Testimonials:

The Shulman Center’s mission is to provide the most professional, confidential, progressive, comprehensive, and effective treatment for persons with theft and overspending disorders. Typically, 90% of our clients enroll in and successfully complete the basic program structure. Here are some Testimonials from just a few of the individuals we have helped:

Dear Mr. Shulman: I have been following your site for a few years now -- I am a recovering shoplifter for almost five years and I've been through hell and back in that time. Following a sexual assault, I became a compulsive shoplifter and was arrested and convicted twice for stealing from two grocery stores -- (2005 & 2006). I have been out of job for over two years and can't find anything remotely decent or anything that pays well because of the my history and the background checks employers perform. I am just at my wit's end, frustrated beyond belief yet hopeful that things will turn around at some point. I am in the process of trying to get my record expunged too but that takes a great deal of time but obviously, it is worth the wait. But until then, I just feel trapped and awfully sad because I can't utilize my talents.

Thanks for your website, your candor and offering hope for so many of us. I have also read your book "Something for Nothing." I believe shoplifting is a silent disease that few will discuss because it's embarrassing and for many of us who don't need the items we've stolen it seems like such a waste yet it filled a deep void for me many times. Through a lot of hard work in counseling and therapy for many years and being honest with myself, I changed for the better and became a stronger person. If there is anything I can do for your organization, please let me know -- gratis, of course! Keep up the great work! – A.H. , CT.

Terry,

It is impossible for words to express the gratitude I feel for all that you have done for me since we met 6 months ago. I was so fortunate to find you & to be able to work with you intensively for 3 days, and then again 3 months later. Your incredible ability to accept me for who I am, and to be totally understanding & nonjudgmental, has helped me to begin to accept & love myself. I have suffered from low self-esteem for many years, perhaps my whole life, & have seen many therapists. But it wasn't until I worked with you that I was able to move forward & truly start to heal. You made it possible for me to feel totally safe in telling my WHOLE story, which included years of shoplifting, & all the shame & guilt that entailed. You have helped me to realize that I am not alone, & that I am not a bad person, but rather one of many people in the world who is in pain & acting out in a way that is only causing more pain & isolation. 

Thank you for helping me to learn how to truly know & care for myself, which makes it possible for me to know & care for others. Thank you for sharing your strength & courage & wisdom. You inspire me to be a better person -- a person who strives to live honestly & with integrity, & who gives & serves others instead of takes. I am so grateful for knowing you & having the opportunity to work with you. Wishing you much joy & peace! -- S.E., North Carolina

To whom it may concern,

Please be advised that Terrence Shulman guest spoke in June of 2004 at the annual Professionals in Pretrial Services Conference (PIPS). He was one of the most informative and professional speakers we have had in the 13 years I have served on the board of directors. His resume speaks for itself. In January of this year (2010) we purchased and implemented his theft awareness program. The feedback we get is extremely positive and we look forward to running statistics and recidivism rates. I highly recommend his theft awareness program.

Sincerely
Dusty J. Guidry
Director of Pretrial Services
East Baton Rouge, Louisiana District Attorney's Office

Terry, 

I just wanted to say "Hi" and let you know how I am doing. I received counseling from you over a year ago. Anyway, I want to thank you for what you have devoted your life towards. You truly made a difference in my life and helped me get back on track (a place that I clearly hadn't been in a while). I have been clean since then (over a year) without temptations or even thoughts of returning back to that lifestyle even with the many changes that have occurred in my life during the last 6 months. 

I go to church weekly to thank God for my life and how fortunate I feel every day. I will never forget how you helped me. I am still very close friends with the girls that caught me and thank them for support as well. I am sure that your job isn't always easy........so, Thank you. 
-- Emily S., Arizona

Dear Terry,

Thanks to your guidance, our brief discussions and your book, "Something for Nothing," I have stopped shoplifting. I attribute all of my work and success, though brief, sobriety from shoplifting, to you, your book, and following a CASA type program. I was lost and horrified until I found the answer through your words of wisdom and knowledge of the subject matter. I've also enjoyed your newsletter each month and have watched and listened to all of your appearances in the media regarding shoplifting. Thank you, Mr. Shulman, for giving me a life of freedom, honesty, a life free from running scared and the fear of loosing my beautiful family. I remain eternally grateful to you Mr. Shulman. Peace! You are an amazing person to have done all of this selfless work to save other humans from deep depression and hell.

Very Sincerely Yours, -- Mary Z-D.

