The EMDR Doctor Podcast

23. Aphantasia and EMDR: Can You Heal Without Visualising?

Listen Later

In this fascinating episode of the EMDR Doctor Podcast, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explores aphantasia—the inability to visualise images in the mind’s eye—and its impact on EMDR therapy. Many EMDR exercises rely on visualisation, but what happens if a person simply can’t form mental images? Dr. Lloyd unpacks how EMDR can still be effective for people with aphantasia, how therapists adapt techniques, and some surprising connections between trauma, neurodiversity, and imagination.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • What aphantasia is and why some people are unaware they have it
  • How people with aphantasia experience memories differently—through concepts, feelings, or words instead of pictures
  • How EMDR can be adapted for individuals who don’t process memories visually
  • The possible links between aphantasia, trauma, and dissociation—and why some people report changes in their mental imagery after EMDR
  • Insights into hyperphantasia and synesthesia, two related phenomena that create heightened visualisation abilities

    • Key Highlights:

    • Dr. Lloyd explains how EMDR can still be highly effective even without visual memory recall.
    • The potential connection between trauma and losing or regaining visual memory after EMDR processing.
    • A fascinating look at how the brain lights up on fMRI scans when visualising—even when someone with aphantasia can’t “see” images.
    • How neurodiversity, autism, and trauma may all interact with how people experience memory and imagination.

      • Resources Mentioned:

      • Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal
      • Research into aphantasia, hyperphantasia, and synesthesia

        • Contact and Feedback:

        • Do you experience aphantasia or hyperphantasia? Share your experience with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au.
        • Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

          • Subscribe & Stay Connected:

          • Don’t miss future episodes where Dr. Lloyd explores EMDR’s impact on different cognitive and sensory processing styles.
          • Follow the podcast to stay updated on the latest insights and expert discussions.

            • Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies aphantasia, memory processing, and EMDR, proving that healing is possible—even without visualisation. Thanks for listening!

            ...more
            View all episodesView all episodes
            Download on the App Store
            The EMDR Doctor PodcastBy Dr Caroline Lloyd
            • 4.2
            • 4.2
            • 4.2
            • 4.2
            • 4.2

            4.2

            5 ratings

            More shows like The EMDR Doctor Podcast

            View all
            The Psychology Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

            The Psychology Podcast

            1,867 Listeners

            Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

            Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

            14,932 Listeners

            EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic™ by To Be Magnetic™

            EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic™

            3,300 Listeners

            On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

            On Purpose with Jay Shetty

            27,895 Listeners

            The Dr Louise Newson Podcast by Dr Louise Newson

            The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

            259 Listeners

            Notice That by Jen Savage and Bridger Falkenstien

            Notice That

            309 Listeners

            The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast by Tammy Sollenberger

            The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

            284 Listeners

            The Resetter Podcast with Dr. Mindy by Dr. Mindy Pelz

            The Resetter Podcast with Dr. Mindy

            1,359 Listeners

            Women & ADHD by Katy Weber

            Women & ADHD

            626 Listeners

            The EMDR Podcast by Thomas Zimmerman

            The EMDR Podcast

            51 Listeners

            Jillian on Love by Jillian Turecki | QCODE

            Jillian on Love

            1,384 Listeners

            The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

            The Mel Robbins Podcast

            20,192 Listeners

            The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie by Dr. Aimie Apigian

            The Biology of Trauma® With Dr. Aimie

            224 Listeners

            Let's Talk EMDR by EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

            Let's Talk EMDR

            37 Listeners

            Understanding EMDR by Tracy Lynch

            Understanding EMDR

            0 Listeners