What Is the Flash Technique? A Gentler Entry Into Trauma Processing
Beneath the Surface TherapyJournal
Client guide · Flash Technique
What Is the Flash Technique?
A different way to approach a distressing memory.
What the Flash Technique involves, how it relates to EMDR, and why thoughtful assessment still comes first.
Focused care, not a race. Preparation, clinical fit, and meaningful choice guide the work. This article is an introduction, not individualized treatment.
01 / The foundation
What is the Flash Technique?
You may want help with a distressing memory and still feel reluctant to spend an appointment immersed in it. For professionals and other adults carrying substantial responsibility, the concern may include what happens during the work and how it fits with life afterward. Wanting thoughtful pacing is not a lack of commitment.
The Flash Technique is a clinician-guided intervention intended to reduce distress connected to a memory while limiting sustained attention to its most painful content. Philip Manfield and colleagues first described it as a preparation strategy within EMDR therapy. (Manfield et al., 2017)
Flash may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan. It is not the full EMDR protocol, a promise of painless treatment, or a technique you need to select before asking for help. (Manfield et al., 2017; Manfield et al., 2024)
02 / Attention & engagement
How is attention used differently?
With Flash, the memory is identified and monitored, but most conscious attention stays with a positive engaging focus: something personally absorbing or pleasantly interesting. That might be a memory, interest, activity, music, or a story. It does not have to look impressive or meaningful to anyone else. (Brouwers et al., 2021; Manfield et al., 2024)
This is not forced positive thinking, gratitude for harm, or pretending the event did not matter. The therapist guides the procedure, briefly rechecks the memory’s disturbance, and decides with you whether to continue, pause, or change the plan. (Alting van Geusau et al., 2023; Manfield et al., 2024)
Less sustained focus does not mean no assessment. The clinician still needs enough information to understand the concern, select an appropriate target, and monitor how you are responding.
This article explains the approach without teaching the procedure. It is not a self-treatment exercise.
03 / The distinction
How does Flash relate to EMDR?
Flash and EMDR are related, but they are not interchangeable. Flash began as a way to reduce the intensity of difficult-to-approach memories during EMDR preparation. Standard EMDR is a complete eight-phase psychotherapy. (Manfield et al., 2017; Shapiro, 2018)
Flash
A focused intervention that limits sustained attention to disturbing material. It may be included in preparation or other clinically appropriate target work.
EMDR therapy
A broader process of history-taking, preparation, assessment, processing, closure, and reevaluation, addressing past experiences, present triggers, and future responses.
EMDR has a substantially larger evidence base, particularly for PTSD. A clinician may include Flash, use standard EMDR, or recommend a different approach according to assessment and your preferences. (American Psychological Association, 2025; Shapiro, 2018)
04 / Research in context
What does the research suggest?
The findings reviewed here are promising and still developing. Some studies report reductions in memory-related disturbance, vividness, or trauma symptoms. That does not establish that Flash is superior to full EMDR, appropriate for every concern, or sufficient on its own. (Brouwers et al., 2021; Manfield et al., 2024; Yaşar et al., 2022)
Proposed explanations include working-memory effects, reconsolidation, and positive-emotion models. These remain explanations to investigate—not one proven account of what happens for every person. (Perez-Strumolo, 2024; Wong, 2021)
Read the research summary
This summary reflects the research reviewed in August 2026. The studies differ in participants, delivery, comparisons, and follow-up; results are not predictions for an individual client.
- Early clinical work: Four case examples introduced the method and called for further study. (Manfield et al., 2017)
- Controlled comparison: A study of aversive memories in a nonclinical sample found similar reductions with Flash and an abbreviated EMDR protocol; participants rated Flash more pleasant. It did not establish equivalence for diagnosed PTSD. (Brouwers et al., 2021)
- Selected clinical trials: A traffic-accident study reported advantages on some outcomes, not all. An online breast-cancer trial found improvements in both treatment groups without significant between-group differences in change. (Savaş et al., 2026; Yaşar et al., 2022)
- Preliminary series: Four repeated-measures studies reported reduced disturbance, but lacked the controls of a clinical randomized trial. (Manfield et al., 2024)
- Other settings: Studies examined healthcare providers, prelicensed clinicians, and adolescents. Specific populations and designs limit generalization. (Gustavson et al., 2023; Inci Izmir & Çitil Akyol, 2024; Manfield et al., 2021; Çitil Akyol & Inci Izmir, 2025)
A published protocol describes a planned comparison of Flash, EMDR 2.0, and standard EMDR. A study protocol is not a report of outcomes. (Alting van Geusau et al., 2023)
05 / Personal fit
What still matters for fit and readiness?
Flash may be considered when a memory remains distressing and sustained direct attention to it feels especially difficult. That is a reason for assessment, not automatic proof that Flash is the right approach. (Manfield et al., 2017; Manfield et al., 2024)
Preparation includes current stability, the ability to stay oriented and communicate, available support, and how the intervention fits the rest of treatment. The therapist should respond to overwhelm, detachment, or unexpected material rather than push through a procedure. (Alting van Geusau et al., 2023; Manfield et al., 2017)
Lower intensity is an intention of the method—not a guarantee of no distress.
