Flash Technique: A Quick and Gentle Trauma Healing Tool
The Flash Technique, developed by Dr. Philip Manfield, is a simple yet powerful approach for trauma healing. It allows individuals to process traumatic memories without diving deeply into them, making it less distressing. The technique involves focusing on positive memories while gently accessing the trauma in a way that feels manageable.
My Experience:
I tried the Flash Technique myself and was surprised at how effective it was. It's unlike anything I've tried before. It comes from EMDR therapy, but it is very different from it. I noticed a real shift - and it's lasting. It’s definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for a gentle trauma-healing method.
How It Works:
The magic behind the Flash Technique lies in how it engages the brain. By distracting the mind with positive images or thoughts, it allows the frontal cortex—the part of our brain responsible for reasoning—to process the traumatic memory without triggering a fight-or-flight response. This means that we can access difficult memories without being overwhelmed or disturbed by them, making the healing process much less stressful.
Healing from Trauma:
True healing from trauma means being able to say, "even thought it happened, I’m okay now. It's over." It involves healing the beliefs we might have created in the moment of trauma, like "the world is unsafe," or "it’s my fault." The Flash Technique helps shift these deep-rooted beliefs, so even though the trauma happened, you recognize, "Right here, right now, I’m okay." It doesn't mean forgetting, it doesn't mean condoning, it doesn't mean saying that it's ok that it happened. Healing means trauma is no longer jerking you around and impacting your daily life.
Learn More:
Flash Technique Main Website
Here is a lot of research on Flash Technique: https://flashtechnique.com/wp/research/
Flash Technique Demonstrations with Dr Manfield: https://www.youtube.com/@philmanfieldphd
Important Reminder:
While the Flash Technique can be a great tool for trauma healing, it’s important to remember that some people may need the support of a therapist. Please do your research first. Start with something simple. Be very gentle with yourself. If you find it overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. If you have tried it with a therapist first, you might feel more comfortable practicing by yourself.
Practice It:
Watch this YouTube video to try it out yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2vD_1hxrnQ
There’s an app that guides you through the Flash Technique exercises: https://app.flashtechnique.com/
Stay safe and take care of yourself.
