The EMDR Doctor Podcast

38. EMDR Metaphors - snowglobes, beachballs and wheelbarrows


Listen Later

In this metaphor-rich episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd takes us into the world of trauma and healing through stories and images that just make sense — even when emotions don’t. If you’ve ever struggled to explain what trauma feels like, or what EMDR actually does, this one’s for you.

From inflatable beach balls that won’t stay submerged to the heavy wheelbarrow of life’s burdens, Dr. Caroline paints a vivid picture of how trauma lives in our body and mind — and how EMDR helps gently deflate, unburden, and rewire.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • Why trauma keeps resurfacing no matter how hard we try to suppress it

  • The “beach ball” metaphor: how trauma slaps us in the face when least expected

  • The “wheelbarrow” metaphor: why life feels so heavy and how trauma therapy can lighten the load

  • How EMDR works to safely process and resolve painful memories

  • What it feels like during and after an EMDR session (think: trains, tunnels, and snow globes)

  • The importance of processing trauma, not just managing symptoms

    Key Highlights:

    • Beach ball analogy: Suppressing trauma takes effort. EMDR releases pressure, making memories less overwhelming.

    • Wheelbarrow metaphor: Everyone carries something. Whether it's sand, pebbles, or boulders—EMDR helps lighten the emotional load.

    • Train + tunnel imagery: EMDR may feel like a train ride through difficult terrain, but there’s a light at the end — and you don’t have to go it alone.

    • Catalogue flipping: Trauma memories may feel scattered, but EMDR helps sort, understand, and file them away.

    • Snow globe effect: Post-session processing is real. Be gentle with yourself as things settle.

      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 helps us show up more fully in our lives and relationships. From healing old attachment wounds to rebuilding trust, it’s a powerful episode filled with insights you won’t want to miss.
          • Follow The EMDR Doctor podcast to stay in the loop — each week brings expert tips, inspiring stories, and practical tools to support your healing journey. You’re not alone, and healing is possible.
          • 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