BUCYRUS — As a hairstylist in the Galena area, Cathy Studer has become close to many of her clients. A conversation with one of them inspired her first book, “Broken to Beautifully Whole: A Compelling Crusade to Break the Silence, Move Through the Trauma, and Heal the Pain.”

“My client had struggled with depression, alcoholism and PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome) for many years before she confided in me that it all stemmed from the sexual abuse she suffered as a child. I then opened up and told her my story,” said Studer, a 1984 graduate of Colonel Crawford High School.

Studer is also a survivor of child sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather.

“I did not suffer from some of the issues that others have, and I feel like it was because I somehow kept a positive outlook throughout it all,” Studer said. “While I did have low self-esteem and hard, depressed days, I did not self-medicate or struggle with some of the depression that others do. It made me want to learn why some people go through trauma then suffer more but others do not.”

Studer began reflecting on those years of abuse, from age six to 12, and the things she did to stay positive.

“I had positive attributes that I focused on, favorite quotes and scriptures that I gained strength from,” Studer said. “I also focused on excelling in school because it made me feel less broken.”

As she began to write her book, she also began speaking at area events such as a charity event to prevent human trafficking.

“I had to allow myself to become vulnerable while telling my story,” she said. “It exposes your entire soul.”

She is grateful that when her mother learned of the abuse, she immediately kicked the perpetrator out of their home and divorced him.

“It is so much harder for victims of abuse to heal when they are not believed and protected,” Studer said.

In her book, Studer shares the steps she followed as she moved through her own pain of carrying shame, low self-worth and humiliation after the years of childhood sexual abuse she endured.

“I want others to realize they can recover from the pain and brokenness of abuse and live a life with value, purpose and joy,” Studer said.

Her book was released July 30, in paperback and electronically.

“The hard cover and audio versions will be available soon,” she said.

She will host a book signing event from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, at her brother and sister-in-law’s business, Norman’s Niche, located at 219 S. Sandusky Ave., in Bucyrus.

For more information, visit her website at https://cathystuder.com.

The book can be purchased through her website or other book retailers such as Amazon. She will also have copies available on Saturday at Norman’s Niche.