“EMDR has transformed the way I do psychotherapy, and the FLASH Technique has transformed the way I do EMDR.”
-Lewis Engel, PhD, EMDRIA Approved Consultant

Developed in mid- 2016, this technique is used during the preparation phase of EMDR, and allows clients to reduce the disturbance associated with extremely painful memories without actually feeling the pain. Defenses that are normally obstacles to processing are not activated because the process is not threatening or painful. Clients who dissociate have less need to dissociate and those who are afraid of the intensity of their memories can process without being afraid. Dramatic reductions in disturbance happen often in 5 to ten minutes. And, for clinicians, this technique is easy to learn and use.

A paper describing four cases zero utilizing flash has been published in the November 2017 issue of the journal of EMDR practice and research.

Upcoming Trainings

Flash Technique Webinar

November 3rd

9:00am - 5:00 pm PDT

Making intense trauma memories more accessible for EMDR Processing.

London Flash Technique Workshop

19th October 2018

9:00 - 17:00

Venue: Lecture Theatre – Institute of Mechanical Engineers

Flash is a brief intervention that is easy to learn and apply, and allows traumatic memories to be processed without eliciting emotions or talking about events. This makes it very helpful for clients with intense trauma memories who are at risk of dissociation/abreaction. Recent developments have made the technique easier and more flexible to apply, with positive results resulting in further research.

This is a single opportunity to learn Flash from the founder at a one day conference in the heart of London. The venue is a purpose built auditorium at the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, close to Buckingham Palace and local tube stations.

Melbourne Flash Technique Workshop & EMDR Master Class

January 12 & 13, 2018

1-Day Flash Workshop: $350 General, $310 APS or EMDRAA
2-Day Flash + EMDR Master Class: $650 General, $575 APS or EMDRAA

The Flash technique reduces the disturbance associated with extremely painful memories. It is fast, effective, and easy to learn for therapists, and allows clients to resolve painful memories without actually feeling the pain. As unlikely as it may sound, it is true. Many new research studies are validating the underlying principle of Flash, that focusing on a trauma or phobia consciously is far less effective than processing without conscious exposure to the trauma. Defenses that are normally obstacles to processing do not get activated, so the technique is especially helpful for clients who dissociate or are afraid of the intensity of their memories. Dramatic reductions in disturbance often happen in 5-10 minutes.

This workshop will follow the format successfully used over this past year to train over 2,700 clinicians in Flash worldwide. Participants will come away understanding why Flash works and how to use it, experience it themselves in two ten-minute practicums, and be prepared to use it with clients immediately. Although this technique was originally developed for use in the preparation phase of EMDR, it can be equally useful in CBT and exposure therapies.

Psychologists without EMDR training are encouraged to attend Day 1. Day 2 is a master class in EMDR advanced techniques, which is open only to EMDR-trained therapists. It will consist of lecture, demonstrations, video, practicum, and Q&A. Topics include finding source memories, uses of resourcing, addressing attachment issues, OCD, and case conceptualization.