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How Iyanla Knows This Rape Survivor Has Truly Found Healing

Season 4 Episode 414
Aired on 10/14/2017 | CC

After his powerful breakthrough from Part 1 of Iyanla's work with male survivors of childhood rape, 28-year-old Ricardo sits down with the life coach to ensure that he now has the tools he needs to continue his work upon returning home.

As the two reflect on Ricardo's experience, Iyanla asks a pointed question about the burdens that weighed Ricardo down for so many years: "What were you holding in?"

"I guess the shame, the pain of being raped," Ricardo says. "And then, the shame and the way I looked at myself for being a prostitute and being pimped out."

Iyanla is pleased to hear Ricardo speak his truth with such clarity. "See, if you hadn't been able to say it, then I would know that it wasn't healed, but you called it what it was and didn't lower your head. That's what I'm talking about!" Iyanla says, giving Ricardo a high-five. "Once you expose the vampire to the light, it can no longer suck your blood."

If you are struggling or need help, visit RAINN's National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center's website.

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