A Model for the Flash Technique Based on Working Memory and Neuroscience Research

Abstract

Research has shown that the Flash Technique (FT) appears to reduce memory-related disturbance and may reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. This paper discusses the connections between FT and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. In FT, clients remind themselves of a traumatic memory without dwelling on it and focus instead on a positive engaging focus and then blink their eyes when prompted. This paper summarizes numerous models describing how the brain processes traumatic material and presents a model for how FT may work in the brain. It proposes that during the blinking, the patient's periaqueductal gray (PAG) may take over, sensing the reminder of the traumatic memory and reflexively triggering the amygdala. In Porges's neuroception model, the PAG assesses danger without going through the conscious brain. Recent fMRI data show that for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder, there is enhanced connectivity from the amygdala to the left hippocampus. Thus, triggering the amygdala may, in turn, activate the left hippocampus, which may then provide a brief access to the traumatic memory. Given the brief access, there is insufficient time for the amygdala to go into overactivation. The client remains calm while accessing the traumatic memory, thus setting up the prediction error necessary for possible memory reconsolidation. This process is repeated during blinking in FT allowing memory reconsolidation to proceed. This model requires experimental confirmation.

A Randomized-Controlled Trial of EMDR Flash Technique on Traumatic Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Life of Quality With Individuals Who Have Experienced a Traffic Accident

“…Depending on the measurements conducted, there were significant differences between the participants’ scores for traumatic stress in pre-treatment and post-treatment periods and during a one-month follow-up. These results obtained affirm the results of the articles indicating that the EMDR Flash Technique reduces traumatic stress symptoms ( Shebini, 2019 ; Manfield et al, 2021 ; Wong, 2021 ; Yaşar et al, 2021 ) and feature a superiority regarding the greater effectiveness that it showed in comparing a group having the similar traumatic story of socio-demographic and ACE scores such as marital status with a randomized group. It is possible to state that the findings of this study will contribute to the reliability of the EMDR Flash Technique.…”

Research on Low-Intensity Flash Technique Trauma Intervention by Prelicensed Student Clinicians

“…In terms of a theory for the mechanism of FT, Wong (2021) proposes that due to over-activation and enhanced connectivity in certain brain structures as a result of PTSD, the client may briefly and reflexively access the distressing memory during the blinking. During that brief access, the amygdala does not have time to react.…”

Constant installation of present orientation and safety (CIPOS) - subjective and physiological effects of an ultrashort-term intervention combining both stabilizing and confrontational elements

“…To explain the effects of FT in PTSD, Wong (2021) proposes an elaborated model founded on an extrapolation of working memory and neurobiological research. Summarizing the model, the very brief access to the traumatic memory maps in the working memory is only a “reminder of the memory” and prevents the overactivation of the amygdalae.…”