The EMDR Doctor Podcast

This week, I want to share something powerful that I recently learned at an EMDR Association of Australia training event. It’s a new way of looking at violence against women — not just through the cycle of violence, which many of you might already know, but also through the vortex of violence model, which offers a deeper understanding of how violence impacts survivors over time. As a therapist working with women who’ve experienced trauma, I’ve seen how naming and understanding these patterns can be life-changing. When survivors recognize the cycle and the vortex, they often feel relief — because it’s no longer just “their fault,” but part of a much larger pattern. In this episode, I’ll walk you through both models, explain how they can help survivors understand their experience, and share how EMDR therapy can support healing by restoring safety, strength, and self-worth. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why violence in relationships so often follows a cycle — and how to recognize the phases. How the “vortex of violence” explains the losses survivors face, from health to confidence to relationships. Why education is vital: understanding these frameworks can give survivors knowledge and language to protect themselves. How EMDR can help survivors process trauma, release fear and grief, and rebuild a sense of safety and strength. Key Highlights: The cycle of violence: what it looks like and why it keeps repeating. The vortex of violence: a new model that shows how violence spirals, pulling in safety, trust, and health while spinning off hope and stability. How recognizing these patterns can empower women to understand it’s not their fault and spot the signs earlier. The role of EMDR therapy in healing after violence — restoring confidence, rebuilding self-worth, and helping women feel safe again. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery. And if you’d like to put a face to the voice, come join me on YouTube. Sometimes seeing the person behind the mic makes the connection feel a little more real — and who knows, it might even give you the nudge you need to book your own session. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support.  Please reach out if you need help:  Police 0001800 RESPECTKids helpline 1800 55 1800Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491WIRE (Women's Information and Referral Exchange) 130013413013YARN 13 92 76

Hi everyone,  in this week’s episode of The EMDR Doctor Podcast I’m diving into a topic that so many of us wrestle with — Imposter Syndrome. Whether you’re a doctor, a teacher, in corporate, or even just starting something new, that nagging voice of “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t belong here” can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I unpack what imposter syndrome really is (and isn’t), share some of my own experiences with it, and explore how EMDR therapy can help you rewrite those old, unhelpful beliefs into something much more supportive and freeing. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified — it means old wounds are still shaping your present. Thoughts are not truths — that critical voice doesn’t define your reality. EMDR therapy helps uncover and reprocess the origins of imposter beliefs, reducing their power. Strengthening positive experiences is just as important as resolving painful ones. Confidence isn’t about never feeling anxious — it’s about removing the blocks that stop you from stepping into your flow. Key Highlights: Honest conversations with young doctors feeling stretched thin by fear, anxiety, and “not good enough” thoughts. Why imposter syndrome isn’t about lack of skill — it’s about deep, old beliefs that resurface in adulthood. How imposter syndrome can hide behind perfectionism, overwork, or constant fear of being “found out.” My own journey with imposter syndrome early in my career and how I carried those fears for years. The difference between normal job anxiety and true imposter syndrome. EMDR approaches that help — from reprocessing early shame to bolstering positive beliefs and allowing yourself to actually feel praise. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery. And if you’d like to put a face to the voice, come join me on YouTube. Sometimes seeing the person behind the mic makes the connection feel a little more real — and who knows, it might even give you the nudge you need to book your own session. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. 

