Clinical results

Trauma occurs on a broad spectrum of intensity.  Human response to trauma varies in a similar way.  Depression, various forms of anxiety, anger, relationship avoidance, addiction and many other symptoms may result.  We have seen symptom relief in clients that have experienced trauma at various levels of intensity and have exhibited very individualized responses. 

The following information is intended to provide a level of insight regarding the potential for this form of therapy.  These are actual case examples described in the words of the clients themselves.  Names have not been included and some details have been omitted in order to protect the confidentiality of the clients.



****************************************************************

Case One:

Abundant Living Counseling and Dr. Neil Schulenburg, offered me a process called EMDR.  ... I figured that I had nothing else to lose, so I started the process. Through the EMDR process and prayer my life started to change that very first day.  I felt different after the first session.   I felt even better after the next session, and the next.  Before long I was becoming a person that I never thought I would be. I was self‑confident, trusting, strong, assertive, collected, and unafraid.   I believed I was valuable and that none of the abuses that were perpetrated against me were my fault or deserved.  Even my faith in God was stronger and deeper. The EMDR process gave me control of my life for the first time ever. The shackles and chains of anger, fears and phobias were cut away and discarded forever.

Due to the abuses, terrors and tortures I went through as a child I had a deep imbedded phobia of water. I couldn't go out when it was pouring down rain, I couldn't go in a pool or splash water on my face or take a shower (I could only take a bath).  I had a deep imbedded phobia of confined spaces.  I couldn't use elevators, walk through thin hallways, be in a room without a window, or sleep unless I had a fan on or I would feel like I was smothering. I had a deep imbedded phobia of thunder and lightening. I use to jump and tremble and hide under a blanket during storms. With prayer and the EMDR process I can now swim and enjoy the water. Rainstorms are now soothing to me. For the first time in my life at the age of 33 1 took my first shower. Now I only take showers. I have no fear of water at all. I can now use elevators without a thought and small spaces of any kind do not bother me in the least. I no longer sleep with a fan either. Thunder and lightening no longer scare me. I find thunder and lightening to be wondrous and beautiful to watch.

I have lived for 33 years with these fears, anger and phobias. And in one session for each fear using the EMDR process and prayer, they are forever gone. I know how awesome and life altering the EMDR process is. I live it. Through Abundant Living Counseling therapy sessions with Dr. Neil Schulenburg, using the EMDR process and prayer; for the first time in my 33 years, I am not just simply existing. I AM LIVING!

When will we ever learn that there are no hopeless situations, only people who have grown hopeless about them? What appears as an unsolvable problem to us is actually a rather exhilarating challenge to God. People who inspire others are those who see invisible bridges at the end of dead‑end streets. Trust God to remember you. He won't forget your name. He won't forget your circumstances, He certainly wont forget your prayers .... Trust Him, He remembers you.

The EMDR process saved my life and gave me control. I know it can help you too.

********************************************************

Case 2:

Several months ago, my wife and I were facing a divorce.  We had gone to a few marriage counselors, and worked hard at reconciling our relationship.  What was once a loving, caring bond, had become an unbearable situation due to problems with trust, miscommunication, intimacy issues and outside pressures from family and careers. 

Fortunately, we decided to give couples therapy one more chance before going through with the divorce.  My wife spotted an ad for Dr. Neil P. Schulenburg and Abundant Living Counseling in the phone book.  After a few months of individual and couples counseling with Dr. Schulenburg, we made more progress as individuals and as a couple than we had ever hoped possible.

Through talk therapy we were able to understand how we had gotten to the difficult situation we were in.  Dr. Schulenburg also introduced us to the EMDR technique.  To be honest, we were both skeptical at first but decided to commit to the process.  We have been amazed at the positive impact EMDR has had on our lives.  It has allowed us to get passed traumatic memories from our past and face the obstacles in our lives in a more productive way.  We have been able to look at people and situations in our lives from a healthier perspective.  It has also allowed us to see each other clearly for who we are, as opposed to seeing each other through a cloud of emotional clutter and baggage.  We are excited about the future and look forward to a life together.

I am so thankful that Dr. Schulenburg has come into our lives.  With his help, my wife and I have effectively overcome problems in our relationship and our personal lives that once seemed overwhelming and impossible to face.  I am taking the time to write this letter because I sincerely hope others may benefit from Dr. Schulenburg’s services.  He is incredibly knowledgeable and insightful.  His caring and encouraging approach allows you to get to the heart of the issues you are struggling with, and then develop and implement a strategy to resolve those issues.

*******************************************************************

Case 3

When I first met Dr. Neil my life was a mess.  I was severely depressed and acted out through alcohol, extreme mood swings, risky behavior ... My risky behavior included drunk driving and being so intoxicated that I couldn't remember what happened the night before.  Also, I maxed out my charge cards and alienated my family.  But God had His own plans for me.  When I first started counseling I was very resistant to anything that Dr. Neil had to say to me, but there was a voice in me that kept saying that there is more to life than what I was living.  Dr. Neil introduced me to a process called EMDR.  At first I was very skeptical, but slowly (the approach) helped me process childhood hurts and abuses.  I had never realized how my childhood abuses affected me as an adult.  As I look back on the past year I am truly in awe of the change in me.  This  was the instrument that God used to bring me back to relationship with God and His family.  I look at the experience as an investment toward living my life fully just the way God planned it to be.

*******************************************************************************


For more information about this form of therapy go to the web site for the [EMDR Institute].


Home
Counseling Services


All contents Copyright © 1995 - 2004 Schulenburg & Associates, Inc.