The EMDR Doctor Podcast

36. Pain and Memory


Listen Later

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.
        • Subscribe & Stay Connected:

          • Don’t miss next week’s episode — we’ll be diving even deeper into how EMDR shapes the way we show up in our lives and relationships. From healing attachment wounds to rediscovering trust, it's an episode packed with insights you won't want to miss.
          • Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop with expert chats, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways for your healing journey.
          • 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!

            ...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
            No Filter by Mamamia Podcasts

            No Filter

            624 Listeners

            Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

            Therapy Chat

            687 Listeners

            Your Anxiety Toolkit - Practical Skills for Anxiety, Panic & Depression by Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT | Anxiety & OCD Specialist

            Your Anxiety Toolkit - Practical Skills for Anxiety, Panic & Depression

            822 Listeners

            Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

            Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

            2,472 Listeners

            On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

            On Purpose with Jay Shetty

            26,977 Listeners

            Notice That by Jen Savage, Melissa Benintendi, and Bridger Falkenstien

            Notice That

            312 Listeners

            The Imperfects by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg

            The Imperfects

            412 Listeners

            Adult Child by Andrea

            Adult Child

            1,806 Listeners

            Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

            Good Inside with Dr. Becky

            4,451 Listeners

            We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

            We Can Do Hard Things

            41,484 Listeners

            The EMDR Podcast by Thomas Zimmerman

            The EMDR Podcast

            55 Listeners

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

            Let's Talk EMDR

            34 Listeners

            The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

            The Mel Robbins Podcast

            19,689 Listeners

            Understanding EMDR by Tracy Lynch

            Understanding EMDR

            1 Listeners

            MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel by Understood.org

            MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

            48 Listeners