In this week’s episode of The EMDR Doctor Podcast, I’m answering a thoughtful listener question: “Who should not do EMDR?” It’s a great one, because while I truly believe EMDR can benefit almost everyone, there are some important physical considerations to keep in mind. From high blood pressure and heart conditions, to epilepsy, eye disorders, pregnancy, chronic illness, and even post-surgery recovery, I’ll walk you through what to look out for and how EMDR can be adapted safely. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why having high blood pressure doesn’t mean EMDR is unsafe — as long as it’s well managed. How EMDR can be safely adapted for elderly clients, including pacing and titrating memories. The role of agitation and blood pressure during trauma processing — and why healing ultimately benefits physical health. Safety considerations for pregnancy and postpartum trauma work. Adjustments for epilepsy and eye disorders (e.g. using tapping or auditory bilateral stimulation). EMDR and surgery, chemotherapy, and chronic illness — tailoring the pace and process to support both body and mind. Key Highlights: EMDR is highly adaptable — physical conditions rarely mean exclusion, just adjustments. Trauma resolution can improve both mental and physical health. Informed consent and collaborative decision-making are key in tailoring EMDR for each individual. Age is never a barrier to healing — it’s about pacing and support. With thoughtful modifications, even those with chronic illness or ongoing treatments can benefit from EMDR. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Make sure you’re following The EMDR Doctor podcast so you never miss an episode! Next week, we’ll be exploring even more ways EMDR can transform your life — from deepening your relationships to building a stronger sense of self. Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she unpacks trauma, demystifies PTSD, and shares how EMDR can support real, lasting healing.

This week, I wanted to talk about something that comes up a lot in therapy and in life: the way shame and self-pity get tangled together. So often, when we find ourselves feeling sorry for ourselves, shame quickly follows — telling us we’re weak, indulgent, or that we shouldn’t be feeling that way at all. But here’s the thing: self-pity is usually a sign that something inside us really needs care. And when we meet that place with compassion — real, genuine compassion — something powerful happens. Instead of staying stuck in fear, helplessness, or injustice, we can come out feeling nurtured, strengthened, and even loved. In this episode, I explore how compassion transforms the way we experience shame and self-pity, and why this shift matters so much for healing.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Compassion is not indulgence — it’s a healing force. Self-pity doesn’t mean weakness, it means something inside us needs tending. When we meet shame with compassion, we shift from helplessness to hope. Key Highlights: Why shame and self-pity are so closely linked How self-pity is often misunderstood, but actually signals a need for support. The transformative power of compassion in healing shame. How EMDR therapy creates space for new, kinder responses to suffering. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback:  Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Make sure you’re following The EMDR Doctor podcast so you never miss an episode! Next week, we’ll be exploring even more ways EMDR can transform your life — from deepening your relationships to building a stronger sense of self. Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she unpacks trauma, demystifies PTSD, and shares how EMDR can support real, lasting healing.

Hi everyone, it’s Dr. Caroline Lloyd here, and in this week’s episode I’m unpacking the Drama Triangle — a powerful framework that explains the roles we can slip into in relationships: victim, rescuer, and perpetrator. I share how these roles can quietly shape our families, partnerships, and even therapy spaces, and why they’re ultimately disempowering. More importantly, I talk about how EMDR can help us move beyond these rigid roles into healthier, empowering alternatives — stepping into coach, creator, and challenger. If you’ve ever felt stuck replaying the same dynamics with people in your life, this episode will help you see a new path forward. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: All roles in the Drama Triangle are limiting and disempowering. Awareness of the role we’re playing is the first step to change. EMDR can process stuck beliefs (like “I’m powerless” or “I’m responsible for everyone else”) and replace them with empowering truths. Moving into the Empowerment Dynamic allows for healthier, freer relationships. Healing is about reclaiming agency, choice, and balance in how we show up with others. Key Highlights: The Drama Triangle: victim, rescuer, and perpetrator — and how easily we slip between them. Why “rescuing” clients, partners, or family members can unintentionally keep them in victim mode. The dangers of being cast as perpetrator when withdrawing from rescuer mode. How family dynamics often push children into rigid roles — with lasting effects. The alternative Empowerment Dynamic (creator, coach, challenger). How EMDR helps shift beliefs that keep us stuck in these roles.  Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback:  Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Make sure you’re following The EMDR Doctor podcast so you never miss an episode! Next week, we’ll be exploring even more ways EMDR can transform your life — from deepening your relationships to building a stronger sense of self. Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she unpacks trauma, demystifies PTSD, and shares how EMDR can support real, lasting healing.

