The EMDR Doctor Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explores functional neurological disorder (FND), which produces real, medically unexplained physical symptoms (like tremors, seizures, or gait problems), rooted in unconscious emotional distress rather than deliberate deception. FND is often linked to trauma, and can be shaped by cultural attitudes toward emotional expression. Research is limited on the role of EMDR in treating FND, but the “Modify Protocol”, using EMDR's three-pronged approach is promising: (1) targeting past trauma (including events preceding symptom onset), (2) present-day bodily sensations tied to the symptoms, and (3) a future template of life without FND, tailored individually based on each client's need for preparation and coping skills. Key Points: 1. What FND is: FND causes real, medically unexplained neurological symptoms (tremors, non-epileptic seizures, gait issues) that stem from emotional distress the person can't otherwise express. 2. What FND is not: FND is not malingering—it's an unconscious process with real symptoms, though doctors sometimes respond to their own helplessness by withdrawing or blaming patients. 3. Trauma is central: Nearly all people with FND have a trauma history, and cultures that suppress emotional expression tend to see more distress expressed through physical symptoms instead. 4. Strong link with autism: FND is much more common in autistic people due to greater trauma exposure, alexithymia, sensory/interoceptive differences, and moral injury sensitivity—yet many are only diagnosed as autistic after their FND diagnosis. 5. EMDR as a promising treatment: Despite limited research, EMDR (including rapid, single-session approaches) shows promise for FND, often using the "Modify Protocol" to target past trauma, present bodily sensations, and a future free of symptoms. Resources Mentioned: • Upcoming webinar on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) along with Dr Cate Bearsley-Smith • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. • Consultation & Supervision: Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd. Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au . • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd discusses using EMDR to address the trauma associated with chronic and degenerative illness; including loss of control, anticipatory grief, anger, guilt, and self-blame, among both patients and caregivers. She explains how EMDR can be used to process specific painful memories tied to the illness journey; helping people release fear, shame, and distress, although not the grief itself, which remains a natural expression of love and loss. Key Points: 1. Chronic/degenerative illness causes deep trauma – as a progressive terminal illness can create fear, disempowerment, and stress for both patients and their families. 2. Complex emotions arise for both patients and carers – These include anticipatory grief, loss of control, anger (at the illness or the medical system), and grief over lost function and identity, and feelings of unfairness. 3. Guilt and self-blame are common – Parents may feel responsible (e.g. passing on a genetic condition), while carers often blame themselves for perceived failures in caregiving, leading to overwhelming guilt. 4. EMDR targets specific painful memories, not grief itself. By processing distressing "stand-out" moments (e.g., a difficult medical update, a caregiving crisis), EMDR can remove fear, shame, and anger—helping carers recognize they "did their best" and helping patients reach greater acceptance, while preserving the natural, love-based process of grief. Resources Mentioned: • Upcoming webinar on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) along with Dr Cate Bearsley-Smith • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. • Consultation & Supervision: Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd. Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline reflects on assisting with EMDR basic training led by Larissa Meysner, noting how more recent training now incorporates more sophisticated, somatically-focused techniques earlier than in the past. She discusses her own evolving practice, which blends EMDR with schema therapy, EMDR 2.0, and relational integrative approaches, emphasizing creativity and a lighter tone, even when addressing painful memories. She also addresses the ongoing debate in the EMDR community between prioritizing safety through extensive resourcing, versus efficacy through earlier reprocessing of well-resourced clients faced with an urgent situation. Key Points: 1. Inspiring training experience: Dr. Lloyd assisted with EMDR basic training run by Larissa Meysner and was struck by how training has evolved, with sophisticated techniques she once learned as "advanced" now being taught as standard practice from day one. 2. Blending approaches: Her own practice incorporates schema therapy (rewriting difficult memory scenes), EMDR 2.0 (developed in the Netherlands by Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen), and relational integrative EMDR (attachment-focused imagination work), which she credits with making sessions faster and more effective. 