The Flash Technique, developed in 2017 by Dr Philip Manfield et al, is used during the preparation phase of EMDR to facilitate the processing of intense, traumatic memories that clients might otherwise be afraid or resistant to access. The technique is designed to reduce the emotional intensity of the target memory so that it can be more easily accessed and processed using EMDR therapy.
The Flash Technique involves first briefly touching on the traumatic memory, without describing it or thinking about it in any depth. The client is then asked to put that to one side and focus on something positive and engaging (a Positive Engaging Focus, or PEF). This could be a positive memory, a funny music video, or an activity or a hobby. While focusing on the PEF, the client is asked to tap bilaterally on their knees, and to blink their eyes quickly, 3-5 times, when prompted to do so. After 5 sets of blinks, the therapist asks the client to see if they notice any difference in the target memory. Often this is experienced as much less distressing than before, and the client is willing to process it with EMDR.