The scene opens on Erin (Jay Taylor), a 25-year-old woman, as she sits on a couch immersed in herself. She’s dressed in loose loungewear, her body language nervous and uncomfortable, while her therapist, Daniella (Angela White), talks to her. But Erin isn’t listening. She’s more engrossed in her own thoughts, her foot tapping, her fingers scratching an itch on her arm. Daniella addresses her more clearly, ‘Erin?’ The woman snaps to attention, but still remains closed off. The therapist continues, ‘I really need you to pay attention and work with me today. If I’m being honest, I’m running out of ideas on how to continue. Now, did you do the homework I assigned last session?’ Erin frowns.
CUT to a flashback. Erin stands in front of a mirror and slowly undresses. Her naked body elicits no response from her. While she dutifully starts to run her hands over herself, she looks away as though trying to pretend something else more interesting is happening on the wall. She clumsily squeezes her own breasts, but when she tries to explore between her legs she recoils as if disgusted.
CUT back to the therapist’s office. Erin slowly responds to the question, ‘Um… I went as far as I could.’ Daniella is almost at a loss, and though her words are measured, she is frustrated, ‘Okay … What is it about your own body that repulses you?’ Erin stiffens, she doesn’t want to answer this question again. ‘It’s not MY body. It’s anyone’s body! They’re so messy, so bestial. The way they look, feel, smell, sound…’ Daniella interrupts her almost absent-mindedly, ‘And the taste? Erin, this is becoming almost beyond what I can help you with in my practice. I have one more technique we could try, but it is going to be more intensive than our other methods so far. So, I would need you to commit wholeheartedly.’ Daniella’s offer intrigues Erin. She sits up, focused. ‘I don’t want to go to anyone else. I’m willing to do whatever you think we need to do.’ Daniella smiles, ‘Excellent. I’ll prepare the consent forms.
