Water Initiatives, Reaching Over 28 Million People Worldwide

Safety Harbor, FL., (March 2025) — In recognition of World Water Day on March 22, Sawyer is reinforcing its mission to provide clean, safe drinking water to communities worldwide. With 2.2 billion people still lacking access to safe water, the global water crisis remains one of the urgent humanitarian challenges. Through cutting-edge water filtration systems and strategic partnerships with over 140 charities, Sawyer has already made a life-changing impact on over 28 million people — and continues to drive sustainable progress by directing 90% of its profits toward clean water initiatives.

Sawyer’s approach goes beyond product innovation. The company’s high-performance water filters are designed to provide long-term solutions, ensuring communities can access clean water without relying on bottled water. By combining technology with philanthropy, Sawyer is delivering both immediate relief and long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved areas and disaster zones.

“We believe that clean water is a basic human right,” said Kurt Avery, founder of the Sawyer Foundation. “Our goal is to eliminate waterborne diseases and empower communities with sustainable access to safe water. Our filtration systems are not only effective — they reduce plastic waste and create lasting change.”

Sustainable Solutions for Disaster Relief

Sawyer’s filtration systems are widely used in disaster relief, offering a scalable, sustainable alternative to bottled water. Compared to bottled water, sixty Sawyer filters weigh the same as a single case of bottled water but have the potential to provide clean water for thousands of people — reducing both cost and plastic waste.

On Christmas Island, two fishing villages installed Sawyer’s $20 tap filters, which contributed to replacing 36,000 plastic bottles annually and saving the community an estimated $36,000 per year. The filters also played a role in reducing illnesses and helped reclaim 156 lost workdays due to waterborne diseases.

Sawyer’s lightweight, easy-to-use filtration systems are designed to work in challenging conditions — making them a practical option for both emergency response and long-term use in remote or underserved communities.

Driving Lasting Change Through Global Partnerships

Sawyer’s impact has been recognized well beyond disaster zones. The company’s long-standing partnerships with global charities have contributed to bringing consistent access to clean water to some of the world’s vulnerable communities. From rural villages to urban slums, Sawyer’s affordable and effective filters aim to help address water scarcity and contamination issues.

By reinvesting a significant portion of its profits into clean water projects, Sawyer supports initiatives that help communities develop sustainable water infrastructure, improve health outcomes, and reduce reliance on costly bottled water. These efforts include not only providing filtration systems but also supporting health education, maintenance, and long-term infrastructure improvements.

Reducing Plastic Waste and Protecting the Planet

Sawyer’s filtration systems are playing a role in addressing the growing plastic waste crisis. Single-use plastic water bottles contribute significantly to environmental concerns, with over 60 million bottles discarded daily in the U.S. alone. Sawyer’s reusable filters offer a more sustainable alternative by helping communities use local water sources rather than relying on imported bottled water.

“Our products are designed to save lives and protect the planet,” Avery said. “By reducing plastic waste and offering communities a reliable, long-term solution, we’re helping create a healthier future for both people and the environment.”

About Sawyer Products

Photo Courtesy: Sawyer

Since 1984, Sawyer has been recognized for its contributions to water filtration, insect repellent, sunscreen, and first aid solutions. Sawyer’s water filters are widely used by outdoor enthusiasts and have been referenced by various global health organizations, including the EPA, WHO, and UNICEF. Known for their effective bacteria removal and durable design, Sawyer filters can have a lifespan of over 15 years—making them a reliable choice for both personal use and large-scale humanitarian efforts. With a significant portion of its profits supporting clean water initiatives, Sawyer has helped improve access to clean water for over 28 million people worldwide. Most Sawyer products are proudly made in Safety Harbor, Florida.

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Heather Holmes

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+1 (828) 332-5307

publicityforgood.com

Published by Drake M.