3. Bringing lightness to trauma work: She emphasizes the value of injecting fun, creativity, and personality into EMDR sessions, even when addressing dark or painful memories, noting that this approach can help transform distressing memories into something lighter. 4. Safety vs. efficacy debate: She highlights a philosophical divide in the EMDR community—some practitioners over-emphasize lengthy resourcing and preparation before reprocessing, while she believes most clients (in her view, about 99%) are ready to begin active trauma reprocessing much sooner. 5. Case example and encouragement: She shares an example of starting EMDR reprocessing in a client's very first session due to time constraints, and encourages both therapists and clients to consider moving into reprocessing earlier, arguing that relieving distress sooner actually builds resilience and reduces the need for extensive resourcing beforehand. Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. • Consultation & Supervision: Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd . • Psychology Training with Larissa Meysner • EMDR Training by Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd discusses the possible role of EMDR for helping with menopause. EMDR plays a role in resolving underlying CPTSD/trauma that often resurfaces as estrogen declines; and for directly targeting the distress, anxiety, and self-consciousness associated with symptoms like sleep disruption and hot flushes. Key Points: 1. Declining estrogen can "unmask" underlying CPTSD – As estrogen drops, women who have long coped with unresolved trauma often find their mental health symptoms (burnout, exhaustion, low mood) become more apparent, and resolving that trauma with EMDR could help them handle midlife challenges more confidently. 2. EMDR may help menopausal sleep problems – Since much middle-of-the-night anxiety and rumination stems from past trauma or daily worries, self-administered EMDR while lying awake may reduce distress and support a return to sleep. 3. EMDR could reduce distress around hot flushes – While EMDR wouldn't stop the vasomotor instability itself, it could lessen the embarrassment, shame, and self-consciousness that accompany hot flushes—which in turn may prevent that emotional distress from intensifying the flushing. 4. Menopause often coincides with broader midlife identity shifts – Beyond hormonal changes, women often face role changes (grandparenting, caring for aging parents, career shifts, divorce), and resolving past trauma through EMDR may help build resilience for navigating these life transitions. Resources Mentioned : • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. • Consultation & Supervision: Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd. Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explores perfectionism not as a simple drive for high standards, but as a fear-based defense. Perfectionism often functions as protection against shame— “if I’m perfect, I won’t be criticized, rejected, or deemed not good enough”. Perfectionism often develops in childhood, and can become an exhausting adaptation that evolves into a vicious cycle: high standards yield occasional rewards and social admiration, which reinforce the behaviour even as it drains energy, and impedes relaxation and authentic performance. EMDR therapy can address the underlying shame, fear, and trauma that fuel perfectionism, and resolving these memories can reduce the compulsive drive for flawlessness. memories can reduce the compulsive drive for flawlessness. Key Points: 1. Perfectionism is often a safety strategy, a fear and shame-driven defense—aiming for flawlessness to protect against criticism, rejection, and feeling not good enough, rather than a pure pursuit of excellence. 2. Perfectionism often has its roots in childhood, and stems from conditional love, parental criticism or absence, and experiences where mistakes were punished or love withheld, sometimes leading to parentification and internalized beliefs like “I’m not good enough.” 3. In adulthood, social rewards and online image pressures reinforce perfectionism, fuelling anxiety, procrastination, burnout, and chronic self-criticism. 4. EMDR can address underlying shame, fear, and trauma that sustain perfectionist patterns, by resolving painful memories and safety needs. Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. • Consultation & Supervision: Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd. Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd answers eight common questions about EMDR therapy, including how it differs from hypnosis, the importance of eye movements, how quickly it works, and its ability to treat a wide range of conditions beyond PTSD. She also addresses whether it can surface forgotten memories, whether belief in the therapy is necessary, the possibility of feeling worse before better, and whether it can be conducted online. Key Points: 1. EMDR is not hypnosis — the client stays fully awake and in control, driving the process themselves, unlike hypnosis where the therapist directs an altered state of consciousness. 2. Eye movements are important — bilateral stimulation is a key part of EMDR, with eye movements being the most effective form, though alternatives like tapping or sound can be used when necessary. 3. EMDR works from the first session — changes to the target memory begin immediately, though broader behavioural changes may take more time depending on the complexity of the trauma. 4. EMDR treats more than PTSD — it has strong academic support for treating a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, panic attacks, and low self-esteem. 5. Forgotten memories may surface — processing difficult memories can remove emotional "blockages," allowing previously hidden memories to emerge, though large gaps in memory are less likely to be fully recovered. 6. Belief in EMDR is not required — it is not a placebo effect, and sceptical clients regularly experience significant results. 7. It can feel harder before it feels better — facing traumatic memories takes courage, and some clients, particularly those with severe or prolonged trauma, may go through a difficult period before experiencing relief. 8. EMDR can be done online — it is effectively delivered remotely, making it accessible to those who cannot attend in person, though some therapists prefer the connection of face-to-face sessions. Resources Mentioned: • Consultation & Supervision: Need help implementing the Blind to Therapist protocol? Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd. Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, we explore EMDR and sleep. Host, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explains how EMDR can be used in reducing the anxiety and catastrophic thinking behind insomnia, and also as a simple but effective self-soothing technique. Dr. Lloyd discusses nightmares, sleep talking, and sleep paralysis - emphasizing psychoeducation and fear reduction through EMDR. The episode also covers practical sleep hygiene tips, and available professional resources. Key Points: • EMDR can address psychological causes of sleep problems (e.g., anxiety, catastrophizing or trauma-related distress). • EMDR can help with sleep-related anxiety using techniques like the Flash Forward for future worries, or a three-pronged past/present/future approach. • Self-administered EMDR at bedtime can serve as a practical, immediate tool to promote sleep by reducing distress and facilitating sleep onset. • Nightmares and other parasomnias (sleep paralysis, sleep talking, acting out) can improve with EMDR through targeting nightmare imagery, processing related trauma, and psychoeducation to reduce fear around sleep. • Core sleep hygiene remains essential (regular bedtimes, daytime exercise, relaxation before bed, limiting alcohol and screens, and a conducive sleep environment). Resources Mentioned: • Dr. Lloyd’s recent webinar ‘ Shame in Clinical Practice ’ is now available as an on-demand webinar on the EMDRDoctor website. • Consultation & Supervision: Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd. • ‘Nothing Much Happens’ : a podcast to help you get to sleep Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au . • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explores the highly effective "Blind to Therapist" EMDR protocol. Sometimes, the shame attached to a traumatic event is simply too excruciating or unspeakable for a client to verbalize. Instead of spending months or years trying to get a client to narrate their trauma, therapists can use the Blind to Therapist protocol to provide immediate relief. Dr. Lloyd breaks down how to set up this protocol and its various applications beyond shame. Key Points: • Tackling Unspeakable Shame: Why traditional talk therapy can stall when dealing with profound shame, and how EMDR offers a faster path to relief. • What is the Blind to Therapist Protocol? A walkthrough of how to use standard EMDR processing (identifying Negative/Positive Cognitions, emotions, body sensations, and SUDs) while the client keeps the specific image or event entirely private. • Additional Uses for the Protocol: o Confidentiality Constraints o Vicarious Trauma o Cultural Issues o Communication Barriers o Translator Confidentiality Resources Mentioned: • Upcoming Webinar: ‘ Shame in Clinical Practice ’. Learn more about the role and function of shame, how to identify it, and practical suggestions for working through it. Happening June 4th (Available as an on-demand webinar for future listeners). • Consultation & Supervision: Need help implementing the Blind to Therapist protocol? Book a supervision session with Dr. Lloyd. Contact and Feedback: • If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au . • Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy.' Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd reflects on the many experiences Mother’s Day can bring, including non-traditional mothering, caring for aging mothers, and grief after early loss. Drawing on her work providing group EMDR with the Australian organization Mums Matter, she describes how group EMDR involves minimal trauma disclosure, uses bilateral stimulation and distress ratings via chat, and supports each person’s brain to process toward adaptive, positive beliefs. She discusses common themes such as miscarriage and perinatal loss, emphasizing that mothers remain mothers after loss, and discusses how EMDR can reduce trauma related to loss and grief. Main Theme: Mother’s Day reflections and how EMDR supports mothers through trauma and loss. Key Points: • Reflection on the many different experiences of motherhood, including; traditional and non-traditional parenting, step-parenting, same-sex parenting, single mothers, caring for ageing mothers, and grief connected to losing a mother or becoming a mother in difficult circumstances • EMDR group work with ‘ Mums Matter ’, an Australian low-cost counselling service focused mainly on mothers. • A major theme in the groups was perinatal loss and miscarriage. Mother’s Day can be especially painful for women who have experienced these losses. • EMDR can reduce trauma, but it does not remove grief. Once trauma is processed, grief may feel more visible and may still need to be worked through. • EMDR works well in groups because it doesn’t require people to share their trauma in detail. Instead, it offers a process that helps the brain naturally work through distress and reconnect with more adaptive beliefs. Upcoming webinars for clinicians on treating Shame (June 4th), Dissociation (July), and Dissociative Identity Disorder (August). Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. • Mums Matter Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episeode we explore the the role of grandparents in clients’ lives, within the EMDR framework. Sometimes, intergenerational trauma can span generations, with clients aiming to break the cycle for their own children. While, for many clients, grandparents represent love, kindness, protection, and stability, often contrasting with a parent’s traumatic experiences. Grandparents may provide a different kind of support—less immediate responsibility, more unconditional love, and a sense of safety in the present moment. Factors beyond age and life stage (e.g. financial stress and life transitions) influence parenting quality, but the grandparent-grandchild bond can be a powerful source of positive attachment. Main Theme: The negative impacts of social media addiction and how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can help overcome it. Key Points: • For many clients, grandparents represent love, kindness, protection, and stability, often contrasting with a parent’s traumatic experiences. • Intergenerational trauma can span generations, with clients aiming to break the cycle for their own children. • Grandparents may provide a different kind of support—less immediate responsibility, more unconditional love, and a sense of safety in the present moment. • Factors beyond age and life stage (e.g., financial stress, life transitions) influence parenting quality, but the grandparent-grandchild bond can be a powerful source of positive attachment. How EMDR Can Help: • Resourcing: Use positive life experiences and relationships, especially with grandparents, to bolster clients’ self-worth and safety before addressing trauma. • Reinforcing existing bonds: Highlight memories of being loved and protected by grandparents to enhance a client’s sense of self (worthy, capable, safe). • In-session work: When processing distressing memories, incorporate imagined grandparent support (e.g., “What would your grandma say?”) to create a sense of immediate support, even though it’s imaginative. Upcoming webinars for clinicians on treating Shame (June 4th), Dissociation (July), and Dissociative Identity Disorder (August). Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, we examine the potential for EMDR to tackle the pervasive problem of social media addiction and its impact on daily life. Constant scrolling can erode focus, disrupt sleep, provoke anxiety, and fuel a cycle of comparison that harms self-esteem. The rapid influx of information can also shorten attention spans and reduce cognitive clarity. As social media addiction often masks underlying stress or past trauma, an EMDR practitioner can help by addressing root memories, building healthy coping skills, and setting boundaries. Addiction protocols can target urges to scroll, triggers, and negative beliefs (for example, “I’m weak”), providing a pathway to regain agency and improve overall well-being. _________________________________ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The "problem" with social media Negative impacts on the brain Basic strategies tro cut back How EMDR can help Key Highlights: Processing the underlying traumas or difficult memories Establishing healthy coping strategies and boundaries. Using addiction protocols to target the urge to scroll, the triggers, and any negative core belief Resources Mentioned: EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Upcoming webinars for clinicians on treating: Shame (June 4th) Dissociation (July) Dissociative Identity Disorder (August). Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au . Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience. ___________________________________________________

In this episode, we explore the complex nature of adoption trauma, and how EMDR and other therapies can support healing. Adoption can involve multiple layers of loss, identity challenges, and attachment disruptions—not just for adoptees, but for all members of the adoption triad (the adoptee, adoptive parents and birth parents). As well as early separation trauma, and ongoing feelings of difference and identity struggles, adoptees may also face additional challenges such as family complexity, infertility-related trauma in parents, and higher vulnerability to abuse. Adoptees are at increased risk of anxiety and depression, PTSD, disenfranchised grief and suicidality… but adoption trauma is treatable. EMDR can help process both explicit memories, and implicit or preverbal trauma, while group therapy can be especially powerful by reducing isolation and fostering shared understanding. Adoption can involve deep, layered psychological wounds—but with approaches like EMDR and supportive group therapy, meaningful healing is possible In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • What is adoption trauma? • How might adoptees, and the adoption triad, be impacted by adoption trauma? • How can EMDR and other therapies help healing? Key Highlights: • Adoption trauma is real and often complex • Early experiences can shape lifelong beliefs and emotional patterns • Healing is possible with the right therapeutic support, including EMDR • Connection and shared understanding are valuable parts of recovery Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au . Appointments for in-clinic consultation for clients, or consultation/supervision for therapists, can be made with Dr. Lloyd, via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

This episode explores a new way of understanding personality disorders. Instead of seeing them as fixed and lifelong conditions, emerging research suggests they may actually be adaptive responses to early trauma. We discuss how personality traits develop through both genetics and early experiences, and how difficult childhood environments can lead to protective beliefs and coping patterns that later appear as personality disorders. Drawing on recent training with EMDR experts Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen, the episode highlights promising studies using EMDR combined with exposure therapy to treat trauma underlying personality disorders. Early research shows significant improvements, with many clients no longer meeting diagnostic criteria after intensive or short-term treatment. The episode emphasises that by targeting the traumatic memories and negative self-beliefs at the core of these patterns, therapy can help people move beyond long-standing defences and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of relating to themselves and the world. It offers hope that personality disorder diagnoses do not have to last a lifetime and that effective trauma treatment can lead to meaningful change. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • How personality traits are partly inherited, but are shaped by early life experiences. • How, traditionally, personality disorders have been viewed as fixed and difficult to treat, often requiring many years of therapy. • How, new research suggests personality disorders may actually be adaptive responses to trauma, especially trauma experienced in childhood. • How, these disorders may be built on deep negative beliefs about oneself, which lead to protective behaviours or defences. • If the trauma and negative beliefs are treated, the defensive personality patterns may no longer be necessary. Key Highlights: • Therapists such as Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen are researching treatments using EMDR combined with exposure therapy to target the trauma underlying these beliefs. • Studies show that intensive 5-day treatment led to about 73% of patients losing their personality disorder diagnosis. • Outpatient EMDR (10 sessions over 5 weeks) led to about 44% remission. • This approach offers hope that personality disorders may not be lifelong conditions and can improve with