I found Terrence Shulman by chance, after finally coming to terms with the fact that I had a shopping addiction. I was searching the internet when I came upon his site and called him. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly he returned my call and I cannot help but wonder if I would have followed through if he had not called me back so quickly.

Thanks to Terrence and a little of my own resolve, today I am no longer in debt and living on my budget. Terrence was realistic, positive, supportive and nudged me into examining my past and the causes for my shopping addiction. Without his gentle prodding, I would never have connected the dots between my shopping and its root causes.

Terrence is the biggest factor in the honest and open life I am living today and in the improvement in my relationship with my husband. I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone who may be suffering from a shopping disorder. Thank you, Terry! -- SBV, NY

I was a shopaholic for 10 years. Once I finally decided to get help, there was no doubt that Terry Shulman was the BEST in this particular addiction. The day I finally called The Shulman Center, after waiting over a year to really get true help, Terry personally and immediately returned my call. He is not only genuine and makes you feel comfortable, he really understood my feelings and how much my addiction was damaging my life and relationships. After reading his amazing eyeopening book, attending a DA meeting, and completing Terry's 10 week program, I never would have imagined I could be "cured." I say "cured" in " ", because sometimes I experience my old feelings, but Terry has taught me how to best avoid them and deal with them as they come. My life has never been better and more importantly I am now the happiest I have ever been. I am forever grateful for Terry :) Thank you! -- Amy

I have abstained from shoplifting for months now from the day I started therapy with Terry. I was ready but needed an extra hand to stay motivated. Terry gave me insight and consistently reminded me of all the harm that could come to me and my loved ones were I to continue with my self-destructive behavior. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, he helped me to stop not only out of the fear of repercussion but also for the peace and confidence it would afford me and allow me to grow as a spiritual and ethical person.

Terry helped me to see that this addiction did not make me a "bad" person but that I would have to take responsibility for it in order to feel less like a victim of it and, therefore, less in control of it. These are also things I learned in his book but having him help me apply his knowledge and advice to my own personal situation was invaluable and essential in helping me become and remain abstinent. I hope the same for everyone who is reading this. Thanks Terry :) -- Sincerely, Wendy, NJ

Nearly one year ago, after my second arrest, I knew I needed help but I still didn’t seek it out. After my third arrest, a few months later, I still felt the same but I knew I had to do something this time. When I first heard about Mr. Shulman and his counseling program I didn’t take it seriously. If anything, I figured people probably just sought his help to get him to write letters on their behalf to help reduce their court sentences--who wouldn’t want this kind of assistance? How wrong I was.

It didn’t take me long after speaking to Mr. Shulman myself to know he really wanted to help me. Not only did he help me understand my shoplifting issue but helped me get a hold on my life. He was there anytime I needed him and was willing to discuss anything and everything. He helped me tie together lots of different aspects of my life to help me understand what I was really dealing with: the underlying issues.

The best thing I did to help myself get a handle on my addiction and my life was to contact Mr. Shulman and to utilize the CASA online support group which Mr. Shulman started and co-moderates. The support group has been an invaluable source of assistance and encouragement: it’s helped remind me I am not alone with my problems and now I have a place to share both my problems and successes and a means to help improve my life.

I hope someday to put shoplifting behind me and go on living without the worries I have now. Since completing Mr. Shulman’s program, I’m doing well and, if the need ever arises, at least I know I have the support of Terry and all my new friends at CASA. It’s a nice feeling knowing I have people out there who understand me and support me without prejudice and without reservations. We could all us friends like that. -- Don, PA

Hi Terry,

I happen to also be a hoarder in life and I'd just like to compliment you on how impressive you were in the interview that I saw from your local Detroit News segment. You should be so proud of yourself for how well you spoke about this awful addiction we all suffer from. I know you must hear this hundreds of times from different CASA members but you literally are saving our lives by having this on-line support group for us to heal in our recovery. I honestly would have gone to jail by now if I had not found you and your website. You truly are an inspiration for all of us!! I wish I could meet you in person some day just so I could give you a great big hug to show you my appreciation. What a gift you're giving all of us just by being your true self! Thanks for being YOU Terry! Your family and all of us CASA members are so lucky to have you in our lives!

I look forward to keeping in touch with you my dear friend! Take care and peace for now! --Jessica M., MN.

