What is the Flash Technique
The Flash Technique can help reduce the impact, or distress caused by a disturbing or upsetting memory.
Because you don’t have to think or talk about the memory, it will help you to process it without any distress. This means it’s useful for managing memories that might be overwhelming.
When is the Flash Technique used?
The Flash Technique can be used before you start another form of trauma treatment. It can also be used on its own to reduce the distress associated with past events.
When used as part of another trauma treatment, it can quickly make memories less intense. This can help make them more accessible and easier to handle.
What happens during the treatment?
The technique involves helping you to briefly identify a traumatic memory. You’ll then be encouraged to take part in a conversation about a positive or neutral subject. During this we’ll ask you to blink several times. We will then check-in with the traumatic memory to see if there’s been any change to how you respond to it.
This process is usually repeated three to four times as required, until the distress reduces no further or no distress is reported.
In subsequent sessions memories are reviewed to ensure that these reductions in distress have been maintained.
Further Information
For further information speak to a member of your care team.
You can also visit the following websites to learn more:
Feedback
Please let your care team know if you want to comment on whether:
- this information is useful
- any information is missing
- you do not understand the information
Do you have concerns or complaints?
If you have concerns or complaints about a service, you can:
- tell a member of staff
- call our complaints team – freephone 0800 052 0219
- email [email protected]
Information in other languages and formats
All our website and leaflet information can be made available in many formats. Please ask a member of staff if you would like this information in another language, large print, audio or braille.