“The Flash Technique can help reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories without requiring you to describe the details of what happened.”

The Flash Technique is a gentle, evidence-based approach that can help reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories without requiring you to describe the details of what happened.

Rather than focusing directly on a painful memory, the technique helps your brain process difficult experiences while your attention stays on something safe or neutral.

Many people find the Flash Technique feels less overwhelming than traditional trauma processing. It can be particularly helpful for those who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or other distressing life events and who are not yet ready to talk in detail about those experiences.

How Flash works

The Flash Technique is based on the understanding that, under the right conditions, the brain can process distressing experiences in a way that reduces their emotional intensity.

Rather than asking you to focus on or repeatedly talk through a painful memory, Flash allows your brain to process it while your attention remains on something neutral or positive. This often makes the process feel gentler and less overwhelming.

How it differs from talk therapy and CBT

Traditional talk therapy explores your thoughts, feelings, and experiences through conversation. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing thoughts and behaviours.

The Flash Technique works differently. It does not require you to describe the details of what happened or to spend long periods discussing the traumatic event. Instead, it helps reduce the emotional charge of a memory without extensive discussion of the trauma itself.

I often use Flash with clients who feel overwhelmed by the thought of revisiting difficult experiences, or who have found it hard to talk about their trauma. When appropriate, I integrate it with other approaches such as EMDR, Narrative Therapy, or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

Why I use a 0 to 10 scale

During Flash, I may ask you to rate the level of emotional disturbance you feel when thinking about a particular memory on a simple scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means no disturbance and 10 is the highest level of distress.

The purpose is not to judge progress or put pressure on you to improve. It simply helps us monitor whether the emotional intensity of the memory is changing and guides decisions about next steps. Even small changes can be meaningful, and they help us decide whether to continue with Flash or move into EMDR processing when appropriate.

The numbers are not the important part. They are one tool that helps us understand your experience and track change over time.

Who Flash works well for

In my experience, the Flash Technique can be especially helpful for people who have experienced:

• Single-incident trauma
• Childhood trauma
• Complex trauma
• Anxiety, where past experiences appear to be contributing to current difficulties
• Phobias
• Other overwhelming life events

It can also be beneficial for people who feel emotionally overwhelmed or who find it difficult to talk about painful memories in detail. Many clients appreciate that Flash does not require them to describe the details of their traumatic experiences. It offers a gentler route that can reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories while allowing therapy to move at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

If you do not know what you want yet

One of the strengths of the Flash Technique is that it does not require you to have a clear vision of what you want your future to look like. You also do not need to be able to describe your trauma in detail or have all the answers before beginning.

Many people seek therapy when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what they need. Flash can help reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories, which often helps clients feel less overwhelmed and better able to identify their goals.

If you have already done a lot of therapy

Flash can be a valuable option for clients who have already done significant therapy and want to build on the progress they have made. Some people find that although they have gained insight into their experiences through previous counselling, certain memories or situations still carry a strong emotional charge. Flash may help reduce that intensity without requiring you to revisit the details.

I see Flash as one tool within a broader, individualized approach. Whether you are attending counselling for the first time or have years of therapeutic experience, I tailor treatment to where you are now.

When Flash is not the right fit

Flash can be very effective, but it is not the best fit for every client or every concern. I carefully assess each person’s needs, goals, and comfort level before deciding whether to incorporate it.

For example, if you are looking for practical strategies to manage current life challenges, relationship difficulties, or problem-solving, another approach may be more appropriate. If you want to better understand patterns in your relationships, emotions, or life experiences, a talk-based approach such as Narrative Therapy may fit better.

My approach is always individualized. Rather than relying on one method, I draw from a range of evidence-informed approaches and work collaboratively with you to determine what is likely to be most helpful. If I do not believe Flash is the right fit, we will discuss other approaches that may better support your progress.

What to expect

Your first Flash session

We begin by getting to know you and understanding what has brought you to therapy. Together we will discuss your goals, your current concerns, and whether the Flash Technique is an appropriate fit for what you are hoping to achieve. I will explain how the technique works, answer any questions, and make sure you feel comfortable before you decide whether it is something you would like to try.

