When someone experiences a traumatic or deeply upsetting event, the memory of that event can get “stuck” in the brain in a way that keeps causing distress long after it’s over. Both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Flash Therapy are techniques designed to help people process these troubling memories so they no longer cause overwhelming emotional pain.
Let’s break down what each one does and how they differ.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy has been around since the late 1980s and is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for trauma, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. It’s been endorsed by organizations like the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs and The World Health Organization.
How it works:
- In EMDR, the person recalls a traumatic or upsetting memory while simultaneously following a set of back-and-forth eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation (like tapping or audio tones).
- The theory is that these eye movements help the brain reprocess the memory, kind of like how REM sleep helps us process events from our day.
- Over time, the distress attached to the memory goes down. People can still remember what happened, but it no longer feels emotionally overwhelming or as if it’s still happening in the present.
What it feels like:
- After the therapist gives you all the tools needed to not feel too overwhelmed, you’re asked to think about the worst part of the trauma, including how it made you feel, any negative beliefs about yourself (like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault”), and where you feel it in your body. EMDR is done when you are thinking about the worst part of the trauma/event.
- This can feel emotionally activating, especially in the beginning. You’re encouraged to stay with the discomfort while your therapist helps guide the process.
What makes EMDR powerful:
- It directly targets the trauma and helps the brain file it away properly, often bringing relief in a relatively short amount of time compared to traditional talk therapy.
What is Flash Therapy?
Flash Therapy and Four Blink Flash therapy were both developed from EMDR. They are similar in many ways, so I will “clump” them together in this blog post, but you can read more about the differences between the two by clicking here.
Flash Therapy is a newer approach that’s also based on how the brain processes trauma—but it was specifically developed to make that process much more comfortable and less distressing. It’s often described as a way to reduce trauma symptoms without having to talk about or even fully think about the trauma.
How it works:
- In Flash, you don’t focus on the traumatic memory directly. Instead, you focus your attention on something enjoyable or neutral, like a funny video or a pleasant mental image.
- While you’re focused on the positive distraction, you briefly “flash” attention to the trauma just for a moment—without deeply engaging with it.
- You also do some light body-based movements, like quick blinks or tapping, that help shift how the brain stores the trauma.
What it feels like:
- Most people describe it as surprisingly easy and even a little strange—in a good way. You’re not telling your trauma story. You’re not crying. You’re just shifting your attention in a way that somehow lowers the emotional “charge” of the memory.
- After just a few flashes, many people report that the memory feels fuzzier, less sharp, or less disturbing.
What makes Flash powerful:
- It’s very gentle, and especially helpful for people who are scared to talk about what happened—or for kids, veterans, or people with complex trauma who might otherwise shut down.
- Because it avoids emotional overwhelm, it’s sometimes used as a first step before doing deeper trauma work like EMDR.
Key Differences:
| Feature | EMDR Therapy | Flash Technique |
| Focus on trauma | Directly recalls and processes the trauma | Indirect – does not fully engage with trauma |
| Emotional intensity | Can be intense or emotionally triggering | Designed to be calm and low-distress |
| Talking about the trauma | Often required | Not required |
| Who it’s best for | People ready to face their trauma directly | People who are overwhelmed or highly avoidant |
| Speed of results | Often fast, but emotionally demanding | Often fast and emotionally gentle |
In Summary
Both EMDR and Flash Therapy help people heal from trauma by changing how painful memories are stored in the brain. EMDR is like taking a deep dive—it can be very effective, but emotionally intense. Flash is more like a gentle shortcut—it allows people to heal without having to revisit or talk about the trauma directly.
Neither approach is better than the other. They just offer different paths to healing. Some people use Flash to build up tolerance and emotional stability before moving into EMDR. Others find that Flash alone is enough to make a meaningful difference in how they feel.
If you’re curious about either, call Long Beach Therapy at 562-310-9741 to find out more. We can help you decide which is the right fit for you, based on your needs and comfort level.