The EMDR Doctor Podcast

43. Teeny Tiny Targets in EMDR


Listen Later

Hi everyone, it’s Dr. Caroline Lloyd here, and in this week’s episode of The EMDR Doctor Podcast, I’m talking about what I call “teeny tiny targets” in EMDR therapy — those small, everyday irritations or moments that don’t seem like a big deal… until they quietly take up space in your mind.

This episode was inspired by a friend who asked me, “What’s the smallest target you’ve ever worked on?” It got me thinking, because while most of my clients work on big, life-changing events, I often use EMDR for myself on the little things — a snarky comment, a frustrating traffic moment, or even learning how to take a compliment without squirming.

I share how these small targets can be surprisingly powerful for emotional wellbeing, why they’re worth processing, and how EMDR techniques — like walking EMDR — can help shift even the tiniest irritations so they don’t stick around and spoil your day.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • How EMDR can be used for everyday irritations and “micro-upsets” — not just big trauma.

  • Why unresolved small annoyances can build up and affect your mood and wellbeing.

  • The story of how I processed a minor traffic frustration using walking EMDR.

  • How to spot when you’re deflecting compliments — and why that’s worth working on.

  • A simple EMDR-based protocol for learning to accept and internalise positive feedback.

  • Why addressing “small” issues can create big shifts in self-esteem and emotional resilience.
  • Key Highlights:

    • Teeny tiny targets are the small moments of irritation or discomfort that can quietly accumulate stress if we don’t process them.

    • Walking EMDR is a simple, on-the-go way to work through mild distress.

    • Learning to take a compliment is more than a social skill — it’s a way to strengthen self-worth and positive belief systems.

    • Even when the “big trauma” feels more urgent, small wins in therapy can build the emotional capacity needed for deeper work.

    • Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and meditation — it can also be clearing away the little irritations before they pile up.

      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:

          • Make sure you’re following The EMDR Doctor podcast so you never miss an episode! Next week, we’ll be exploring even more ways EMDR can transform your life — from deepening your relationships to building a stronger sense of self.

          • Each episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you on your path to recovery.

            Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she unpacks trauma, demystifies PTSD, and shares how EMDR can support real, lasting healing.

            ...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