Hi everyone, it’s Dr. Caroline Lloyd here, and in this week’s episode of The EMDR Doctor Podcast, I’m talking about what I call “teeny tiny targets” in EMDR therapy — those small, everyday irritations or moments that don’t seem like a big deal… until they quietly take up space in your mind. This episode was inspired by a friend who asked me, “What’s the smallest target you’ve ever worked on?” It got me thinking, because while most of my clients work on big, life-changing events, I often use EMDR for myself on the little things — a snarky comment, a frustrating traffic moment, or even learning how to take a compliment without squirming. I share how these small targets can be surprisingly powerful for emotional wellbeing, why they’re worth processing, and how EMDR techniques — like walking EMDR — can help shift even the tiniest irritations so they don’t stick around and spoil your day. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How EMDR can be used for everyday irritations and “micro-upsets” — not just big trauma. Why unresolved small annoyances can build up and affect your mood and wellbeing. The story of how I processed a minor traffic frustration using walking EMDR. How to spot when you’re deflecting compliments — and why that’s worth working on. A simple EMDR-based protocol for learning to accept and internalise positive feedback. Why addressing “small” issues can create big shifts in self-esteem and emotional resilience. Key Highlights: Teeny tiny targets are the small moments of irritation or discomfort that can quietly accumulate stress if we don’t process them. Walking EMDR is a simple, on-the-go way to work through mild distress. Learning to take a compliment is more than a social skill — it’s a way to strengthen self-worth and positive belief systems. Even when the “big trauma” feels more urgent, small wins in therapy can build the emotional capacity needed for deeper work. Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and meditation — it can also be clearing away the little irritations before they pile up. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Make sure you’re following The EMDR Doctor podcast so you never miss an episode! Next week, we’ll be exploring even more ways EMDR can transform your life — from deepening your relationships to building a stronger sense of self. Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she unpacks trauma, demystifies PTSD, and shares how EMDR can support real, lasting healing.

Hi everyone, it’s Dr. Caroline Lloyd here and in this week’s episode, I’m diving into a metaphor that came up in session recently: a child describing her mum’s depression as like living with a zombie. Not a Halloween monster, but that vacant, checked-out presence that feels terrifying when you're a child relying on your parent for safety and love. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on what happens when children grow up in households where a parent’s mental illness becomes the silent centre of the home. I talk about emotional survival, parentification, and the hidden costs of growing up too fast. It’s a deep one, but an important one. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Children of depressed parents often develop a distorted sense of responsibility, suppressing their own emotions to protect the parent. Becoming "the grown-up" too early can lead to adult issues like anxiety, boundary difficulties, people-pleasing, and sibling conflict. Secrecy and shame around mental illness can isolate children and delay healing well into adulthood. EMDR therapy can help reveal and reprocess these early childhood experiences in a safe, contained way. Healing the inner child involves validating that their needs mattered then — and still do now. Key Highlights: A client’s powerful image of her mother with depression as a "zombie" opens up a deeper conversation about how kids experience parental mental illness. Exploring the concept of children walking on emotional eggshells — not due to violence, but to avoid burdening an emotionally fragile parent. How kids often suppress their own emotional needs to survive in unstable environments. The pattern of parentification — where children become caregivers too early. Long-term emotional toll on children who appear "capable" on the outside but carry heavy internal burdens. Shame, secrecy, and fear surrounding parental mental illness — and how EMDR helps bring these "zombies" out of the cupboard safely and begin to heal. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Make sure you’re following The EMDR Doctor podcast so you never miss an episode! Next week, we’re diving even deeper into how EMDR can shape your healing, your relationships, and your sense of self.\ Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she unpacks trauma, demystifies PTSD, and shares how EMDR can support real, lasting healing.