In Conversation with Rachael Davies: Exploring Hypnotherapy for Trauma Healing and Building a Successful Practice

Women's Journal Staff on March 20, 2025

By: Zach Miller

Rachael Davies is a dedicated hypnotherapist and coach who transitioned from the corporate world to help others recover from trauma and loss. As the co-founder of InsideOut Wellness Academy, she combines her expertise with a passion for personal transformation, creating a supportive environment for healing and growth. Through a thoughtful and dynamic process, Rachael supports clients and students alike, guiding them toward greater well-being and self-awareness. In this interview, Rachael shares how she, along with her partner Michelle Staniland, assists individuals through trauma hypnotherapy and fosters a growth mindset in private clinic owners.

Rachael, can you share your personal journey into the field of hypnotherapy? What initially drew you to this practice, and how has your experience shaped the way you approach trauma healing today?

My journey into hypnotherapy was driven by both curiosity and a desire to help people create meaningful change. I initially trained in other therapeutic modalities, but I noticed that while traditional talking therapies were often effective, some clients struggled to fully process their trauma just by talking about it. It could also take a long time—anywhere from months to years—for clients to process their trauma. When I discovered hypnotherapy, it felt like a significant breakthrough.

Hypnotherapy offers a content-free way to work with trauma, meaning clients don’t have to relive or retell painful memories to heal. Instead, we work with the unconscious mind, where deep-rooted memories, emotions, and patterns are stored, to gently reprocess experiences and create new, healthier responses. Over the years, I’ve seen many transformations—people who have lived with fear and low self-esteem for decades often find relief from their symptoms and develop greater self-confidence. That’s what fuels my passion for this work.

Many people are unfamiliar with the potential impact hypnotherapy can have on trauma recovery. Can you explain how hypnotherapy works on a neurological and psychological level to help individuals process and heal from trauma?

When someone experiences trauma, their brain processes and stores that experience differently compared to ordinary, day-to-day memories. Instead of being filed away as something that happened in the past, traumatic memories can remain ‘live’ within the mind and body.

As Bessel van der Kolk notes in The Body Keeps the Score: “Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort.”

This is because trauma can bypass the brain’s normal memory processing system and may get stuck in the fight-flight-freeze response of the unconscious mind. As a result, the body and nervous system can continue to react as if the trauma is still happening, even years later. This can result in symptoms such as flashbacks and a heightened startle response.

Hypnotherapy helps by calming the nervous system and allowing the brain to reprocess the traumatic experience safely without re-traumatization. Through guided hypnosis and focused attention, we can help the unconscious mind detach emotional distress from the memory so it no longer triggers the survival response. This isn’t about erasing memories—we can’t change what happened to someone—it’s about helping the brain recode the trauma and update its response so that past trauma may no longer hold as much power over the survivor.

One of the most notable aspects of hypnotherapy is that it allows healing without the need for a client to verbally relive their trauma. Many clients find this particularly empowering because they don’t have to explain or go into painful details—they can often enjoy the results of their hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy is sometimes met with skepticism, particularly regarding its effectiveness in treating trauma. What are some of the biggest misconceptions you’ve encountered, and how do you address concerns from clients or professionals who may be hesitant to explore it?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that hypnotherapy is mind control, largely due to what people have seen on television or in stage hypnosis. In reality, hypnosis is simply a state of focused awareness, much like being absorbed in a book or a film. Clients are always in control and aware of their surroundings.

Another myth is that hypnotherapy is just deep relaxation. While relaxation is sometimes part of the process, many people who live with trauma are unable to relax. Hypnotherapy can work by rewiring neural pathways, helping the brain release unhelpful patterns and form new, healthier responses. It’s increasingly backed by neuroscience and is used in medical and psychological fields worldwide.

Some therapists might question whether hypnotherapy has enough scientific evidence to support its effectiveness compared to CBT and EMDR. While CBT and EMDR are widely recognized, research into hypnotherapy and trauma is growing, and several studies show that hypnosis can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and emotional distress. The British Psychological Society and American Psychological Association both acknowledge hypnosis as a valid therapeutic approach.

