Aphantasia and EMDR: Can You Heal Without Visualising?

In this fascinating episode of the EMDR Doctor Podcast, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explores aphantasia—the inability to visualise images in the mind’s eye—and its impact on EMDR therapy. Many EMDR exercises rely on visualisation, but what happens if a person simply can’t form mental images? Dr. Lloyd unpacks how EMDR can still be effective for people with aphantasia, how therapists adapt techniques, and some surprising connections between trauma, neurodiversity, and imagination.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What aphantasia is and why some people are unaware they have it
• How people with aphantasia experience memories differently—through concepts, feelings, or words instead of pictures
• How EMDR can be adapted for individuals who don’t process memories visually
• The possible links between aphantasia, trauma, and dissociation—and why some people report changes in their mental imagery after EMDR
• Insights into hyperphantasia and synesthesia, two related phenomena that create heightened visualisation abilities

Key Highlights:

• Dr. Lloyd explains how EMDR can still be highly effective even without visual memory recall.
• The potential connection between trauma and losing or regaining visual memory after EMDR processing.
• A fascinating look at how the brain lights up on fMRI scans when visualising—even when someone with aphantasia can’t “see” images.
• How neurodiversity, autism, and trauma may all interact with how people experience memory and imagination.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Lloyd’s Heal Your Past online EMDR program – Register at emdrdoctor.com.au/heal
• Research into aphantasia, hyperphantasia, and synesthesia

Contact and Feedback:

• Do you experience aphantasia or hyperphantasia? Share your experience with Dr. Lloyd at emdrdoctor.com.au.
• Note: This podcast provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

• Don’t miss future episodes where Dr. Lloyd explores EMDR’s impact on different cognitive and sensory processing styles.
• Follow the podcast to stay updated on the latest insights and expert discussions.

Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she demystifies aphantasia, memory processing, and EMDR, proving that healing is possible—even without visualisation. Thanks for listening!