A reduction in the disturbance of one memory does not necessarily resolve every linked belief, symptom, or relationship pattern. We still consider what needs further attention and how any change carries into everyday life. (Brouwers et al., 2021; Manfield et al., 2024)
Complex trauma and dissociative responses
Complex trauma, significant dissociation, ongoing danger, or severe instability may call for more preparation or a different treatment plan. A clinical report involving dissociative presentations is not evidence of universal suitability. (Wong, 2019)
The question is not whether you can tolerate a technique. It is whether the approach is appropriate for you, the target, and this point in treatment.
06 / California telehealth
How Flash may fit an intensive
At Beneath the Surface Therapy, Flash is considered within private-pay individual EMDR intensive care when it fits your assessment, treatment goals, and informed preferences. It is not a separate public booking pathway or a technique promised for every appointment.
Intensive options include three hours, five hours, or three five-hour days. The time allows for preparation, appropriate processing, breaks, closure, and integration planning. A longer appointment is not permission to rush work that needs a more gradual pace.
Psychotherapy is provided exclusively through telehealth for adults physically located in California. I do not accept or bill insurance. The intensive service page explains formats and fees, and the practice FAQs cover preparation, technology, and logistics.
Questions worth asking before treatment
- How will we decide whether Flash fits my needs?
- What preparation comes before the procedure?
- How will I communicate that I need to pause?
- What happens if I become overwhelmed or disconnected?
- How will we review changes and plan for what comes next?
You do not need to choose between Flash and standard EMDR before submitting an inquiry. Assessment comes before selecting the intervention.
07 / Integration
An approach that leaves room for choice
Thoughtful trauma work is not measured by how much pain you can endure. The aim is to approach what needs attention while staying responsive to your limits, experience, and goals.
For some people, Flash may help make a memory more approachable. For others, additional preparation or another intervention is a better starting point. The method follows the treatment plan—not the other way around. (Manfield et al., 2017; Manfield et al., 2024)
Individual psychotherapy · Private pay
Begin with the fit, not the technique.
Explore EMDR intensive care with individualized preparation, focused treatment time, and integration planning. Flash may be included when clinically appropriate.
Complete the prescreener on the intensive page. I review the inquiry and, when appropriate, invite you to a free 15-minute introductory call before fuller assessment and preparation.
Telehealth only · Adults physically located in California · No insurance billing.
Submitting the prescreener does not book an appointment or confirm acceptance for treatment.
This article provides general education, not individualized diagnosis, treatment, crisis support, or a self-treatment protocol. Reading it does not establish a therapist–client relationship. Clinical examples are illustrative, not diagnostic rules or guarantees of outcome.
Sources & further reading
References · 15 sources
Alting van Geusau, V. V. P., de Jongh, A., Nuijs, M. D., Brouwers, T. C., Moerbeek, M., & Matthijssen, S. J. M. A. (2023). The effectiveness, efficiency, and acceptability of EMDR vs. EMDR 2.0 vs. the Flash Technique in the treatment of patients with PTSD: Study protocol for the ENHANCE randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, Article 1278052. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1278052
American Psychological Association. (2025). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline
Brouwers, T. C., de Jongh, A., & Matthijssen, S. J. M. A. (2021). The effects of the Flash Technique compared to those of an abbreviated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy protocol on the emotionality and vividness of aversive memories. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 741163. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741163
Çitil Akyol, C., & Inci Izmir, S. B. (2025). Exploring the impact of Flash Technique on test anxiety among adolescents. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 30(3), 735–751. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045251329437
Gustavson, K., Wong, S.-L., & Le, D. (2023). Research on low-intensity Flash Technique trauma intervention by prelicensed student clinicians. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 17(2), 54–69. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-2022-0059
Inci Izmir, S. B., & Çitil Akyol, C. (2024). EMDR Flash Technique in adolescents with depression: A twelve-week follow-up study. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 29(3), 949–965. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045241247701
Manfield, P., Lovett, J., Engel, L., & Manfield, D. (2017). Use of the Flash Technique in EMDR therapy: Four case examples. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(4), 195–205. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.4.195
Manfield, P. E., Engel, L., Greenwald, R., & Bullard, D. G. (2021). Flash Technique in a scalable low-intensity group intervention for COVID-19-related stress in healthcare providers. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(2), 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-20-00053
Manfield, P. E., Taylor, G., Dornbush, E., Engel, L., & Greenwald, R. (2024). Preliminary evidence for the acceptability, safety, and efficacy of the Flash Technique. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, Article 1273704. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1273704
Perez-Strumolo, L. (2024). The effectiveness of the Flash Technique is explained by the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotion. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 18(3), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-2024-0015
Savaş, E., Gündoğmuş, İ., Kınık, Ç., Kubilay, D., Kavakçı, Ö., & Yaşar, A. B. (2026). A randomized controlled trial of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) and EMDR-Flash Technique (iEMDR-FT) for improving mental health in breast cancer patients. Current Psychology, 45(1), Article 79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-08723-w
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Wong, S.-L. (2019). Flash Technique group protocol for highly dissociative clients in a homeless shelter: A clinical report. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(1), 20–31. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.1.20
Wong, S.-L. (2021). A model for the Flash Technique based on working memory and neuroscience research. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(3), 174–184. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-21-00048
Yaşar, A. B., Konuk, E., Kavakçı, Ö., Uygun, E., Gündoğmuş, İ., Taygar, A. S., & Uludağ, E. (2022). A randomized-controlled trial of EMDR Flash Technique on traumatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, and life of quality with individuals who have experienced a traffic accident. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 845481. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.845481
Research coverage reflects an August 2026 review. This page does not claim to include every study or subsequent finding.