Another question people ask is how hypnotherapy can work so quickly on something as complex as trauma. Hypnotherapy can create rapid change because it works directly with the unconscious mind, where trauma responses are stored. While some clients may need multiple sessions, many feel noticeable relief much faster than with traditional talking therapies.

For those hesitant to try it, I always encourage an open mind. Many clients who have “tried everything” come to hypnotherapy as a last resort, only to discover it was the key they needed. The best way to understand its potential is to experience it.

Beyond being a skilled hypnotherapist, many practitioners struggle with building a sustainable business. What are the key principles you teach at InsideOut Wellness Academy to help hypnotherapists market their services, attract clients, and grow a thriving practice?

This is such an important topic because being a great hypnotherapist doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have a full practice. At InsideOut Wellness Academy, we teach our students that success is about impact and visibility—if people don’t know about your work, they can’t benefit from it.

Some key principles we focus on include:

Niche and messaging – Clients need to know exactly how you can help them. Instead of saying, “I’m a hypnotherapist,” it’s more powerful to say, “I help people overcome anxiety without years of talking therapy.”
Authentic marketing – This means no pushy sales tactics! We encourage ethical marketing that focuses on education, storytelling, and building trust. As Rick Levine notes, “Authenticity, honesty, and personal voice underlie much of what’s successful.”
Client experience – Happy clients bring referrals. A great experience, clear communication, and follow-up support go a long way.
Business mindset – Many therapists have no business experience, and we show them how to go from being employees to successful business owners. Showing up as the CEO of your practice and not treating it like a 9-5 job can make all the difference.
Money mindset – Most therapists struggle with pricing. We teach people how to heal their money wounds and rewrite their money stories so they can confidently value their services based on the transformation they offer.

Our Private Practice Essentials course is built on these principles, and our Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy includes a business module and business mentoring to support hypnotherapists in their practice.

With growing awareness of alternative healing methods, where do you see the future of hypnotherapy in the mental wellness industry? Are there any upcoming trends, research, or innovations that excite you about the field?

The future of hypnotherapy is promising. We’re seeing more integration with mainstream healthcare as research continues to explore the efficacy of this modality. More people are recognising that mental health support doesn’t have to involve years of therapy and that hypnotherapy can offer meaningful change.

Some exciting trends include:

Neuroscience-backed approaches – More research is validating how hypnotherapy can change brain patterns, making it a respected tool in psychology and medicine.
Digital hypnotherapy – Apps and online sessions are making hypnotherapy more accessible to people. Location is no longer the most important factor in choosing a hypnotherapist—instead, you can find an expert to assist with your issue.
Trauma-informed hypnotherapy – A growing recognition that hypnotherapy provides a content-free way to help people process trauma without reliving it.
Corporate and workplace wellbeing – Businesses are increasingly investing in hypnotherapy for stress management and performance enhancement, further enhancing the reputation of hypnosis as an effective and adaptable tool.

I believe that in the next decade, hypnotherapy will become more mainstream, much like mindfulness or yoga, because it can be effective, accessible, and taught to clients, meaning they can use self-hypnosis to maintain their wellbeing. People are seeking holistic solutions, and hypnotherapy is one of the most versatile tools available—one that has been used for thousands of years, with scientific research beginning to catch up.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hypnotherapy results may vary from individual to individual. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new therapeutic treatment.

Published by Joseph T.

Dominika Laureto’s Client-First Philosophy in Modern Wellness

Women's Journal Staff on March 20, 2025

By: Mary Lou Sanchez

Dominika Laureto’s journey into modern wellness is far from typical. Born and raised in Poland, she arrived in the United States with just five hundred dollars in her pocket and limited English skills. Her initial experiences—working at a cleaning service and then as a nursing assistant in a busy Chicago hospital—taught her early on that genuine care sometimes gets lost in hectic systems. These trials sparked a vision: to create a client-first environment where authentic listening, personalized treatments, and a holistic approach take center stage.