Hey there, in this episode, I’m answering a great little question from one of my clients: “Can you actually be traumatised by a horror movie?” Spoiler alert — yes, you can. And I share my own (slightly mortifying) horror movie trauma story from when I was 14 and watched The Exorcist at a sleepover. It stuck with me for decades… literally. But this episode goes deeper than jump scares and creepy scenes — we explore how horror movies, like real-life traumas, can lodge themselves into our nervous systems. And how EMDR — and the power of imagination — can help shift even the stuff that doesn’t technically “happen to us.” Whether you’ve had a horror movie moment, lived through someone else’s trauma story, or are curious about how EMDR works with imagined and vicarious trauma — this one’s for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Trauma doesn’t have to come from “real life” — imagined or second-hand experiences (like horror movies or others’ traumatic stories) can leave a lasting impact The brain doesn’t always know the difference between what’s real and what’s vividly imagined — and that’s where EMDR can help Our imagination can retraumatise… but it can also heal Intergenerational and vicarious trauma are real — and EMDR can support those experiences too Even birth trauma can show up like a horror movie in our nervous system — whether we lived it or just heard it Key Highlights: Dr. Caroline shares a personal story of horror movie trauma (and how long it stayed with her!) Why certain life stages (like adolescence or stressful times) make us more vulnerable to trauma How imagination-based techniques in EMDR help “rewrite” traumatic scenes The impact of intergenerational trauma and vicarious trauma — even when the event wasn’t ours Why horror movie-like stories around birth can be traumatising for women Upcoming webinar on EMDR and birth trauma in partnership with Moms Matter Psychology Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. 

In this episode, I’m answering a question I’ve heard a lot lately: “How can I support someone after they’ve had an EMDR session?” And honestly, I love this question — because it comes from such a caring place. We don’t often talk about what happens after EMDR. People go into sessions, things get stirred up, and then… what? If you’re the partner, the parent, the friend, or even just the person making the cup of tea afterward — you might be wondering how to help without doing too much, or getting it wrong. So, I’m walking you through what that support can look like. From giving space to being present, from what not to say, to how to simply sit beside someone with kindness. EMDR can be intense, and the healing doesn’t stop when the session ends. This episode is for anyone who's ever thought: "I want to help. I just don’t know how." You're not alone — and you're doing better than you think. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Healing doesn’t end when the EMDR session does — support afterward really matters. You don’t need to fix anything; just being present is often the most powerful support. It’s okay to not have the perfect words — calm, quiet presence goes a long way. Respect the person’s pace — some people want to talk, others need space. Supporting someone through trauma healing is brave, gentle work in itself. Key Highlights: Why EMDR can leave people feeling emotional, spaced out, or physically tired How to support your loved one when they need quiet, sleep, or time to process What to avoid saying after EMDR (even with the best of intentions) Ways to check in gently — and how to let them lead the pace The power of being a safe, calm presence in someone’s healing journey Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. 

This week, I’m leaning into metaphors again — this time, inspired by a children’s classic: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. You’d be surprised how much wisdom is tucked inside those rhythmic pages. This episode is all about why we can’t go over or under our trauma — we have to go through it. And why that’s not just terrifying, but incredibly brave… and worth it. So, if you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I have to feel the pain to move forward?” — this one’s for you. We’re diving into the hidden costs of avoidance, how trauma sneaks into our present, and how EMDR helps us build something radical and empowering: self-trust. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The ‘Bear Hunt’ metaphor: Why you can’t avoid trauma — and how going through it leads to real healing Avoidance as a trauma strategy: Helpful short-term, but exhausting and limiting in the long run The black box effect: How suppressed trauma leaks out as anxiety, phobias, OCD-like behaviours and more The emotional payoff of EMDR: Not just healing the memory, but reclaiming trust in yourself Self-trust as freedom: Once you know you can face the hard stuff, you unlock hope, strength, and a future that feels possible again Key Highlights: Why avoidance makes sense — and why it keeps us stuck How trauma can quietly influence daily life in unexpected ways What it really means to go “through” the memory, not just talk about it How EMDR can transform painful memories into something manageable and safe Why working through trauma restores trust in yourself, and how that changes everything Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

