The Flash Technique

What Is Flash Technique?

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Flash Technique is a gentle trauma-processing approach that helps reduce the emotional intensity connected to a distressing memory without needing to go into the details of that memory during the session. It was originally developed within the EMDR world and is often used when a memory feels too overwhelming, too painful, or too activating to discuss directly.

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Why We Might Use It

Some memories feel too charged to approach in a direct way. Flash Technique is designed to help your brain process the memory more indirectly, while you stay focused on something calming, pleasant, or engaging. This often makes the work feel easier to tolerate and less overwhelming than more direct trauma processing approaches.

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How It Works

During Flash Technique, you will briefly identify a distressing memory or issue we are targeting, but you will not need to describe it in detail. Most of your attention will stay on a positive engaging focus—something that feels pleasant, comforting, absorbing, or emotionally steady. This might be a peaceful nature scene, a favorite pet, a loved one, a meaningful memory, music, or another image that helps you feel more settled. While you stay with that positive focus, I may guide you through brief blinks, light tapping, or other simple steps that are part of the process. The goal is for your brain to process the upsetting material in the background while you remain anchored in something steadier.

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Why It May Help

The current understanding is that Flash Technique allows a disturbing memory to be contacted very lightly, without needing to fully relive it. Early research suggests it can reduce distress quickly and is generally well tolerated, with preliminary studies showing meaningful drops in disturbance ratings after brief sessions. The research base is still growing, but the results so far are promising.

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What to Expect in a Session

A Flash session is usually calm, structured, and simple.

During the session, you can expect:

• We will choose one memory, image, feeling, or issue to target.

• You will not need to tell the full story unless you want to share a little context.

• We will choose a positive engaging focus for you to look at, imagine, or listen to.

• I may guide you to do brief blinks or use gentle tapping while staying focused on the positive image or scene.

• After a short set, I may ask you to lightly notice the target and tell me whether it feels different now—less vivid, further away, less charged, or more neutral.

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Many people notice that the memory begins to feel:

• less intense

• farther away

• less vivid

• more neutral

• easier to think about without the same emotional charge

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What Kind of Positive Focus Works Best

A good positive engaging focus is something that naturally holds your attention in a pleasant, steady, or emotionally supportive way. It does not need to be perfect. It just needs to feel easier on your system than the distressing memory.

 

Examples include:

• a beach, lake, forest, or mountain scene

• a favorite pet

• a happy memory with a loved one

• a baby laughing

• a meaningful spiritual image

• a favorite song or piece of music

• a sports moment, funny clip, or uplifting video

• a peaceful walk in nature

• a beautiful place you have visited or would love to visit

 

Ideas for a 30-Minute Flash Session

For a full 30-minute session, it helps to have something visually steady and easy to stay with. Good options include:

 

Videos

• a 30-minute ocean waves video

• a forest nature video

• a lake or mountain scene

• a gentle pet or animal video

• a favorite calming visual without a lot of fast changes

 

Examples of this type of video include 30-minute sea-wave videos and forest relaxation films.

Still Images

• a photo of a beach, forest, lake, or flowers

• a favorite pet

• a meaningful family photo

• a place that feels peaceful and familiar

• a piece of art that feels calming or inspiring

 

Audio

• a favorite calming song

• gentle instrumental music

• nature sounds like ocean waves or birds

• a short loop of something emotionally soothing

 

How to Prepare Before Session

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Before session, it helps to:

• choose 1–3 calming or pleasant images or videos

• make sure they feel good to look at

• avoid anything emotionally mixed or too stimulating

• use headphones if sound helps you focus

• find a quiet, private place where you can settle in for the session

 

Have your image or video already open and ready can make the session smoother. The official Flash instructions also note that remote Flash is used with some extra care and works best when the client has enough stability and support for the process.

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