At the core of Laureto’s philosophy is a belief that every individual’s story matters. After seeing how large hospitals often rush from one patient to the next, Laureto became determined to provide a more intentional and empathetic experience. She immersed herself in the aesthetic field and wellness-based care, eventually transitioning from her emergency room role. In 2020, she teamed up with a medical doctor to form Supreme Wellness, a practice that fuses functional aesthetics, regenerative therapies, and preventive strategies under one roof.

A Holistic Vision

When Supreme Wellness began, it operated like a traditional med spa—offering treatments like Botox, fillers, and laser services. However, Laureto noticed a significant gap in the industry’s approach: many providers quickly addressed surface-level symptoms without diving deeper into underlying causes. For example, a client might come in with stubborn acne and only be offered a laser treatment. “That’s just a band-aid,” Laureto says. “Without examining factors like hormone balance, gut health, and stress levels, the results won’t last.”

Over time, Laureto shaped Supreme Wellness into a holistic clinic that looks beyond quick fixes. Alongside trusted medical professionals, she developed a model that integrates science-backed therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen sessions and vitamin IV infusions with aesthetic services like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments and red-light therapy. These combinations are designed to support the body’s natural capacity for recovery and rejuvenation—without making promises of miracle cures.

Data-Driven and Personalized

What sets Laureto’s approach apart is the emphasis on data, feedback, and collaboration. Clients often track their sleep, recovery, and overall wellbeing using wearable devices, blood tests, or daily logs. This evidence-based approach helps Laureto and her team determine which therapies are making an impact. Equally important is the subjective piece: if a person isn’t feeling better or noticing positive changes, Supreme Wellness will pivot to another modality or recommend adding complementary treatments.

“You can’t just guess,” Laureto remarks. “The human body is incredibly complex. We ask clients questions about lifestyle, stress levels, and sleep but rely on test results and their feedback. It’s a constant process of learning and adapting.”

Client-Centered Care in Action

Anyone walking into Supreme Wellness will likely notice the slow pace—an intentional move to encourage in-depth conversations. Appointments are spaced so clients can relax, ask questions, and share concerns. “It’s not about up-selling services,” Laureto insists. “If something doesn’t fit a client’s goals or medical background, we don’t push it.”

Laureto’s husband, Steve, contributes to the clinic’s client-focused approach. With his expertise in corrective training and functional exercise, he provides clients additional support in their recovery journey. Whether assisting an athlete with chronic pain or helping someone improve mobility, the team fosters a supportive and encouraging environment, prioritizing long-term progress over quick fixes.

Evolving with Regenerative Medicine

In keeping with Laureto’s mission to provide well-rounded care, Supreme Wellness has steadily expanded its focus on regenerative medicine. Under the leadership of its current medical director, it explores non-opioid approaches to pain management, offers therapies like platelet-rich plasma injections, and emphasizes alternatives that aim to support the body’s innate healing processes.

Though Laureto is passionate about innovative techniques, she carefully navigates the regulatory landscape—especially regarding new treatments. She believes in transparency about what is known, what remains experimental, and what clients can realistically expect. “If there’s a therapy that might help people feel or function better, we love to explore it,” she says. “But we’ll always be honest about what’s backed by research and what still needs further study.”

What’s Next

Years after that bus ride from New York to Chicago, Laureto now stands at the helm of a thriving wellness enterprise. With Supreme Wellness, Aesthetics & Recovery continuing to grow, she stays true to the values that got her this far—genuine respect for each client’s journey, dedication to careful research, and an unwavering commitment to doing right by the people who walk through the door.

Her client-first philosophy is as much a product of her personal story as it reflects the future she envisions. As preventative care and holistic approaches become increasingly central to modern health, Laureto’s belief in tailored, data-driven support will likely remain at the forefront. Suppose her journey is any indication that success in wellness isn’t just about offering treatments. In that case, it’s about genuinely listening, innovating responsibly, and meeting clients where they are—one conversation at a time.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by Dominika Laureto and Supreme Wellness reflect their personal experiences and professional philosophy. Individual results from wellness treatments may vary, and it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions related to medical treatments or therapies. The practices and approaches discussed may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes are not guaranteed.

Published by Joseph T.