In this metaphor-rich episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd takes us into the world of trauma and healing through stories and images that just make sense — even when emotions don’t. If you’ve ever struggled to explain what trauma feels like, or what EMDR actually does, this one’s for you. From inflatable beach balls that won’t stay submerged to the heavy wheelbarrow of life’s burdens, Dr. Caroline paints a vivid picture of how trauma lives in our body and mind — and how EMDR helps gently deflate, unburden, and rewire. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why trauma keeps resurfacing no matter how hard we try to suppress it The “beach ball” metaphor: how trauma slaps us in the face when least expected The “wheelbarrow” metaphor: why life feels so heavy and how trauma therapy can lighten the load How EMDR works to safely process and resolve painful memories What it feels like during and after an EMDR session (think: trains, tunnels, and snow globes) The importance of processing trauma, not just managing symptoms Key Highlights: Beach ball analogy: Suppressing trauma takes effort. EMDR releases pressure, making memories less overwhelming. Wheelbarrow metaphor: Everyone carries something. Whether it's sand, pebbles, or boulders—EMDR helps lighten the emotional load. Train + tunnel imagery: EMDR may feel like a train ride through difficult terrain, but there’s a light at the end — and you don’t have to go it alone. Catalogue flipping: Trauma memories may feel scattered, but EMDR helps sort, understand, and file them away. Snow globe effect: Post-session processing is real. Be gentle with yourself as things settle. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be diving even deeper into how EMDR helps us show up more fully in our lives and relationships. From healing old attachment wounds to rebuilding trust, it’s a powerful episode filled with insights you won’t want to miss. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop — each week brings expert tips, inspiring stories, and practical tools to support your healing journey. You’re not alone, and healing is possible. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something that comes up all the time in therapy: the resistance to looking back at the past. Maybe you’ve thought it yourself — “Why do I have to dig up old memories? My anxiety is about the future, not the past!” I get it. Going back can feel pointless, painful, or even terrifying. But here’s the thing — the past holds the blueprint for so many of our current struggles. In this episode, I’m breaking down why avoidance is such a key feature of PTSD, how our earliest experiences shape the way we see ourselves today, and why healing can’t really happen unless we gently revisit and process those memories. It’s not about reliving the pain — it’s about finding the freedom on the other side of it. Let’s talk about how trauma-informed therapy helps us do exactly that. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why people often avoid thinking about their past — and how this shows up as part of PTSD. How past experiences shape current anxiety, self-beliefs, and mental health. Why healing requires revisiting the past — but only with the right support and approach. The role of EMDR and other trauma-informed therapies in helping process painful memories safely. That we can’t truly believe positive things about ourselves without addressing the negative beliefs we’ve carried since childhood. Key Highlights: The common misconception: “My anxiety is about now — why dig up the past?” A simple breakdown of the three main components of PTSD. Caroline’s personal story about a violin teacher’s comment and how it impacted her belief system for decades. The importance of understanding the origin of our negative self-beliefs. A shout-out to the bravery of clients who face their trauma head-on. Why repeating mantras and logic-based CBT techniques can’t fully replace trauma processing. The power of EMDR and other modalities to bring true, lasting change. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to the EMDR Doctor Podcast! In this week’s powerful episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd dives into something we’ve all felt at one point or another — pain. But this isn’t just about stubbed toes and sore shoulders. We’re going deeper, exploring how pain shows up in the body during EMDR sessions and unpacking the complex world of chronic pain. Dr. Lloyd offers compassionate guidance, myth-busting insights, and practical tips to help listeners reframe and soften their pain experience — emotionally and physically. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your pain is real, even if it’s rooted in memory. How EMDR therapists work with physical sensations in sessions. Why chronic pain isn’t just a physical issue — and how trauma plays a role. Simple but evidence-backed ways to reduce pain through lifestyle and mindset shifts. How to advocate for your healing journey — and why believing in your strength matters. Key Highlights: Why pain during EMDR sessions is totally normal: How your body remembers trauma through sensations — like nausea, tension, or that old shoulder ache — and how these sensations often fade as memories process. The anatomy of a memory: How our brains store experiences with all five senses — from sounds and smells to emotions and physical pain. What chronic pain really is: Pain is not just about injury. It’s also deeply connected to your nervous system, stress levels, past trauma, and beliefs about your body. The power of lifestyle in managing chronic pain: Sleep, food, relaxation, and (yes) exercise aren’t just fluff — they actively reshape your brain and can reduce pain perception. Rewiring your brain with EMDR and exercise: Both can change neural pathways, helping you build new beliefs like “I’m safe,” “I’m strong,” and “I can cope.” Central Sensitisation explained: When the brain gets stuck in “pain mode” even after the body has healed. Hope through healing: How EMDR can target the pain event itself, the beliefs around it, and today’s lived experience — breaking the cycle of chronic pain and emotional distress. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be diving even deeper into how EMDR shapes the way we show up in our lives and relationships. From healing attachment wounds to rediscovering trust, it's an episode packed with insights you won't want to miss. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

