Flash Technique - EMDR Therapy

I use the flash technique as well as standard EMDR therapy. Flash can be faster and easier than standard EMDR. Even though standard EMDR therapy works very well, I was excited to learn the flash technique because it can be used sooner and is often easier for people.

Flash is a technique within EMDR therapy. Although flash can be used alone, it is technically part of EMDR therapy.

I learned the flash technique from Dr. Phil Manfield (a well-known EMDR trainer and the developer of the flash technique).

During the flash technique, you would select a difficult or traumatic memory. Then you would actually set aside the difficult memories/feelings and focus on something positive. The positive focus could be a song, a favorite sports team, a place in nature, an imagined place, a fun vacation, an activity you enjoy, someone you love, meditation, breath focus, etc. Then you simply think about your positive focus while doing bilateral stimulation (usually looking at a light bar and holding hand buzzers) and blinking your eyes occasionally.

Although it does not seem like it could work, people usually say that the trauma feels more distant and that they feel much calmer after doing the flash technique.

Of course, there is no way for a client to do the flash technique wrong. We can work with whatever comes up.

Flash Technique Alone or As Part of EMDR Therapy

Sometimes, the flash technique alone works to decrease or stop the distress that someone feels. Other times, flash lowers the distress enough so that standard EMDR is easier to use.

Please see my EMDR page for more information about EMDR.

Flash Is Just One Technique. You Get To Decide!

You always get to decide if you want to try something. I strongly believe that you should get to set the pace of therapy.

The flash techniques takes 5 to 10 minutes, so if it didn’t work, you would not lose much time in therapy. I’ve been amazed at how well it works.

A Relaxed Brain

While I am amazed that the flash technique works so well, it also makes sense that the positive focus allows the brain to stay relaxed and heal more quickly. I have trained in both EMDR therapy and hypnosis, and the flash technique seems like it utilizes the best aspects of both EMDR and hypnosis.

Therapy Office in Sunnyvale

My office is in Sunnyvale, California on Wolfe Rd., near El Camino Real (also close to Santa Clara, Cupertino, and Mountain View). Parking is easy; there is a large parking lot.

1021 S. Wolfe Rd., Suite 255
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Directions to Sunnyvale Therapy Office

About Me

I am a therapist/counselor in Sunnyvale, California. I primarily work with individual adults. (LMFT Lic. # LMFT40414)

Please visit my therapy home page for more information about me.

To Schedule an Appointment or Ask Questions

Call me or email me at stacy@stacyoleary.com to ask any questions you have or set up an appointment. You can also schedule a free phone consultation with me.