The Flash Technique
Healing Doesn't Have to Mean Reliving What Happened
Sometimes you know an experience still affects you, but the thought of talking through it in detail feels overwhelming. The Flash Technique offers a way to work with distress connected to difficult memories while keeping your attention anchored in something positive and engaging. With the support of a trauma-trained therapist, you can begin approaching difficult experiences without having to spend the entire session immersed in them.
When Remembering Still Feels Like Too Much
You may know that something from your past continues to affect you without feeling ready to spend a lot of time talking about it. The Flash Technique offers another way to begin working with distress connected to difficult experiences while keeping the process focused and manageable.
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Memories Still Affect You
A difficult memory can continue to bring up emotions or reactions long after the experience is over. Flash can help you work with the distress connected to it without repeatedly focusing on the details.
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Talking About It Feels Like Too Much
You may not feel ready to spend a lot of time immersed in a painful experience. Flash offers a more contained way to approach the distress while keeping your attention elsewhere.
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You Want to Feel Less Stuck
You may be ready for something to change without wanting to relive what happened. Flash can help you begin working with the emotional intensity connected to difficult memories.
What Flash Technique Can Feel Like
Flash Technique is a structured intervention that allows you to briefly connect with distress related to a difficult memory while intentionally directing much of your attention toward something positive, engaging, or absorbing. Your therapist will guide you through the process and help you notice what changes as you move through it.
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You Choose What Feels Manageable to Work With
You and your therapist identify a distressing memory or experience you'd like to work with. You don't need to provide every detail or spend the session retelling what happened.
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You Find Something Positive to Focus On
Your therapist helps you identify something engaging or positive that can hold your attention—a memory, image, activity, or experience that feels meaningful or enjoyable to you.
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You Briefly Connect With the Difficult Memory
Rather than staying immersed in the distressing experience, you briefly bring the memory into awareness while continuing to focus on the positive or engaging experience. Your therapist guides you through the process.
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You Notice What Changes
As you repeat the process, you may notice changes in the intensity or emotional charge connected to the memory. Your therapist can help you observe what you're experiencing and determine how to continue from there.
When a Memory Feels Less Overwhelming, You Have More Room for the Present
Difficult memories can continue to affect how you feel and respond in the present, even when you know the experience is over. The Flash Technique can help reduce the distress or emotional intensity connected to a difficult memory while allowing you to stay anchored in something positive and engaging. As the memory becomes less overwhelming, you may have more space to be present, respond to life as it is happening now, and move forward without feeling as pulled back into what happened.
Your Path Through Healing
There isn't one approach that works for everyone. Trauma therapy can be tailored to your experiences, needs, and goals, drawing from different approaches to support you along the way.
Find a Therapist Who Feels Like a Good Fit
Finding the right therapist can make a meaningful difference in your experience of therapy. Get to know our therapists, learn about their approaches and areas of focus, and find someone who feels like a good fit for you. And if you're not sure where to start, that's okay—we can help you explore what kind of support may be right for you.
FAQs
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Not necessarily. The Flash Technique is designed to allow you to work with distress connected to a difficult memory without spending the session repeatedly describing or focusing on the painful details. Your therapist may ask for some information to understand what you're working with, but the memory itself does not have to remain the focus of the session.
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The goal is not to have you become immersed in the difficult experience. Instead, your therapist guides you to briefly connect with the distress while keeping much of your attention on something positive, engaging, or absorbing. This can allow you to approach difficult material in a more contained way.
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The Flash Technique developed within the broader EMDR therapeutic community, but the experience is different. Flash intentionally keeps your attention focused on something positive or engaging while you briefly connect with distress related to a difficult memory. Your therapist can help you determine whether Flash, EMDR, or another approach is the best fit for your needs.
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You don't have to feel completely ready to tell your entire story before beginning therapy. Flash can offer a more contained way to begin working with distress connected to difficult experiences. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to determine what feels manageable and appropriate.
Wondering About Insurance?
We accept a variety of insurance plans, and we know figuring out your benefits can feel overwhelming. Visit our Insurance & Fees page to learn more about accepted plans, self-pay options, and reduced-fee options.
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Step 1: Connect With Us
Take the first step by contacting us. We're here to answer your questions and help you get started.
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Step 2: We'll Guide You
Together, we'll help you find the therapist who is the best fit for your needs, goals, and preferences.
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Step 3: Begin Healing Together
Meet your therapist, build a trusting relationship, and begin working toward meaningful growth and lasting change.