In this thoughtful and deeply human episode of The EMDR Doctor podcast, Dr. Caroline Lloyd unpacks a complicated emotion many of us were taught to avoid: anger. Why is it that anger feels so off-limits—especially for women? What if, instead of being something to hide or fix, anger was actually a sign of wisdom… of protection… of boundaries being drawn? Dr. Lloyd explores how our culture silences anger, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways it’s scrubbed from our emotional and physical expressions, and why reclaiming this emotion is such a vital part of trauma recovery. Through client reflections, personal insights, and therapeutic wisdom, she explains how EMDR therapy can help us safely explore anger and get to what’s often underneath it: sadness, grief, and healing. Whether you’re someone who fears your own anger, suppresses it, or feels overwhelmed by it—this episode offers a compassionate, eye-opening path forward. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why anger often masks deeper emotions like sadness or betrayal How EMDR helps uncover and resolve unprocessed emotions in a safe, regulated way The difference between healthy anger and harmful expression How acknowledging your anger can be a step toward reclaiming your voice, your safety, and your sense of self Why anger doesn’t make you broken—it makes you human Key Highlights: A powerful reframe: anger as a protector, not a problem How culture teaches us—especially women—to hide or erase anger Botox culture and the emotional cost of smoothing over our expressions The distinction between anger (emotion) and aggression (behaviour) Client stories that show how trauma often pushes anger underground The therapeutic power of EMDR in working through anger safely Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

After a brief break over Easter and ANZAC Day, Dr. Caroline is back—and this week, she’s taking listeners behind the scenes as she prepares for her presentation at the upcoming EMDR Association Conference. With humour, honesty, and a healthy dose of self-reflection, she explores how EMDR can support performance enhancement—whether it's public speaking, elite sports, or simply pushing through procrastination. She also shares a very human moment from her past (yes, there’s a theatre mishap involved!) and explains how those forgotten memories can quietly shape our confidence today. If you've ever felt like fear was standing between you and your potential, listen to this episode. In This Episode, You'll Learn: EMDR can be used for performance anxiety by targeting unresolved past events, current triggers, and building confident future templates. Procrastination is often a fear response, not just laziness or poor planning. Memories we think we’ve “moved on” from can still quietly shape our self-perception—until we process them. Performance issues in sport, speaking, or work often stem from core beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll mess this up.” Therapy should focus on the client’s personal goals for performance, not the therapist’s idea of what “should” be worked on. Key Highlights: Dr. Caroline opens up about procrastination and the fear behind her own conference prep. She shares a surprising memory from her teenage years on stage—and how it resurfaced during EMDR. Real talk about imposter syndrome, inner critics, and how even experienced professionals feel the pressure. A thoughtful discussion about how birth order might influence performance patterns. Insight into how injuries can create mental blocks for athletes, even after physical healing. A timely reminder that high performance and good mental health don’t always walk hand-in-hand. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights. Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

