The EMDR Doctor Podcast

37. Why do I have to rake over the past?


Listen Later

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something that comes up all the time in therapy: the resistance to looking back at the past.
Maybe you’ve thought it yourself — “Why do I have to dig up old memories? My anxiety is about the future, not the past!”
I get it. Going back can feel pointless, painful, or even terrifying. But here’s the thing — the past holds the blueprint for so many of our current struggles. In this episode, I’m breaking down why avoidance is such a key feature of PTSD, how our earliest experiences shape the way we see ourselves today, and why healing can’t really happen unless we gently revisit and process those memories.
It’s not about reliving the pain — it’s about finding the freedom on the other side of it. Let’s talk about how trauma-informed therapy helps us do exactly that.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • Why people often avoid thinking about their past — and how this shows up as part of PTSD.

  • How past experiences shape current anxiety, self-beliefs, and mental health.

  • Why healing requires revisiting the past — but only with the right support and approach.

  • The role of EMDR and other trauma-informed therapies in helping process painful memories safely.

  • That we can’t truly believe positive things about ourselves without addressing the negative beliefs we’ve carried since childhood.

    Key Highlights:

    • The common misconception: “My anxiety is about now — why dig up the past?

    • A simple breakdown of the three main components of PTSD.

    • Caroline’s personal story about a violin teacher’s comment and how it impacted her belief system for decades.

    • The importance of understanding the origin of our negative self-beliefs.

    • A shout-out to the bravery of clients who face their trauma head-on.

    • Why repeating mantras and logic-based CBT techniques can’t fully replace trauma processing.

    • The power of EMDR and other modalities to bring true, lasting change.

      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 exploring even more about how EMDR can shape our lives and relationships. You won’t want to miss the insights.
          • 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
            • 4
            • 4
            • 4
            • 4

            4

            4 ratings


            More shows like The EMDR Doctor Podcast

            View all
            All In The Mind by ABC listen

            All In The Mind

            759 Listeners

            Sounds True: Insights at the Edge by Tami Simon

            Sounds True: Insights at the Edge

            1,842 Listeners

            Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

            Therapy Chat

            685 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

            2,481 Listeners

            The Healing Trauma Podcast by Monique Koven

            The Healing Trauma Podcast

            431 Listeners

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

            Notice That

            310 Listeners

            Therapy in a Nutshell by Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam

            Therapy in a Nutshell

            534 Listeners

            Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

            Trauma Rewired

            305 Listeners

            Adult Child by Andrea

            Adult Child

            1,804 Listeners

            We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

            We Can Do Hard Things

            41,504 Listeners

            The EMDR Podcast by Thomas Zimmerman

            The EMDR Podcast

            52 Listeners

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

            Let's Talk EMDR

            30 Listeners

            Jillian on Love by Jillian Turecki | QCODE

            Jillian on Love

            1,366 Listeners

            The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

            The Mel Robbins Podcast

            20,604 Listeners

            Understanding EMDR by Tracy Lynch

            Understanding EMDR

            4 Listeners