Joanne Mulholland, who bravely waived her right to anonymity to talk of her sexual abuse by ‘spiritual healer’ Michael Ireland, gives an in-depth interview to the DAILY MAIL …
Joanne Mulholland’s story should be read by everyone – because it shows how any of us can be duped by someone.
Joanne had suffered severe scoliosis – curvature of the spine – for years and undergone two unsuccessful operations when a friend suggested she try some alternative therapy.
Michael Ireland, a self professed ‘spiritual healer’ and ‘psychic surgeon’ appeared to be a well respected practitioner.
But in fact he betrayed the trust and confidence of not only Joanne – but seven other women – and was recently jailed for 16 years after pleading to a series of sexual assaults.
Mum of three Joanne went for treatment for her back – and Ireland convinced her that in order to unblock energy points he needed to touch her breasts and also touch her between her legs.
In fact he was spinning the same line to other women. Sentencing Ireland, Judge Mushtaq Knokhar said one issue was that the victims trusted Ireland. He said: ‘They could not bring themselves to believe that it was abuse. The relationship … was very much akin to that of a relationship between a doctor and a patient, which entails an enormous amount of trust.’
The case has taken two harrowing years to get to court but Joanne has refused to let it get her down. Instead, she is using the experience to write a book.
She also hopes talking about what happened to her so honestly and openly will help other victims of sexual abuse. Despite what’s happened, Joanne, a mum of three, has refused to become bitter and has instead remained incredibly bubbly and upbeat. So it’s no surprise she has already had much support from well-wishers, especially on Facebook.
Now, a qualified holistic therapist, she believes the nightmare has made her stronger and makes her particularly sensitive when dealing with others as a life coach.
She said: ‘Thanks again for everything you have done for me and the fab story, I love it You are so kind and I am so glad I found you… you are like my friend, not my agent.’
Joanne appeared in a news story in the Daily Mail when Ireland was jailed. She is now set to appear in a top weekly women’s magazine and also on TV.
To find out more about Joanne go to her website: www.jojoinspirationallifecoach.com
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