In this solo episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd reflects on how EMDR therapy can subtly (and sometimes dramatically) shift our relationships — even when we're not directly working on them. From calming parent-child dynamics to challenging long-standing patterns like people-pleasing, Caroline explores the ripple effects of healing, and why sometimes things might get messy before they get better. Plus, she teases a fascinating approach to EMDR with couples that might be coming to the podcast soon! In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why every EMDR experience is unique — no one-size-fits-all healing How working on your own trauma can lead to more peaceful and connected relationships What a “virtuous cycle” looks like in real life — and how healing yourself can help calm others around you Why suppressed resentment in relationships (like with a parent) matters, even if no one talks about it How EMDR can reveal the ways we overcompensate to maintain peace  Why EMDR can sometimes cause friction in relationships — and how that’s actually part of the growth A relatable example of how trauma healing can shake up an unequal relationship dynamic  A fascinating peek into EMDR being used with couples, even if it’s not traditional couples therapy Key Highlights: Dr. Caroline reflects on listener feedback and the individuality of the EMDR journey A beautiful client story showing how EMDR shifted a parent-child dynamic toward more calm and connection Insight into hidden resentment and overcompensation in relationships — and how healing can bring authenticity Introduction of the idea that healing might require renegotiating the relationship or even bringing in couples therapy Mention of a unique approach where EMDR is done with both partners present — powerful, intimate, and eye-opening Hint at a future podcast episode with a couples therapist to dig deeper into that model Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights (and maybe a special guest). Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

Motherhood is life-changing—but for many, it comes with unexpected challenges, trauma, and emotional struggles. In this episode, we’re diving into the perinatal period, the mental load new mums carry, and how EMDR therapy can help process distressing memories. Plus, I’ll be sharing details about my exciting new collaboration with Mums Matter Psychology and how you can join our upcoming Group EMDR sessions. If you’re a new mum or supporting one, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! In This Episode, You'll Learn: A deeper understanding of perinatal trauma and how it affects mental health. Insight into how EMDR can be a game-changer for new mothers. Information on accessible, low-cost Group EMDR sessions. Practical self-care tips for postpartum mental well-being. Encouragement and hope—reminding struggling mums that healing is possible! Key Highlights: Introducing EMDR in the Perinatal Period: A look at how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help new mothers navigate trauma and distress. Collaboration with Mums Matter Psychology: Announcement of an exciting partnership to offer low-cost online Group EMDR sessions for mums, starting in May. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood: Exploring the massive emotional and hormonal shifts from conception through the first year postpartum. Birth Plans vs. Reality: A candid discussion on the gap between expectations and actual birth experiences, and how that can impact mental health. The Hidden Toll of Perinatal PTSD: How distressing birth experiences can lead to long-term trauma, anxiety, and feelings of failure in new mothers. Barriers to Seeking Help: Why many mums delay getting support and the consequences of untreated trauma. How EMDR Can Help: The power of processing traumatic memories to improve maternal mental health and family bonding. Practical Tips for Postnatal Mental Health: Simple, effective strategies from Mums Matter Psychology to support new mums. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode for a fresh take on therapy and why EMDR might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Follow the podcast to stay updated on the latest insights and expert discussions. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

