RECENTLY DIVORCED, Erin Hearts admits she has a tendency to seek emotionally unavailable romantic partners. When the 39-year-old decided it was finally time to ask for help with breaking her unhealthy patterns, she called O life coach Martha Beck. In their first conversation, Hearts revealed a long-held secret: Between the ages of 5 and 13, she experienced sexual abuse from a girl her age. “She’d touch me or touch herself in front of me,” said Hearts, who confided that although she was ashamed at the time, she also enjoyed the attention because she felt ignored and lonely at home. Beck gently encouraged her client to have compassion for the vulnerable little girl she’d been and told her she deserves help from a therapist specializing in treating adults who were sexually abused as children. Relieved, Hearts said she was ready for that next step: “It just feels so good to be taken seriously.” To see how she’s doing, let’s listen in on their second session.
Martha Beck: Erin, how are you?
Erin Hearts: Lately I’ve been a little sick—I couldn’t even talk for a couple of days, but now I’m getting over it.
MB: I’m glad you’re feeling better. What’s happened since we last met?
EH: Well, I got a therapist.
MB: Good for you!
EH: And I’m reading the book you recommended, The Courage to Heal.
MB: That’s great. It’s an incredible resource for women who have survived childhood sexual abuse.
EH: I decided I want to be open with my parents about what happened. When I tell them, they’ll probably have a lot of questions, though, and I have to be ready for that. Telling the truth is scary.
This story is from the October 2019 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2019 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Perfect Gift Book for Everyone on Your List
Sumptuous reads that look as lovely on your coffee table as they do on your bedside table.
Long Live YOU!
A head-to-toe guide to staying strong, sharp, healthy, and happy well into your platinum years.
How to Manage Holiday Stress
Want to avoid family drama this year? Here are three ways to pregame.
How Makeup Artists Do the Holidays
Time to put your party face on! These glam pros are sharing a look they love—and modeling it themselves.
On Everyone's Lips
Carol Rasheed, the head makeup artist on The Color Purple, gives us a peek behind the scenes-and, thanks to her new lipstick collection, a memento.
THE MOTHER-IN-LAW Survival Guide
Ding-dong, she's here! But fear not-so are we, with advice on managing this singular relationship with grace, humor, and lots of heart.
The Enduring Power The Color Purple
It has captivated audiences as a novel, a movie, and a Broadway musical. On the eve of its latest incarnation, a sweeping musical feature film out on Christmas Day, we celebrate Alice Walker's universal saga of resilience and redemption with behind-the-scenes stories from the new book Purple Rising.
Who (or What) Do You Need to Thank?
Gratitude isn't just a topic for your annual turkey dinner. It's been scientifically shown to improve your health eating depression, boosting immunity, and lowering stress. These thank-you notes (plus an ode to a heartbreakingly loyal pup) will inspire you to make it a daily practice.
Beam Me Up
Bethany Heitman's self-esteem was tied to her clear skin, so dark spots sent her spiraling. Then she saw the light.
Turn Around, Bright Eyes
After years of despising the puffy bags under her eyes, Rae Ann Herman found a surgeon she trusted and woke up refreshed in every way.
