Less talk therapy with neuroexperiential approaches
A note from Holly Mathers
Founder of Holly Blue Psychotherapy Group & Supervising Registered Psychotherapist
At Holly Blue, we provide virtual psychotherapy to individuals across Ontario. Our therapists are trained in a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
While talk-based therapies are highly effective for many concerns, some experiences with trauma and deeply held emotional patterns can be difficult to access through conversation alone. That's where neuroexperiential approaches, such as Brainspotting and The Flash Technique, can offer another pathway to healing.
~ The Flash Technique ~
The Flash Technique by Dr. Philip Manfield provides a way to process traumatic memories without re-experiencing those events. It can be helpful as an alternative or addition to typical talk therapy.
What to expect
Decide what trauma you want to work on
Don’t talk about the trauma
Talk about something that brings you joy
Incorporate bilateral tapping
Pause and check in
Rate the trauma on the distress scale of 0 to 10
Repeat until the distress number reaches 0 to 1
Shift the trauma into long-term memory
In this approach, you decide what trauma you want to work on in advance. When you start Flash with your therapist, you do not talk about the trauma at all. Instead, you will talk about a positive topic that lights you up when you speak about it (something completely unrelated to your trauma). This could be a hobby, friend, family member, pet, holiday, experience or event, location, special interest, or even a movie, recipe, or a song. The only limits to this positive focus are your creativity and imagination.
During the experience, you will think about and talk with your therapist about this positive focus. You will both do bilateral tapping on your legs or with a butterfly hug to your arms or shoulders. Periodically, your therapist will say, "Flash" prompting you to do at least 3 rapid eye blinks. If you stop tapping or lose your place in the conversation, you can just pick it up again and continue on.
Occasionally, you will pause together to check in about how you are feeling. Further in, your therapist will ask, "If you were going to think about the memory what number would it be on a scale of 0-10 in terms of distress?". You will answer and then resume another round of Flash.
This approach can get that distress number down to a 0 or 1. It shifts the trauma into long-term memory instead of it being stuck as an easily activated trauma memory. If the number stops moving around 4-5 (or any other number), your therapist can switch into other approaches with you to see what you need and they will continue to support you.
~ Brainspotting ~
Brainspotting by Dr. David Grand is a neuroexperiential model. This approach allows your brain to process differently than regular talk therapy.
What to expect
Find a spot to focus your eyes
Keep your eyes fixed on that spot
See what comes up
Let your eyes move to another spot
You will work with your therapist to find an eye position (looking at a specific spot) that feels right for the issue, trauma, dream, or other goal you have (eg. creativity). Then, you keep your eyes there and let your brain process. You can speak or not. Some people have memories, thoughts, emotions, images, or other experiences arise as they do this. Those shift as you continue on. Sometimes, your eyes are drawn to move to another spot, so you follow that. There is no wrong response.
Your therapist will stay present with you as you both see where the Brainspotting goes. They may provide occasional prompts, questions, or encouragement, but are primarily a non-intrusive witness to your journey. David calls this holding onto the tail of the comet and being along for the ride, trusting your brain's ability to move toward healing. Brainspotting can bring in elements that your conscious mind isn't connecting to the topic at hand. It can contribute to emotional shifts and new points of view.
Meeting you where you are, wherever you are, with virtual therapy in Ontario
At Holly Blue Psychotherapy Group, we take a collaborative approach to online therapy for individuals, relationships and families. Many of our therapists are trained in The Flash Technique. Holly is also trained in Brainspotting. We are here to help. Click the link below to book a free 15 minute consultation.
