Flash Technique
Flash Technique
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A gentler way to heal what still hurts
A gentler way to heal what still hurts
Painful memories don't stay in the past—they show up in how we feel and react today. The Flash Technique offers a gentle, surprisingly quick way to help your system process those memories without being overwhelmed.
Flash is a trauma modality that helps reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories, without needing to talk about them or relive the pain. Instead, your focus stays on something neutral or even pleasant—like a beach holiday or your favorite pet—while your brain does its quiet, healing work in the background.
This might sound too good to be true, but there's solid theory behind it. Flash appears to work through a process called memory reconsolidation. This is a natural neurological function where emotional memories can be 'updated' with new information. By lightly and safely activating the memory (without going into it) while directing attention on something much more pleasant, the brain can begin to unhook the emotional charge from the negative experience.
In other words: your brain gently reorganizes traumatic experiences while you focus on something much more positive.
What the research says
What the research says
Flash is backed by a growing body of research and is widely supported by therapists. Among multiple promising studies, a 2022 randomized controlled trial found that just one session of Flash significantly reduced distress in individuals with high levels of trauma. Similarly, a 2021 controlled experiment showed that Flash effectively reduced the emotional intensity and vividness of painful memories—and was rated by participants as more pleasant than other trauma processing methods.
Clinicians also report that it's particularly helpful for people with complex PTSD or who have intense emotional responses and find traditional trauma processing too activating. Flash is also used as a bridge to or in conjunction with deeper work, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), especially for clients who need more safety or stability first.
Who it helps
Who it helps
Flash is especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed or flooded by traditional trauma work; who have very protective 'thinking parts', dissociation or emotional shutdown; who have parts that say 'I can’t go there yet'; and who want a softer, more resourced entry point to healing.
If something in you knows it wants to heal, but another part says it's just not safe to talk about it yet, Flash might be the fastest and safest way to feel better.
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