The Flash Technique (Four Blinks)

Maxim LipatovPracticing psychologist

Published:July 4, 2026

Updated:July 8, 2026

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        "content": "The Flash Technique (Four Blinks) is a modern, gentle method for working with traumatic memories within EMDR therapy. It reduces the emotional burden of painful memories **without requiring the client to fully immerse themselves in the trauma**.\n\nDeveloped as a complement to the preparation phase of EMDR, this technique is especially useful for clients who might be overwhelmed by direct confrontation with trauma. It is particularly effective for **PTSD, complex trauma, and dissociative states**.\n\n## How the Flash Technique Differs from Classic EMDR\n\nIn classic EMDR, the client holds a traumatic memory in focus while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping). This requires readiness to face painful experiences and can be difficult for individuals with deep trauma.\n\nThe Flash Technique works differently:\n\n| Classic EMDR | Flash Technique |\n|--|--|\n| Direct contact with traumatic memory | Indirect processing without conscious immersion |\n| Client focuses on the trauma | Client maintains focus on a **positive image** |\n| Prolonged focus on the trauma | Brief \"flashes\" of attention to the trauma lasting fractions of a second |\n| May cause significant distress | Minimal discomfort, processing happens in the background |\n\n## How the Flash Technique Works\n\nAt the core of the method is the principle of **memory reconsolidation** — the brain gets an opportunity to \"rewrite\" the traumatic memory in a less painful format while the person's attention is occupied with something pleasant.\n\nThe process unfolds as follows:\n\n1. The client **does not focus on the trauma** — instead, they hold a pleasant, resourceful image in mind.\n2. The therapist periodically gives a signal (e.g., says \"flash\"), prompting the client to **blink rapidly several times**.\n3. At the moment of blinking, the client **only briefly \"touches\" the traumatic memory** with the edge of their awareness and immediately returns to the resourceful image.\n4. This cycle repeats several times, after which the client assesses whether their perception of the trauma has changed.\n\nResearch shows that even **10–15 minutes** of work with this technique can significantly reduce the emotional intensity of a traumatic memory. The technique does not cause distress and is perceived by clients as more pleasant than direct trauma work.\n\n## Step-by-Step Guide: How a Session Is Conducted\n\n**Step 1: Target Selection**\n\nThe therapist helps the client identify the traumatic memory or situation to work on. **There is no need to describe the trauma in detail** — simply naming it is enough.\n\n**Step 2: Creating a Resourceful Image**\n\nThe client chooses a **pleasant, engaging image** — a place, memory, hobby, favorite animal, or music. It can be anything that evokes positive emotions.\n\n**Step 3: Preparing for Bilateral Stimulation**\n\nThe therapist suggests the client cross their arms over their chest (as in the Butterfly Hug) and begin gentle alternating taps on their shoulders. This creates soft bilateral stimulation, helping the brain process information. Learn more about this exercise in our article on the [Butterfly Hug](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/butterfly-hug).\n\n**Step 4: The \"Flash\" Cycle**\n\nThe client **talks about their resourceful image** (or simply holds it in focus) while continuing to tap. Periodically, the therapist interrupts with a short signal (e.g., the word \"flash\"), prompting the client to **blink rapidly several times**.\n\nAt this moment, the client **does not try to think about the trauma** — they simply blink and immediately return to the resourceful image.\n\n**Step 5: Pause and Check**\n\nAfter 4–5 such \"flashes,\" the therapist pauses and asks the client what has changed in their perception of the traumatic memory. Typically, clients note that the image has become **less vivid, more distant, or lost its emotional intensity**.\n\n**Step 6: Repeating Cycles**\n\nThe process continues until the traumatic memory no longer causes significant discomfort. In simple cases (e.g., a single trauma), results can be achieved in just one session.\n\n## Who Can Benefit from the Flash Technique?\n\nThe technique has shown effectiveness with:\n\n| Condition | How It Helps |\n|--|--|\n| **PTSD and complex trauma** | Reduces symptom intensity without retraumatization |\n| **Anxiety disorders** | Reduces the emotional charge behind anxiety |\n| **Panic attacks** | Addresses triggering mechanisms without fear |\n| **Phobias** | Reduces the vividness and intensity of fear |\n| **Dissociative states** | Gently approaches trauma without worsening dissociation |\n| **Depression** | Works with deep-seated beliefs underlying the condition |\n\nThe method can be used within full EMDR therapy or as a standalone tool for reducing trauma intensity before the main phase of work. It is suitable for both adults and children.\n\n## What Does the Research Say?\n\nThe Flash Technique is relatively new, but promising data has already emerged:\n\n| Study | Finding |\n|--|--|\n| Brouwers et al. (2021) | The technique showed effectiveness comparable to EMDR in reducing vividness and emotionality of traumatic memories, but was perceived by clients as more pleasant |\n| Manfield et al. (2017) | Four clinical cases demonstrating the effectiveness of the Flash Technique for working with intense traumatic memories |\n| Archer & Zimmerman (2025) | A presentation on the application of the Flash Technique within the RAP approach for complex trauma and dissociative symptoms |\n\nThe effects persist when rechecked weeks and months after the session.\n\n## Important Precautions\n\nThe Flash Technique is a **professional therapeutic tool**. It should only be used by **qualified specialists** who have undergone appropriate training.\n\n**Self-application** of the technique without therapist guidance is **not recommended** for deep trauma and PTSD. On our website, you can find tools for mild self-help, such as the [BLS Ball Stimulator](https://blsnow.io/en/tools/bls-ball) and the [Breathing Metronome](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/breathing-metronome). However, for serious conditions, work with a certified specialist is necessary.\n\nReview the full list of [EMDR contraindications](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/emdr-contraindications) before applying any techniques.\n\n## Relationship to EMDR and Its Place in Therapy\n\nThe Flash Technique does not replace classic EMDR but serves as a **valuable complement** to it. It can be used:\n\n- **In the preparation phase** of EMDR — to reduce trauma intensity before the main work begins\n- **As a standalone method** — for less complex cases or when the client is not ready for direct trauma contact\n- **In combination** — to reduce target intensity before transitioning to the standard EMDR protocol\n\n## Conclusion\n\nThe Flash Technique is a breakthrough approach to trauma work that makes therapy more accessible and comfortable for clients. It allows the brain to process heavy memories **in the background**, without the need to relive the pain.\n\nExplore our other articles:\n- [How EMDR Works](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/how-emdr-works)\n- [EMDR for PTSD](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/emdr-for-ptsd)\n- [EMDR for Anxiety and Panic Attacks](https://blsnow.io/en/articles/emdr-for-anxiety)\n- [Find an EMDR Therapist](https://blsnow.io/en/specialists)\n\n## Sources\n\n1. [Brouwers TC, de Jongh A, Matthijssen SJMA. The effects of the flash technique compared to those of an abbreviated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy protocol on the emotionality and vividness of aversive memories. Frontiers in Psychology, 2021, 12:741163.](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741163/full)\n2. [Manfield P, Lovett J, Engel L, Manfield D. Use of the Flash technique in EMDR therapy: Four case examples. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2017, 11(4), 195-205.](https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.4.195)\n3. [Archer D, Zimmerman T. Four blinks and the RAP technique: The utility of flash approaches to EMDR therapists. EMDR Canada Annual Conference, 2025.](https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/29604)",
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