EMDR Flash Technique

Flash Technique for Complex PTSD Treatment: Practical Relief Backed by Evidence

Why should you know about the Flash Technique for complex PTSD treatment?

If you’ve tried various trauma therapies, but nothing has got you across the line, you might be tired of approaches that require you to talk about trauma.

The Flash Technique (FT) offers a new, evidence-backed alternative designed to make therapy more manageable and less distressing for complex trauma.

You don’t have to remember to recover.

What is the Flash Technique (FT)?

The Flash Technique is a trauma therapy method built on traditional EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) principles.

Unlike EMDR, EMDR Flash Technique doesn’t require repeatedly focusing on traumatic memories.

Instead, clients briefly identify the disturbing memory, then shift to a positive focus—making the FT less overwhelming than traditional EMDR for those with complex trauma or multiple traumatic events.

How Does the FT Process Work?

FT works by blending memory reprocessing and positive engagement:

• Identify a traumatic memory and rank distress using the SUDS (Subjective Units of Distress) scale
• Shift attention to a Positive Engaging Focus—like a hobby, holiday, or pet
• Use bilateral tapping
• While focused on the positive, the therapist occasionally prompts rapid blinking (instead of recalling the trauma)
• After several rounds, check in on distress; the memory often becomes less vivid
• Repeat until distress is reduced

You don’t need to relive the trauma, which makes the FT process well-suited for complex PTSD, those sensitive to traditional exposure therapies, and those who can’t even remember traumatic events.

Flash Technique vs EMDR

EMDR and exposure therapy require revisiting traumatic events, which can cause distress or lead to therapy dropout.

Flash Technique reduces distress and avoidance in therapy, making sessions less taxing for clients with a trauma history.

Research shows FT is as effective as EMDR for reducing the emotional impact and vividness of distressing memories, while being rated more pleasant by clients

Works well for blind to therapist cases—the therapist doesn’t know the details of the client’s experience.

For more on the difference, see my full breakdown here: What’s BEST for Trauma Recovery EMDR or Flash Technique?

Benefits and Applications of Flash Technique

Flash Technique is flexible, efficient, and minimally intrusive:

• Can be used for both single-incident trauma and complex, multiple traumas
• Integrates easily with in-person and virtual sessions
• Helps with anxiety, phobias, chronic pain, and PTSD symptoms
• Effective as a standalone intervention or alongside traditional EMDR and other trauma therapies

The main advantage: FT allows trauma processing without direct confrontation or prolonged distress—making it easier to access difficult material, even when you’ve tried everything but nothing has quite worked.

Who Can Benefit from FT?

Flash Technique can help:

• Adults and children coping with complex trauma
• People struggling with anxiety, phobias, or fears linked to traumatic memories
• Clients needing relief from chronic pain associated with distress
• Those who haven’t responded to traditional trauma therapy

FT is safe and effective, whether delivered in-person or virtually—ideal for a flexible, client-centred approach.

FAQs

Can Flash Technique replace EMDR?

FT can be used on its own for specific memories and works well alongside other therapies such as OEI Therapy, Accelerated Hypnotherapy, and other neuroscience-based technologies.

Do I have to relive my trauma?

No. FT is designed so you don’t have to describe or revivify the trauma by talking about it in any detail.

Is FT supported by research?

Yes. Multiple studies show FT is effective, safe, and often rated as easier than standard trauma-focused techniques.

How long does it take to work?

Many clients notice significant relief within 10–20 minutes, though complex trauma may need several sessions.

For a detailed look at how the EMDR Flash Technique works and the latest science behind it, see my previous article: The Science of EMDR Flash Technique For Trauma Therapy.

If you’re looking for a grounded, gentle approach for complex PTSD, the Flash Technique may offer the relief you’ve been searching for.

Let’s connect.