Flash Technique

Flash Technique is a trauma-focused therapeutic intervention designed to reduce the emotional distress associated with traumatic and other emotionally-charged memories. I often use it as a precursor to more direct trauma processing therapies (including more standard EMDR protocols), but also use it as a standalone method for addressing highly distressing material. I find this technique particularly useful for clients who experience overwhelming reactions when attempting to engage with traumatic material.

The Flash Technique is very similar to EMDR (and is in fact considered a derivation of EMDR by myself and some other clinicians), and is based on the principle of dual attention, which involves engaging the brain’s processing systems while keeping the client distanced from the emotional intensity of the target memory. Unlike traditional exposure therapies, where clients focus directly on the traumatic memory, the Flash Technique allows clients to maintain a focus on a "positive engaging focus" (PEF), such as a pleasant memory, neutral imagery, or an enjoyable activity. This approach minimizes emotional overwhelm while the brain reprocesses the traumatic material in the background.

The process begins by identifying a target traumatic memory and gauging its intensity using a Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS). Clients are then encouraged to focus on their PEF while the therapist occasionally interjects with brief, "flash-like" prompts that reference the traumatic memory indirectly. For instance, the therapist might ask clients to think about the trauma for a second or two before redirecting attention to the PEF. This alternating focus enables the brain to process the traumatic memory at a manageable pace.

The Flash Technique is believed to work by engaging the brain's natural processing systems while minimizing emotional distress. It capitalizes on neurobiological principles, including the desensitization of emotional triggers and the enhancement of safety cues, to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories.

Research, clinical reports, and my own clinical experience suggest that the Flash Technique can effectively decrease distress related to trauma, even after just a few sessions. Its gentle approach makes it particularly valuable for individuals with complex trauma, high levels of dissociation, or difficulty engaging with traditional trauma-focused therapies. This innovative method represents a compassionate and effective way to support trauma recovery. I have used this technique to help individual from Oakland, throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond. Please get in touch if you would like to know more.