In this week’s episode of The EMDR Doctor Podcast, we’re diving into something many people quietly relate to — the struggle to form or maintain friendships after trauma.

What happens when connection feels unsafe, or when friendship becomes more exhausting than fulfilling? And what does it really mean when someone says, “I don’t do friends”?

This episode unpacks how early relational wounds, social exclusion, and even subtle emotional injuries can shape how we connect with others as adults — and how EMDR therapy can help us rebuild safety, trust, and authenticity in our relationships.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

How early experiences of rejection, bullying, or conditional love can shape our adult friendships.

Why some people withdraw socially — not from preference, but from emotional exhaustion or fear.

The difference between solitude (a healthy choice) and isolation (a protective response to pain).

How EMDR helps untangle the past wounds that make connection feel risky.

The role of people-pleasing in friendships — and why healing may mean losing some unbalanced relationships along the way.

Key Highlights:

“I don’t do friends” is often not a preference — it’s a legacy of relational trauma.

EMDR helps reprocess painful memories of exclusion, betrayal, or bullying that shaped our sense of worthiness and belonging.

Healing people-pleasing patterns may temporarily change friendships — but it also creates space for healthier, mutual connections.

Neurodivergent individuals may find friendships draining due to masking or performance — EMDR can support self-acceptance and boundary setting.

True connection begins with authenticity — the ability to show up as ourselves without fear of rejection.

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Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.