Dear Terry,

I hope this holiday season finds you well. I just saw you on the local news last night speaking about shoplifting. As usual, you are still helping people with this horrible secret addiction. I wanted to let you know that things are going very well for me in the last three years since I completed your counseling program. I’m pretty much free of evil thoughts. I speak openly with my husband and family about myself and I finally told my best friend about my “secret life” and now she knows why I don’t carry a purse into the stores! I miss you but continue to follow-up with a psychiatrist who is helping me, too.

I just want to say thank you. You saved my life during one of the darkest periods of my life. I would not have made it this far without you. You are amazing and you’ll never be forgotten by me or my family. Thank you for giving me my life back. -- Fondly, N.S., Michigan

Dear Terry, 

I hope that your new year is off to a good start. I can't thank you enough for your help. I have been 100% clean since March!!!! I feel absolutely liberated about that. Sure there have been temptations but I keep telling myself "It's not worth it, you are better/stronger than that". I am at the point where I hardly even think about it anymore. I feel liberated and at peace. I feel like myself again. Thank you again for your help in making me the person that I so wanted/needed to become. -- Emily, AZ

Terry,

I thought I had put a life behind me but nearly 7 yrs later I realized was still there. In reality, I wasn't being honest with myself. While I may not have been tempted to the level I was once, my life hadn't been 100% pure. There are no short cuts, nor easy paths. Getting in trouble when life went south is what brought me to a realization. Facing major life adversity triggered inside me what had been half-asleep. 

I found you online and the biggest thing you offered me was the fact that I am not alone. I was almost half way to 40 and I never had once heard of anyone stealing for the reasons I had. What that must feel like to all the others who haven't found the solitude that I have found in your program and it's many participants. 

In the years prior I had felt desolate, deserted, and detached. Finding myself in the shoes I didn't want to admit still fit was like trying to breathe with no air in your lungs. Finding The Shulman Center and CASA allowed me to start breathing. It's been a few days shy of 1 yr since I got caught for shoplifting and your guidance has allowed me the confidence to move forward with my life. 

My life isn't perfect, and I wish I could do a lot of things differently, but one thing is for certain: the choices I have made in the past are behind me and it's the ones that are left to make which will define me. I need to stay aware of who I am and my potential and goals. Being a member of CASA allows me the haven I need to regain my footing if I begin to slip for, like a family or a friend, we all need that support.  Thank you, Terry. God Bless, -- Anonymous in Maine

I am a 43 year old wife, mother and grandmother who lives in Canada and has been charged for the 2nd time for shoplifting. The first time was actually employee theft 20 years ago. I spent 90 days in jail and thought that I would never shoplift or steal again after that experience. And it worked for about 15 years but then I found myself shoplifting again and it became worse and worse.

Recently, I was charged for the 2nd time. The bottom fell out of my world again. I have lost my job, my self respect and the respect of others. When I was at my lowest point and feeling close to suicide, assuming that there was no hope for help and that no one would understand what I was going through, I found the Shulman Center website. I read the web site that night till about 2 in the morning. For once I was reading testimonials from people that DID understand and I finally felt that maybe there would be hope.

Two days later I was in contact with Terry who did a phone session with me. I scheduled a 3 day session with him in Michigan (I live in Ontario ) and have absolutely wonderful things to say about my experience. While there I was fortunate to actually attend one of the CASA support groups that Terry has started. What an amazing experience that was. My husband also attended the CASA group and part of my therapy with Terry. This was very valuable for both of us.

I have made it (so far) this Christmas season without shoplifting. I am very proud of myself and feel very liberated every time I walk out of a store. I have limited my shopping, do not go into a store with a purse or reusable bags and often leave my jacket in the car too. I feel stronger than I have in years, but am not naive enough to think that I have kicked the ass out of my addiction. I know now that I can never let my guard down again. I will continue to benefit from the support that comes from the kind and understanding people such as Terry and those in his support groups have. Thanks Terry. -- Cindy ( Ontario )

Dear Terry,

I want to tell you without your program I don't know if I would be able to deal with any of this. So thank you so so much.

Every minute of everyday I am sad and scared that I am going to be taken away from my children but your program, books and online support group have helped me so much. Thank you again. -- T.M., Oregon

Dear Terry,

Just wanted to let you know I saw the CBC production on shoplifting that featured you and your work. It looked very good and I hope it brings a new wave of clients to you to help as you have done so well with my son.  Actually, I wish there was no need for your service but life is what it is and you are making a very positive difference for people who have no where else to turn. I wish you the best.. -- D.M., Canada

I am 49 years old and was arrested for the 4th time for shoplifting. I had to face the fact that I was an addict and I was not going to stop by myself. I was desperate to figure out why I was doing this and how to stop.

