Behind the Smile

Healing from Abuse, Trauma, and Betrayal

By: John Sternfels LPC, Melissa Roberts

Narrated by: Jenifer Witcher

This is an inspiring, true story of how one woman overcame emotional and psychological damage from childhood abuse, trauma, and a sexual partner's betrayal. Melissa Roberts and John Sternfels's study on childhood abuse and its lifelong effects is a beacon of hope for those seeking to overcome trauma and to live a life with affirmation and purpose.

In today's world of "safe places" and mandated reporting, social workers, teachers, and others can report stories of child abuse protections being weaponized, misused, or misapplied. Many children have become so aware of their "special" status that they will tell a teacher they are abused simply because their parents didn't buy them a cell phone. Nonetheless, Melissa Roberts's harrowing account of childhood torture will remind listeners of how things used to be for abused and neglected children who suffered in darkness and why we must have stringent protections in place today.

Deprived of food, water, and proper medical care while enduring the emotional manipulation of a sadistic, alcoholic father and an enabling, dispassionate mother, Melissa struggles to understand what it means to love and be loved. A chance encounter with a young pastor changes the trajectory of her life and gives her the tools a young girl needs for surviving the worst cruelty and neglect.

Though she finds strength and inspiration in faith, she is unaware of the psychological damage sustained and the inevitability of its shadow looming over every critical life decision. Her dream of the perfect life is in no way her North Star as inner voices from the past remind her of her unworthiness. When her handsome prince of a husband reveals himself to be anything but, Melissa is overwhelmed with grief, humiliation, guilt, and hopelessness. It is only through seeking proper therapy while relying on her faith that she is able to climb out of the abyss of self-loathing.

©2024 John Sternfels LPC, Melissa Roberts (P)2025 John Sternfels LPC, Melissa Roberts