Trauma is not only the result of a single event but can also develop as a consequence of long-term and repeated negative experiences. Experiences such as natural disasters, accidents, war, abuse, or serious losses can exceed an individual’s psychological resilience and leave lasting marks. Trauma disrupts the normally functional information processing mechanisms of the brain. For this reason, memories are not felt as “something that happened in the past” but rather as if they are “happening right now,” accompanied by vivid bodily and emotional reactions. Therefore, when a person encounters triggering stimuli that remind them of the trauma, they may develop intense anxiety, re-experiencing, nightmares, or avoidance behaviors.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as the most typical and researched outcome of this process. However, trauma does not only lead to PTSD; it can also pave the way for the development of various psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, dissociative symptoms, somatization, and severe difficulties in interpersonal relationships. PTSD and these accompanying problems affect not only the mental health of the individual but also deeply and negatively impact their social relationships, functionality, and quality of life.
In this context, in 1987, American psychologist Francine Shapiro, based on her own experiences, noticed that when eye movements accompanied traumatic memories, the disturbing emotions decreased. The method she developed by systematizing this observation was named “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).” At first, this approach was met with skepticism in the scientific community, but in the following years, controlled studies and clinical applications led to its growing acceptance. Today, EMDR has taken its place in international clinical guidelines as an evidence-based therapy method for trauma treatment.
New Approaches in EMDR: The Flash Technique
In addition to the classical EMDR protocol, a new application called “The Flash Technique” has been developed in recent years. Flash, as a variation of EMDR, was developed by Philip Manfield and his colleagues and has been appearing in the literature since 2017. Its main aim is to provide a gentler desensitization to initiate the processing of traumatic memories without directly confronting the person with intense emotional material. Studies on the Flash technique are gradually increasing.
In this method, the person is not directly exposed to the traumatic memory intensely; while the memory is kept in the background, attention is directed to a positive image. Thanks to the short “flash” instructions given by the therapist, the disturbing emotional load of the traumatic memory decreases rapidly.
The Flash technique provides a tolerable option especially for clients who have difficulty directly engaging with traumatic content and who experience intense anxiety.
How Is It Applied?
- The client keeps the traumatic memory in mind in the background (background awareness) rather than focusing on it directly.
- At the same time, they direct their attention to a positive/soothing image, thought, or sensation.
- The therapist gives short instructions called “Flash” at certain intervals (for example, blinking, finger snapping, or a quick shift of attention cue).
- During this process, the emotional load of the traumatic memory gradually decreases.
Difference from Classical EMDR
- Involves less confrontation: The client does not describe the traumatic memory in detail or remain exposed to it for a long time.
- Rapid relief: In many case reports, a decrease in symptoms in a short period has been reported.
- Tolerability: It is particularly more useful for people with intense anxiety, dissociative tendencies, or difficulty directly engaging with trauma material.