The EMDR Doctor Podcast

Dr Caroline Lloyd

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. 68.  Mothers in EMDR therapy

    4D AGO

    68. Mothers in EMDR therapy

    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.

    11 min
  2. 67.  Granparents in EMDR therapy

    MAY 1

    67. Granparents in EMDR therapy

    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.

    18 min
  3. 66. I'm addicted to social media, can EMDR help me?

    APR 10

    66. I'm addicted to social media, can EMDR help me?

    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. ___________________________________________________

    14 min
  4. 65. EMDR for Adoption Trauma

    MAR 20

    65. EMDR for Adoption Trauma

    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.

    14 min
  5. 64. EMDR Rethinking Personality Disorders

    MAR 6

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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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