trauma-focused therapy like EMDR. Resources Mentioned: • New research by EMDR therapists Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen. • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at https://www.emdrdoctor.com.au . Appointments for in-clinic consultation for clients, or consultation/supervision for therapists, can be made with Dr. Lloyd, via https://www.halaxy.com/book/appointment/caroline-lloyd/location/799391 Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, we explore one of the most common emotional experiences brought to therapy: fear—in all its forms, from anxiety to full-blown panic. We unpack how fear manifests in the body, why it sometimes gets “stuck,” and how EMDR can help calm and retrain the brain’s response to fear triggers. Fear doesn’t have to rule your life. Panic attacks and chronic anxiety are highly treatable. With EMDR, it’s possible to teach the brain that those old danger signals no longer apply—allowing calm and confidence to return. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • What is fear for? • How fear can become trauma triggered by memories • How EMDR can help process these memories… triggers for trauma • What panic attacks are and how EMDR can help • What is the difference between are ‘big-T’ and ‘little-t’ trauma? Key Highlights: • Understanding Fear and Its Purpose • When traumatic fear becomes PTSD or CPTSD • How EMDR Helps • Panic Attacks and the Fear of Fear • EMDR for Anxiety and Panic Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au or via email admin@therapynest.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In this episode, we explore two of the most complex and misunderstood emotions in human psychology — shame and guilt. While guilt tells us “I’ve done something bad,” shame tells us “I am bad.” Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Brené Brown, we unpack how shame develops, why it’s often hidden even within therapy, and — most importantly — how it can be healed. Through deep clinical experience and reflections on EMDR practice, this episode offers a compassionate and hopeful roadmap to move from shame toward self-acceptance, self-compassion, and healing. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • The difference between shame and guilt • How shame can serve an adaptive purpose — but only when it’s specific • How childhood shame can show up as adult anxiety, perfectionism, or self-sabotage. • How avoiding shame often deepens it. • How healing shame requires both emotional reprocessing (EMDR) and self-compassion practices. Key Highlights: • Shame vs. Guilt • Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Shame • Defences against shame: Brené Brown’s “shame shields” • Schema therapy perspectives – overcompensation, avoidance, and surrender • Using EMDR therapy to reprocess shame at its root Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you . • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve experienced EMDR before and want to continue your EMDR journey, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly, low cost opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au or via email admin@therapynest.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, discover the science of EMDR, and explore how EMDR can help recovery and resilience.

Today we are talking about anger... the 'bodyguard' of sadness, fear or shame. It has such connotations in our society, especially for women. Anger in women can be a little bit taboo, or we may also be a bit afraid of anger, if it has been a feature of our young years. If we repress our anger, it has ways of spilling out, and keeping anger under wraps, can be physically demanding and exhausting, in the longer term leading to adrenal overload, high blood pressure, and eventually adrenal fatigue and depletion, and possibly depression. So what do we do about it? In this episode we explore the relationship of anger with sadness, fear and shame, arising from trauma, and how these emotions can trigger the fight response of anger. We explore what role EMDR can play in addressing memories associated with these triggers and underlying trauma. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • How trauma is connected to triggers of the fight response (anger) • The role of EMDR in settling traumatic memories that trigger anger Key Highlights: • The consequences of expressing, or repressing, anger • The role of anger as a mask, or ‘bodyguard’, of underlying sadness, fear or shame Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you .• EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve experienced EMDR before and want to continue your EMDR journey, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly, low cost opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au or via email admin@therapynest.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, discover the science of EMDR, and explore how EMDR can help recovery and resilience.