This episode builds on last week's discussion about the body's response to trauma and the Five F’s—Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, and Flop. This time, we’re diving deeper into how memories are stored in the body and the powerful connection between body sensations and past experiences. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How memories are made up of multiple sensory components beyond just images. The role of bodily sensations in recalling memories—both positive and traumatic. Why some sensations can trigger past experiences and even contribute to chronic pain. How EMDR therapy can help "unstick" painful memories from body sensations to reduce discomfort. Key Highlights: Memories are stored with multiple layers – thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch). Example of memory recall: A roller coaster ride can bring back excitement or fear, depending on the past experience, through sensations like cold air, dizziness, or the scent of popcorn. Trauma memories can feel real – The body doesn’t distinguish between past and present when recalling a traumatic event, leading to intense physical responses like tension, nausea, or even pain. Chronic pain and memory loops – Repeated trauma or pain can lead to Central Sensitisation Syndrome, where even minor sensations trigger amplified pain responses due to memory associations. EMDR Therapy and Pain – EMDR helps disconnect pain from memory, just as it helps process emotional trauma. Other strategies like physiotherapy, movement therapy, medication, and behavioral approaches can complement EMDR for better recovery. Not all physical symptoms are trauma-related – The human body is complex, and while some pains link to memories, others have purely physical causes. Always consult a doctor for medical concerns. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode to hear how memory and the body are deeply connected and how EMDR therapy can help break the cycle of pain and trauma! Follow the podcast to stay updated on the latest insights and expert discussions. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to The EMDR Doctor Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd dives into the fascinating world of trauma and the body’s instinctive responses. From the fight-or-flight reaction to the lesser-known ‘Flop’ response, she breaks down how our brains and bodies work in high-stress situations. She also unpacks how EMDR therapy helps rewire the brain—moving traumatic memories out of the fear center and into long-term storage, making them less distressing. If you've ever wondered why certain triggers set off intense emotions or how EMDR actually works on a biological level, this episode is for you! In This Episode, You'll Learn: The 5 trauma responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, Flop) and how they affect the body. How trauma impacts brain function and can impair memory storage. Why dissociation happens and why some people have memory gaps after trauma. The physiological impact of EMDR—how it moves traumatic memories from the amygdala to long-term storage. How EMDR therapy helps people feel safer, more present, and less triggered in daily life. Key Highlights: Fight or Flight kicks in before we’re even aware of danger—our brain reacts before we consciously register a threat! Trauma changes the way we hear sound—our ears become more attuned to survival noises like growling and screaming while filtering out normal speech. The “Please & Appease” response (aka Fawn)—why some trauma survivors struggle with people-pleasing behaviors. Flop is the brain’s emergency shut-off switch—when all else fails, the body shuts down completely as a last survival mechanism. EMDR actually changes the brain—brain scans show trauma memories lighting up different areas before and after EMDR therapy.  After EMDR, life feels lighter—stress hormones decrease, emotional reactions soften, and triggers lose their power. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode to gain fresh insights into the world of therapy and why EMDR might just be the "bee's knees" for fostering real, lasting change. Follow the podcast to stay updated on the latest insights and expert discussions. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Dr. Caroline dives into a term that's often thrown around but not always fully understood — triggers. We hear it all the time: “That was so triggering!” — but what does being triggered really mean? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about feeling annoyed or disagreeing with someone. Dr. Caroline breaks down the true definition of a trigger, why using the term incorrectly can trivialize serious mental health conditions like PTSD, and how to spot the difference between feeling upset and experiencing a trauma response. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What a trigger actually is — a stimulus (sight, sound, smell, or sensation) that instantly pulls you back into a traumatic memory and the intense emotions tied to it. What a trigger is NOT — it’s not a disagreement, an unpleasant feeling, or simple anger. Misusing the word can minimize the seriousness of trauma. How to cope with real triggers — practical tools like emotional first aid, grounding techniques, and the butterfly hug to calm your nervous system. Why EMDR therapy works — how it can help desensitize triggers and reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. Key Highlights: Why language matters: Mislabeling everyday frustrations as “triggers” can undermine the severity of trauma and mental health struggles — just like calling a sniffle “the flu” or a bug bite “cancer.” Long-term healing: EMDR therapy can desensitize triggers by reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. Extra support: Grab Dr. Caroline’s free guide — 10 Ways to Feel Better Now — for practical tools to manage anxiety and stress. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma Contact and Feedback: Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au. Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss next week’s episode to gain fresh insights into the world of therapy and why EMDR might just be the "bee's knees" for fostering real, lasting change. Follow the podcast to stay updated on the latest insights and expert discussions. Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!