The EMDR Doctor Podcast

Dr Caroline Lloyd
  • 4.2 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dr Caroline is a Mental Health GP who is passionate about helping her clients resolve their difficult memories using EMDR. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is an amazingly effective therapy for trauma and difficult memories. This podcast demystifies EMDR. Dr Caroline shares all her knowledge and experience to help you decide if EMDR is for you, and how best to get the most from your EMDR journey.

  1. 64. EMDR Rethinking Personality Disorders

    1D AGO

    64. EMDR Rethinking Personality Disorders

    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.

    15 min
  2. 63. Taming Fear and Panic using EMDR

    FEB 20

    63. Taming Fear and Panic using EMDR

    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.

    16 min
  3. 62. Shame and Guilt in therapy - an EMDR approach

    FEB 16

    62. Shame and Guilt in therapy - an EMDR approach

    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.

    15 min
  4. 61. Healing Anger - an EMDR approach

    FEB 5

    61. Healing Anger - an EMDR approach

    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.

    11 min
  5. 60. Crying in EMDR sessions

    JAN 29

    60. Crying in EMDR sessions

    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.

    15 min
  6. 59. What is EMDR?

    JAN 22

    59. What is EMDR?

    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.

    9 min
  7. 58. Finding Peace: Group EMDR in the Wake of Terror

    12/19/2025

    58. Finding Peace: Group EMDR in the Wake of Terror

    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.

    11 min
  8. 57. Unwrapping the Christmas Blues

    12/12/2025

    57. Unwrapping the Christmas Blues

    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.

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Dr Caroline is a Mental Health GP who is passionate about helping her clients resolve their difficult memories using EMDR. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is an amazingly effective therapy for trauma and difficult memories. This podcast demystifies EMDR. Dr Caroline shares all her knowledge and experience to help you decide if EMDR is for you, and how best to get the most from your EMDR journey.

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