Is it normal to cry during EMDR therapy? This is one of the most common questions clients ask before their first session. In this episode of the EMDR Doctor Podcast, I explain why crying in EMDR is not only normal, but often a sign that meaningful processing is occurring. Many people are surprised to find strong emotions arise in EMDR, even when they feel they’ve already “dealt with” a memory. EMDR accesses memories differently than talking alone, allowing unresolved emotional material to be safely processed and released. In this episode, you will learn: • Why EMDR often brings up tears and strong emotions • Why crying during EMDR does not mean you’re getting worse • How bilateral stimulation supports emotional processing • What it means when emotions continue after a session • Why some people struggle to cry and how EMDR works with emotional blocks • How EMDR helps with chronic sadness, attachment trauma, and emotional neglect Crying during EMDR often signals that the brain is releasing emotion that has been stored with a memory. As processing continues, the emotional charge reduces and the memory becomes less distressing — allowing you to remember without reliving. Some emotional waves may continue for a few days after a session as related memories are processed. This is a normal part of healing. If emotions feel overwhelming, your EMDR therapist can provide additional support. Crying in EMDR is not a setback or a sign of weakness. For many people, it is a pathway to lasting emotional relief. Resources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you .• EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au or via email admin@therapynest.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from betrayal trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

In the first episode of the EMDR Doctor podcast for 2026, I return to basics by asking the fundamental questions; what is EMDR, how does it work, and why do so many people, who have done years of therapy, suddenly find that they have fast tracked their recovery with EMDR? I explain the basics of EMDR therapy, dispelling misconceptions about its name and methodology. Listeners will learn about the role of bilateral stimulation in uncoupling distress from traumatic memories, allowing for natural emotional healing and positive belief shifts. The episode also previews an upcoming four-part series on EMDR applications; for sadness, for anger, for fear, and for shame. For those who have done the insight work, but still feel stuck on their therapy journey, EMDR might provide the necessary breakthrough In this episode you will learn: • What is EMDR? • How EMDR Works • EMDR vs Traditional Therapy • Benefits of EMDR • Upcoming Series on EMDR esources Mentioned: • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you .• EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au or via email admin@therapynest.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from betrayal trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

This week’s episode of The EMDR Doctor Podcast comes from a heavier place. Following the devastating Bondi attack, it didn’t feel right to carry on with a light, festive conversation. Instead, I wanted to pause, acknowledge the collective grief many in our community are feeling, and speak about something practical and hopeful — how Group EMDR can support people after traumatic events. In this episode, I share information about free group EMDR offerings, explain how the Group Traumatic Event Protocol (GTEP) works, and explore why this approach can be so powerful in the days and weeks following collective trauma — without requiring people to relive or retell their stories. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Group EMDR differs from traditional group therapy or debriefing Why talking about traumatic details isn’t necessary for healing How distress is measured and reduced using the GTEP protocol Who group EMDR is suitable for after disasters or violent events How early intervention can reduce long-term trauma symptoms and build resilience Key Highlights: Acknowledging collective grief and the emotional impact of the Bondi attack What Group EMDR (GTEP) is and why it was developed for recent traumatic events How group EMDR works without sharing personal trauma stories Why self-administered bilateral stimulation is effective and safe in group settings Research and real-world outcomes showing reduced distress after just one session Resources Mentioned: EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au or via email admin@therapynest.com.au Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from betrayal trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.

It’s Christmas… and I’m embracing my inner Grinch just a tiny bit this week. In this episode, we’re unpacking the Christmas Blues — the stress, the chaos, the pressure, the grief, the perfectionism, the money stuff, the complicated families… all of it. Because honestly? A lot of people don’t love Christmas, and there are so many valid reasons why. From impossible expectations to old wounds that get stirred up, we’re taking a gentle, honest look at why this time of year can feel overwhelming — and how you can soften the edges, protect your energy, and give yourself permission to do the holidays your way. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why Christmas can be emotionally overwhelming (and you’re not imagining it!) How old patterns, trauma, and family dynamics get activated this time of year Practical ways to lower the pressure, drop the perfectionism, and simplify How to navigate grief, loneliness, or complicated feelings with more compassion Why EMDR can help with the deeper, stickier stuff Christmas brings to the surface How to create a calmer, more authentic holiday experience — without guilt Key Highlights: How Christmas pressure — time, expectations, and perfectionism — quietly ramps up stress. Why family gatherings can feel emotionally loaded, especially when old wounds get stirred. How grief, loss, or loneliness often resurface this time of year (and why that’s normal). The financial and emotional fatigue that makes December feel heavier than it looks on paper. Simple, compassionate ways to soften the season and make Christmas feel safer, calmer, and more “you.” Resources Mentioned: EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy. Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au . Appointments for consultation or supervision, with Dr. Lloyd, can be made via Halaxy . Remember, healing from betrayal trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone. Subscribe & Stay Connected: Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy. Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.