Because I often integrate Flash with EMDR, there are times when I may recommend using Flash first if a traumatic memory feels especially overwhelming or emotionally activating. Flash can reduce the emotional intensity of the memory, which may make it easier to move into EMDR processing when the time feels right.

By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of my recommendations, know what to expect going forward, and we will decide together on next steps.

How many sessions

The number of sessions varies depending on your goals, history, and the concerns you bring to therapy. Some clients notice meaningful changes within just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment, particularly after multiple or complex traumatic events.

In my experience, many clients begin to notice meaningful progress within approximately 4 to 6 sessions when the Flash Technique is incorporated into their treatment. We will review your progress together throughout and adjust the plan as needed.

Between sessions

I do not typically assign formal homework following Flash. Instead, I encourage clients to notice any changes in how they feel, how they respond to situations, or how they experience memories between sessions. We will talk about anything you notice at our next appointment and use that to guide our work.

If appropriate, I may also suggest grounding techniques, relaxation exercises, or other practical strategies to support you between sessions.

Knowing when the work is done

Because Flash is often used to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories, one sign of progress is when those memories feel significantly less disturbing. For clients using Flash as part of EMDR, that may mean they feel ready to move into EMDR processing.

More broadly, I consider the work successful when you feel you have reached the goals you set for therapy, are experiencing less distress in daily life, and have the confidence and tools you need to move forward. We will review progress regularly and decide together when the work feels complete.

My Flash training

I completed formal training in the Flash Technique with Dr. Philip Manfield, PhD, the developer of the Flash Technique, and Dr. Lewis Engel, PhD. My training focused on using Flash safely and effectively to help reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories as part of trauma treatment.

I have been a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2011 and work primarily with trauma. Flash is one of several evidence-informed approaches I draw on.

How I combine Flash with other approaches

I regularly integrate the Flash Technique with other evidence-informed approaches, depending on each client’s goals, symptoms, and level of distress. No two clients are the same, so I believe therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than relying on one approach for everyone.

For example, I often use Flash as part of EMDR therapy to help reduce the emotional intensity of highly distressing memories before moving into trauma processing. I may also integrate Narrative Therapy to help clients make meaning of their experiences, or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help identify strengths, set practical goals, and build on what is already working.

Fees and logistics

Fee: $150 for a 60-minute counselling session. If the Flash Technique is appropriate for your needs, it is incorporated into your session at no additional cost.

Online across BC: Yes. I provide virtual counselling to adults throughout British Columbia using a secure video platform. Flash can be delivered within your online sessions.

Extended health: Most extended health plans that cover Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) services will also cover sessions in which Flash is used, because Flash is incorporated into the counselling session rather than billed separately. I recommend confirming your individual coverage with your insurer.

No packages required: I do not offer counselling packages and there is no obligation to commit to multiple sessions. You are welcome to book a single appointment to see whether Flash and my approach are a good fit for you.

Start with a free 15-minute call

If you are curious about Flash but not sure whether it is right for you, a no-fee 15-minute phone call is a good place to start. We can talk about what you are hoping for and I can answer questions about how the technique works.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to talk about my trauma to use the Flash Technique?
No. That is one of the main reasons people choose it. Flash is designed to reduce the emotional intensity of a memory without requiring you to describe what happened in detail.

Is the Flash Technique the same as EMDR?
No, though they are related and often used together. I frequently use Flash first when a memory feels too overwhelming to approach directly, then move into EMDR processing when the time is right.

Can Flash be done online?
Yes. Flash requires video rather than phone, so we can see each other, but it works well virtually and I offer it to adults throughout BC.

How many sessions will I need?
Many clients notice meaningful progress within roughly 4 to 6 sessions when Flash is part of their treatment, though this varies with history and goals.

Does insurance cover it?
Flash is delivered inside a standard counselling session, so if your plan covers RCC services it generally covers sessions where Flash is used. Confirm specifics with your insurer.

Can I try one session without committing?
Yes. There are no packages and no obligation to book a series.