I went online looking for any type of intensive program that specialized in shoplifting. The only program that seemed promising was Terry Shulman's three day intensive therapy. I talked to Terry by phone a few times and then went to his three day session.

Going in I felt shame, guilt and worthlessness. We delved into my past for clues and discovered rejection and abandonment I received as a child and young adult. I am also a very anxious person. I would get pent up with anger, guilt and anxiety and would shoplift. I had a relief or calm afterward but then the cycle would start again.

With Terry's help, I was able to work on my past and present issues and make a plan of how I would stay clean. We also worked through his book, “Something for Nothing”. I really needed the 3 day intense counseling to get me off to the right start on my life without shoplifting. Coming out of the 3 days I have a more positive attitude, less shame knowing I am not alone and confidence in my ability to not shoplift again. -- TL, Michigan

Dear Terry,

I found your website at one of my darkest moments. I was facing trial on my second shoplifting arrest and wanted desperately to change my life. I couldn't tolerate the person I had become anymore. After an initial discussion with you, I read your book, Something for Nothing, and then participated in your 10-session private phone counseling.

I had never talked with anyone about shoplifting, so I was very nervous. You made me comfortable and in 10 weeks, I can't believe the ground we covered. I learned so much about myself and my addiction. And you provided me with the tools I need to stop.

Today, I am leading a much happier life, I feel like a whole person again, and I have stepped from the shadows of addiction into the light of a life filled with hope, joy, and honesty. I am becoming the person I have always wanted to be!

Thank you, Terry! -- B.B, Florida

The first time I heard about Terry Shulman was through his website. After my arrest for shoplifting, I was on the Internet trying to find an attorney and trying to understand what I did. What amazed me was that here was a man who not only admitted in public what had happened to him but also that had built a stepping stone to help others. I bought his book immediately and was fascinated and relieved to find out that I was not alone. I hesitated to contact Terry but I am so glad that I did. Through counseling with him I was able to be more open, without the shame I felt talking to my therapist and attorney. It was very comforting to talk with someone who could really understand what I was going through.

Terry also helped me not only through our sessions but through letters he wrote to my attorney who in turn gave them to the judge and my probation officer which gave them insight into my problems. Terry also gave me hope that it all would end well and it did.
Thank you, Terry, for everything. I am glad that you have crossed my path. -- ER,Ohio

Dear Terry,

I read both of your books—first page to back page—three, four, maybe even five times. “Something for Nothing” is such an informative, beautiful, fabulous book. It’s just extraordinary. You cover so much and you’re so honest and there’s so much integrity to it.

You are such a hero to me and, I’m sure, millions of others. I just think you’re brilliant and compassionate and empathic. That you’re spending this time and sharing all this information about yourself and others and helping is such a wonderful way of healing. So, I wanted to acknowledge you and tell you “thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

There’s so many people and so many companies that could utilize you and have you do seminars for them. You’re just really doing a beautiful job and I thought that I was the only one out here experiencing this and feeling shame about it. I just don’t know how else to thank you and acknowledge you and give you commendation. I don’t know how else to say it except “thank you.” Feel free to use my words. Again, I’m speechless. --  T.S., California

It was February of 2009 when I hit an all time-rock bottom with my spending addiction. Through the pleading of my Husband and suggestion by my Psychiatrist, I sought help through anyone who might specialize in compulsive spending. How fortunate I was to have stumbled across Terry. As they say, it was meant to be.

We began the 10 session series of therapy almost immediately after meeting via email. I had already been seeing a psychiatrist for a host of other matters and the spending issue seemed to always find its way into the conversation. But even with countless sessions and taking medication, I was still in trouble. It wasn’t until I started talking with Terry that the true healing and understanding actually began.

The 10 hours I spent with him uncovered more than I had in years of other therapy. Here is a man in recovery himself, who walks the walk and shares his years of experience and wisdom with those who are suffering. The value of what he gives the addict is priceless and absolutely the best money you will ever invest in yourself!

Terry has given me a stable foundation on which to build a healthy, happy and rewarding life. For this I will be grateful always. --  T.R.

