May 30, 2025

36. Pain and Memory

20 minutes

Welcome back to the EMDR Doctor Podcast! In this week’s powerful episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd dives into something we’ve all felt at one point or another — pain. But this isn’t just about stubbed toes and sore shoulders. We’re going deeper, exploring how pain shows up in the body during EMDR sessions and unpacking the complex world of chronic pain. Dr. Lloyd offers compassionate guidance, myth-busting insights, and practical tips to help listeners reframe and soften their pain experience — emotionally and physically.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Why your pain is real, even if it’s rooted in memory.

How EMDR therapists work with physical sensations in sessions.

Why chronic pain isn’t just a physical issue — and how trauma plays a role.

Simple but evidence-backed ways to reduce pain through lifestyle and mindset shifts.

How to advocate for your healing journey — and why believing in your strength matters.

Key Highlights:

Why pain during EMDR sessions is totally normal: How your body remembers trauma through sensations — like nausea, tension, or that old shoulder ache — and how these sensations often fade as memories process.

The anatomy of a memory: How our brains store experiences with all five senses — from sounds and smells to emotions and physical pain.

What chronic pain really is: Pain is not just about injury. It’s also deeply connected to your nervous system, stress levels, past trauma, and beliefs about your body.

The power of lifestyle in managing chronic pain: Sleep, food, relaxation, and (yes) exercise aren’t just fluff — they actively reshape your brain and can reduce pain perception.

Rewiring your brain with EMDR and exercise: Both can change neural pathways, helping you build new beliefs like “I’m safe,” “I’m strong,” and “I can cope.”

Central Sensitisation explained: When the brain gets stuck in “pain mode” even after the body has healed.

Hope through healing: How EMDR can target the pain event itself, the beliefs around it, and today’s lived experience — breaking the cycle of chronic pain and emotional distress.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal

Research on PTSD treatments and why EMDR is faster and more effective than traditional talk therapy for trauma

Contact and Feedback:

Thinking about trying EMDR for PTSD? Reach out to Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au.

Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations.

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Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies PTSD and provides hope for recovery, showing that healing is possible with the right tools and support. Thanks for listening!

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By Dr Caroline Lloyd

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