Sara Bickerstaff
Therapist and EMDR Specialist
16+ years walking alongside women, men, teens & families across Washington State (all from the comfort of your own space).
16+ years as a therapist
30+ years working with teens and families
LMHC - licensed in Washington State
EMDR - trained trauma specialist
You don’t have to do this work alone.
I'm Sara Bickerstaff, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) & EMDR therapist .
SERVING CLIENTS THROUGHOUT WASHINGTON STATE (100% VIRTUAL)
If you're a woman carrying the weight of a complicated relationship with your mother, a teen finding your footing, or a family trying to communicate through conflict, you're in the right place. My work is grounded in one belief: healing happens in the context of a safe, honest relationship (and I'd be honored to be part of your healing journey).
Off the clock? I'm witty, curious, and endlessly drawn to adventure. I've lived in Northern Ireland, gone skydiving and hot air ballooning, and I keep a bucket list that never seems to shrink. When I'm not with clients, you'll find me playing pickleball, cooking, gardening, or spending time with the people (and the golden retriever) I love.
My Core values:
EMPATHY
KINDNESS
HUMOR
AUTHENTICITY
ADVENTURE
I’m a trauma therapist for real people living real lives in Washington State.
MY TRAINING IN EMDR AND ATTACHMENT WORK MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE.
Women & Mother Wounds
For women untangling shame, anxious attachment, and the grief of a relationship with a mother who couldn't be what they needed.
Trauma Therapy & EMDR
Using EMDR to help you process trauma of all kinds, including the relational trauma that shapes how you connect with others.
Family Therapy
Helping families communicate through conflict and rebuild connection between teens, young adults, and their parents.
Teens & Young Adults
Supporting clients 16+ through anxiety, life transitions, and the messy, meaningful work of becoming who they are.
Questions people ask before they begin
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I'm an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance directly. Many clients use their out-of-network benefits for partial reimbursement, and I'm happy to provide the paperwork (called a superbill) to make that easier. In some situations, I’m able to submit claims to your insurance company on your behalf. Family therapy is an out-of-pocket expense, since insurance doesn't apply to that work.
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Yes. I see every client by secure video, anywhere in Washington State. That means no commute and no waiting room. You’ll join from a private, comfortable space of your own choosing. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a quiet spot to talk.
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I specialize in three areas: adult women healing from complicated relationships with their mothers, men, teens and young adults (16+) navigating anxiety and life transitions. I also work with families working through communication and conflict and I'm trained in EMDR for processing trauma of many kinds.
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Not at this time. My youngest clients are 16, which lets me focus on the developmental stage I know best: older adolescents and young adults stepping into adulthood. If you're looking for support for a younger child, I'm glad to point you toward other resources.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched approach that helps your brain process painful memories so they lose their grip on the present. It's especially helpful for trauma, including the relational trauma that shapes how we connect with others. We'll talk through whether it fits your goals before we ever begin.
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Please reach out through my contact form and tell me a little about what's bringing you here. I read every message personally, and I'll get back to you to talk through next steps and whether we're a good fit. There's no pressure.
Let’s take the first step together.
I’M READY WHEN YOU ARE.
Reaching out is often the hardest part. When you're ready, I'd love to hear a little about what's bringing you here.