Thanks is not enough, for all you have done for me -

My journey to recovery began for me on Sept 19, 2008. I was facing three separate legal situations, I had recently lost my job (for stealing) and at the very moment I felt complete hopelessness..... the shame, the pride, the guilt, the embarrassment were so overpowering..... I honestly had NO idea how I was going to survive this problem/situation. I remember that evening as if it was just last night - it was the first time I had admitted to myself and family members of my shoplifting addiction - it truly was the first day I felt FREE - the burden lifted and I know longer had 'my secret' to hide. The days ahead were painful and challenging. I reached out to our family psychologist and started to get therapy in dealing with my 'mess'/addiction. It was clear I was dealing with a different kind of demon and I prayed, I prayed some more and more.....

God heard me! I was searching for additional support around my shoplifting/stealing behaviors - searching to understand WHY? Then I found Terry.... I entered into his 10 week program, read his books, joined the online support group and made a honest commitment to myself to overcome this addiction. I'm forever grateful for Terry and his work, his passion.... within a couple sessions, I felt his sincere, honest approach to helping others. At times, our sessions were challenging for me - I was required to begin to deal with some personal experiences which brought me 'pain'. This was the pain/anger I covered up through acting out my addiction (since childhood).... Terry helped me to work through these issues. I learned to forgive myself.... to forgive others too - Most importantly, I learned I was not alone.

When I came to Terry, I was broken (literally), I had no idea why/how but I knew I was going to change my life for the better and I did. The investment was worth every dollar - it saved me, my LIFE.

I encourage others who are struggling to take a step of 'faith'. Trust you are where God placed you to be - every experience has a life-lesson attached. Although, my journey created much hardship - It brought me much peace, joy, happiness and comfort. I was able to establish 'true'/'honest' meaningful relationships with my husband, children, parents. family and friends. Today. I'm a new person, cherishing life's simple joys, recovering from my addiction, one day at a time - I'm grateful for so many, Terry being one of them.

With God All Things are Possible"
--  enjoying one day at a time, FREE, in Denver, COLO

Dear Terry,

Thank you for your support, your insight, your book and, most of all, the hope that you nurtured in the counseling sessions I had with you. I had been in counseling and worked on recovery for over 15 years before I found your website, read your book and started counseling with you. I was arrested in October. Then, at my lowest breaking point, I was blessed by God by finding your website and started the healing process. I was able to learn so much about my relationship with money shopping and overspending which led to my shoplifting shame. You helped me stay focused, learn my triggers and how to cope with them, and lead me through further insight and healing.

My compulsive shopping and overspending which lead to shoplifting could have cost me not only my career but my marriage and the respect of my children. I can't believe how out of touch I was. I have worked very hard on my recovery but I have to say that reading your book, going through counseling with you, and being part of your online support group were the turning points in my recovery.

Thanks for all you do. I feel truly blessed to have found you and worked with you so each day, one day at a time, I commit to being the person I know I can be. I now have the love and faith in myself to avoid people places and things to help me enjoy each day and recommit myself to recovery. Just knowing you were there for me when I need encouragement or to share with you how well I am doing is such a wonderful thing. Respectfully yours,
--  C.M.T. in Pennsylvania

Thanks to Terry Shulman our lives and especially our financial picture has greatly improved. He helped both my husband and me to deal with my husband’s compulsive overshopping and overspending problem. 

We had tried other therapists in the past with limited success, but Terry’ s patience and insight were key in finally making a difference. It took a long time and a lot of phone calls, but we got there! I encourage others not to give up hope and to persist. The problems don’t develop overnight so they take time to work through, but it’s worth it in the long run. 
--  Mary, Florida

I am thrilled to write this letter of recommendation concerning the counseling I have been receiving from the capable guidance of Terrence Shulman. I am indeed a totally different person because of his encouragement, insight and knowledge. I have been an educator and have my Masters degree in counseling. However, I never really understood my need for help with my underlying shopping and spending issues. I am amazed at the extent to which he has been able to help me already in this short period of time. I never understood the underlying reasons for my overshopping and spending issues. I never even considered what an addictive personality it was. Because of his kind, non-judgemental relationship, but also his understanding of the depth of my problems, I feel I am on my way to a healthy recovery. 

