This client story was written with permission from the client and with all identifying information being edited.

Sara’s dad showed traits of bipolar disorder throughout her entire childhood including impulsiveness, grandiose view of self, mood and financial instability, as well as significant cycles of depression.

As a child, Sara didn’t understand why her dad had these behaviors, as it was not a child’s job to know these things. Sara was exposed to these behaviors and dynamic in her home from age 0-8 until an order of protection was filed against her dad by her mom and a divorce followed.

There are many kinds of symptoms or problems clients bring to EMDR therapy from home, work, or relationships. People tend to think that EMDR only helps people who suffer from severe experiences like auto accidents, war, sexual abuse and rape. If you have suffered from these traumas, EMDR might be very helpful for you. But other issues can also be helped with EMDR.

Parts work therapy with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) method

The goal of EMDR treatment is to eliminate disturbance and suffering, increase the ability to self soothe, increase in ability to safely feel emotions, regain a sense of self, bond appropriately with others, and remember challenging life events with less emotional distress.