It’s Christmas… and I’m embracing my inner Grinch just a tiny bit this week. In this episode, we’re unpacking the Christmas Blues — the stress, the chaos, the pressure, the grief, the perfectionism, the money stuff, the complicated families… all of it. Because honestly? A lot of people don’t love Christmas, and there are so many valid reasons why.

From impossible expectations to old wounds that get stirred up, we’re taking a gentle, honest look at why this time of year can feel overwhelming — and how you can soften the edges, protect your energy, and give yourself permission to do the holidays your way.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why Christmas can be emotionally overwhelming (and you’re not imagining it!)

How old patterns, trauma, and family dynamics get activated this time of year

Practical ways to lower the pressure, drop the perfectionism, and simplify

How to navigate grief, loneliness, or complicated feelings with more compassion

Why EMDR can help with the deeper, stickier stuff Christmas brings to the surface

How to create a calmer, more authentic holiday experience — without guilt

Key Highlights:

How Christmas pressure — time, expectations, and perfectionism — quietly ramps up stress.

Why family gatherings can feel emotionally loaded, especially when old wounds get stirred.

How grief, loss, or loneliness often resurface this time of year (and why that’s normal).

The financial and emotional fatigue that makes December feel heavier than it looks on paper.

Simple, compassionate ways to soften the season and make Christmas feel safer, calmer, and more “you.”

Resources Mentioned:

Heal Your Past Online EMDR Program: For those looking to explore EMDR as a tool for healing, Dr. Lloyd’s online course offers support in processing trauma, especially betrayal trauma. Find more at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal 

EMDR Therapy for Betrayal Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you.

EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy.

Contact and Feedback:

If you’ve been affected by betrayal trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au . Remember, healing from betrayal trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone.

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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.