It has been the most freeing, cleansing process and I never would believe how much better I feel as an individual. I now am more calm, able to deal with life as well as my overshopping and overspending and see what is truly important in my life-the love and closeness of my husband and family, and friends. I also see all that I was missing in life. I was afraid that perhaps at 65 it was too late, but I feel now 20 years younger with such "clutter" sorted out of my brain and my life. I feel as if I can truly see life in a new wonderful light and I can now enjoy life as it was meant to be lived. I have a new perspective and a second chance at life!
--  S., 65, Florida

My life has changed so much in the past few months since working with you, Mr. Shulman. I will be forever grateful to the Lord for placing you on my path. When I came to see you I had no idea how drastically you would change my life. It was the wisest investment I have ever made. I would not change a thing. It was the best money spent. You opened the door to my soul and showed me which corners I needed to work on. I had started a relationship with God but because of my shame I was unable to get close and build upon it. Soon I will be baptized in my church: the many of new beginnings. I believe I’ve suffered from a broken heart but my relationship with my significant other has greatly improved. I have stood my ground and been fearless. It has been tough but the work had to be done. We have a much better/different relationship now--based upon respect. I was in so much pain, so confused. You helped me so much by gently guiding me in the right direction. Thanks Terry! You really did save my life!
--  Benny--Texas

On October 28, 2007, my life came to a grinding halt - or so it felt in a cold jail cell after my second arrest for shoplifting.  I hit bottom that night.  It was clear to me that I reached the end of the road in my acting out behaviors - all of them.  I knew I had to change myself from the inside out and that no stone could remain unturned in my recovery.  In the days that followed my release, I started going to 12-Step meetings and got a sponsor, I recommitted to on-going therapy, I hired a lawyer and still I knew I needed to be doing more.  That is when I discovered Terry Shulman's website for shoplifting recovery.  This was the first time that I heard of recovery specifically for shoplifting.  I spoke to Mr. Shulman on the phone and ordered his books.  I read them from cover to cover the day I received them in the mail.  I realized that this man had dared to address the secretive and shaming behaviors that I had suffered from for over a decade.  That was the kind of courage I was looking for in my life.

After reading his books, I joined the on-line CASA support group where I could share with others recovering from this illness.  Within a matter of weeks, I was on a plane to Detroit, Michigan, to work with Mr. Shulman in a 3-day intensive.  I also joined a short-term phone group led by him.  All of this helped me enormously to break out of the isolation and shame cycle that gives birth to such an addiction and keeps it going over time.  I was able to integrate all my approaches to recovery work because I finally began to understand how shoplifting connected to childhood abuse and to other compulsive/obsessive patterns in my life. The power of sharing with others who've had experienced the same problem as I and who had found ways to heal cannot be underestimated.  Mr. Shulman and others in the CASA network have given me both the support and the encouragement to pursue a life free from addiction and self-destructive  behaviors. 

In addition, Mr. Shulman was willing to meet with my lawyer to discuss my case.  We then invited him to my court appearance to provide expert testimony.  As I waited for my name to be called that day in court, sitting between my husband and Mr. Shulman, I knew I could hold my head high because I had done everything I could by committing to a life in recovery.  The judge acknowledged this by granting me a with-hold of adjudication of guilt, thereby clearing my name of conviction on two felony charges.  There is such a thing as turning one's life around.  Working with those who believe that this is possible makes all the difference.  
--  Gratefully recovering in Gainesville, FL

I grew up in a family of obsessive-compulsive members and I compulsively needed to be loved, liked and accepted. When I lost the only baby I would ever be able to have I felt like the world had cheated me and I was owed something for my loss. I found the only socially acceptable pastime for a single woman – shopping. It was soothing and a form of self-medication. When it became too expensive for me I began to switch tags in order to be able to continue my "medication". I spent the next 20 years medicating myself through shoplifting until one day a young sale associate had to tell me "you’re not welcome to shop here anymore". I’ll never be able to thank him for answering what I now know was a cry for help.

My fear and cry for help led me to Terry Shulman. After a year of counseling I continue to grow and become the person I wanted to be all along. He helped me to understand I’m not a bad person, I just made bad decisions. He opened the doors so that I could begin to forgive myself and heal.
Suzie, Georgia

In December 2005 I was arrested and thought my world had come to a stop.... I was embarrassed... ashamed.... guilty.... and suicidal..... I hated myself. I was thinking "how could I have done this to my family?".... when the real question should have been..."how could I have done this to myself?"

Thanks to Terry I was able to get a handle on my life.... It was not easy... I had to revisit 50 years of my life... how-when-where-why??? The light finally came on.... I needed to like myself... take care of myself.... love myself.... I NOW DO!!!!

And everything has changed... I accept the action of other people "Don't sweat the small Stuff"... I do what I want... when I want.... how I want... Taking care of me first.... I used to take care of everyone else first.... I still share and care.... but I include myself now....

I learn from others successes and mistakes. When leaving a store now.... I can say.... I had a successful day and mean it...
S.K. Ontario, Canada

I would like you to know how extremely grateful I am to have had the opportunity to meet and counsel with you. My life has drastically changed for the better since I have read your book and engaged in the intense counseling sessions with you to work through and learn about why I’ve had this very destructive addictive behavior: shoplifting. As difficult as it was and has been at times to truly dive deep into my soul and my repressed emotions, it has been more than worth it.

You have helped me learn how to cope in healthy manners and have helped me learn so much more about myself—I never knew how much there was to discover. For years I imprisoned myself with my addiction and it is absolutely liberating to be an uplifted and free spirit and no longer imprisoned with the way I used to allow my mind to work. I often wonder and can’t believe how addicted I used to be to shoplifting and how it really controlled a lot of aspects of my life.

I’m so grateful and thankful that I don’t desire or feel addicted to stealing anymore. However, I don’t allow myself to think I’m cured. I know it’s going to be a life-long process of self-discovery and growth and continued work not to allow myself to get into any position where I could fall back into it.

I am still part of the CASA-online e-mail group and will always be. I’ve also been filling up my free time with good activities. Now, I enjoy spending time with my friends—both old and new. I also consistently read self-help books and am learning to take care of myself.

Terry, I will be in touch with you and if or when I need more counseling sessions with you, I will not hesitate to call. Thank you so much, Terry. I appreciate all that you’ve helped me with and that you’ve followed up with me. It means a lot to me that you care about my progress.
Emily, Oregon

I had embezzled a lot of money from my company and I was on my last rope. I was having nightmares and was sacred to death I would go to jail. I was found out and thought everything was over. But the company owner, his wife, and the CEO had read an article by Mr. Shulman about new ways to approach shoplifting and employee theft. The article cited research that 66% of people who have stolen will steal again whether or not they spend time in jail. The company decided to let me keep my job if I paid back the money I embezzled and completed Mr. Shulman's phone counseling program.

When I started my sessions with Terry, I was emotionless, scared and I had no idea why I stole. Through the sessions, I learned to slow down my thinking and to feel my feelings. I had been acting destructively in my career, my marriage and with everyone in my life. Being able to stay at work to actually see the looks on the faces of those I betrayed was the hardest thing I have had to go through; I don’t think I could have done it with out Terry. He listened to me, gave me encouragement, and pointed out things I hadn’t seen or felt before. I had a phone session with Terry and the company owner and and he was able to have both of us see and hear each other’s side.

I also had two phone sessions with Terry and my husband. My husband was able to get a lot off his chest and Terry constantly asked if I needed to say anything during those very tense moments.This has really helped my marriage: now, my husband is able to get his thoughts and mimic Terry by stopping to ask me if I have anything to say. I've been able to learn to listen and also to express what’s on my mind without fearing the world is going to fall apart around me. Terry's book and online support group also have helped me greatly.

I have learned I don’t have to steal when I feel out of control. I also have learned what my triggers are, what the signs are that could make be out of control, and the things that I need to do to stay safe. I continue to work through the shame and the remorse I feel for what I did. I now know that I crossed the line. I am very aware everyday that I need to draw that line in the sand and not cross it.
Karen from So. California

Mr. Shulman, I have been very happy with the therapy I had with you. I know it helped me and I am taking your advice and staying away from stores. I have no desire to go shopping. You have a lot of insight into people and what they need--especially for this problem. I am even in the process of starting my own group here in New Jersey. I also loved the book you wrote. I feel it has helped many people and will continue to do so. i look forward to working with you again and meeting you sometime in the future!
Bev, New Jersey

My counseling sessions with Mr. Shulman have been time well invested in my physical, emotional, and spiritual life. He helped me work through the destructive patterns in my life which resulted from giving away more of myself than I had to give – leaving me emotionally bankrupt – crying out for help through shoplifting.

My last arrest for shoplifting was the single most humiliating and terrifying experience of my life. I fell into a long bout of fatigue, depression, anger, and resentment. I found Mr. Shulman and he was there for me. His own experience in shoplifting comforted me. He balanced empathy with accountability and helped me recover my self-worth.

I had been simply “walking through the motions of life” with very little to hold onto. After counseling with Mr. Shulman, I look back from a much healthier place and I see that my life had been unraveling for some time. Through a series of 10-12 counseling sessions, I was able to finally understand how my stealing was an “acting out” of my anger and a desperate cry for help. Ultimately, I was the only one who could retrieve my soul and spirit but Mr. Shulman’s guidance and keen perceptions helped walk me back to a saner reality and a kinder, healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

Once again, I am renewed to look for the light and to walk toward it. There will always be challenging events and some stormy days that we do not control. What we can control is our choice of attitude and outlook in response. Mr. Shulman helped me to the high road--substituting gratitude and forgiveness for the anger and brokenness I was clinging so tightly to. The more I practiced this substitution (and it takes plenty of practice), the easier it became to feel release from my self-imposed prison of guilt and shame. Slowly but surely, I risked letting myself ‘feel life’ again, and trust that I could handle it all. Life feels so much lighter and better. Thank you, Terry!
D.J. - Illinois

"I was at the end, seriously thinking that suicide was the only way to end the vicious cycle that had been going on in my life for 45 years: my addiction to shoplifting. I had been arrested 9 times. Then I saw Mr Shulman on the Oprah show and ordered his book, "Something for Nothing" in October of 2004. I read it and for the 1st time in my life, I felt hope and realized I was not alone in this horrible addiction. I summoned up the courage and out of sheer desperation I called Mr. Shulman. Thank God he answered the telephone. I poured out my heart and told my secret. He was an answer to my frantic cries for help. He knew how I felt, because he had been just where I was himself and knew how I felt, he had walked in my shoes.What a comfort to know I was not alone. I decided to take his therapy over the telephone. I told myself I was worthy of it and my kids were worthy of it and I could not afford not to. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. I have not shoplifted since then. I know it is a daily choice, but for the first time I know I have the tools and the wisdom to overcome and go forward with victory. I will be forever thankful to Mr Shulman for his pioneering with this topic of shoplifting and his ongoing work to help others towards recovery."
Anne, 60, Omaha, Nebraska

"I had been a shoplifter for 35 years. It was my passion, my therapy, preoccupation and illness. In the Fall of 2004 I read an article in the "Oprah Magazine" entitled "Confessions of a Shoplifter" I could completely relate. I was stunned! I ordered and read Terry's book "Something For Nothing: Shoplifting Addiction and Recovery." I committed to 10 weeks of therapy with him. The journey of transformation was extraordinary! My own life changed profoundly through working with Terry. I will be eternally grateful to him for his professional expertise, understanding through personal experience , call for accountability , his compassion,. encouragement and dedication in this addiction field. I strongly recommend the therapy sessions - money well spent! I have been involved in therapy for many years however, my struggle continued. Nothing has been as rewarding and healing as his weekly sessions and recovery website. My recovery is a daily process and he helped me implement the tools needed for the journey."
Mollie in Washington State.

"My work with Terry has been very enlightening! He guided me on a path of self-discovery and growth and offered the support that can only come from a person who has been there himself. Through the 10 sessions, I learned many new skills for living with this addiction, had the chance to try them out and then got to share my experiences in my next session. I felt that together we built a solid base for my recovery and I highly recommend Mr. Shulman's counseling."
T.C., Chicago, Illinois

"I had a healing, cleansing experience by counseling with Mr. Shulman. He not only helped me understand why I had been stealing, but gave me the tools and the confidence to see the warning signs of future relapses." -Dave, Port Huron, Michigan

"Mr. Shulman, you helped me begin my recovery journey and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have a new relationship with money now--I've even become a generous tipper! But most of all, I feel good about who I am. I feel at peace." -D. W., Baton Rouge, Louisiana

"My willingness to change and Mr. Shulman's program have truly changed me. If I had known about this program earlier, I could have avoided so much pain, trouble and legal issues."
A. C., New Orleans, LA

"I had a serious problem I could not kick by myself. I had no idea there was any form of help for people who shoplifted or stole. Why was I doing this? Why was I throwing away my once clean and honest life and risking all? I entered Mr. Shulman's 10 session phone counseling program and read his book. Mr. Shulman helped me understand my past and why I started shoplifting. Now, four months into my recovery, I have the tools to help myself avoid shoplifting and I have a solid plan to walk safely through my life from this point on. I am very relieved to learn these things and now firmly believe I am not a criminal nor a bad person. I would highly recommend Mr. Shulman's book and counseling services. He provides a safe and supportive environment to begin the road to recovery."
Jim, Albuquerque, N.M.