Is exposure necessary? Flash Technique for post-traumatic stress response

Abstract

Flash Technique (FT) is a low-invasive, economical, rapid and highly tolerable psychotherapeutic intervention that can be used to treat psychological problems of non-organic damage. Its therapeutic focus is on processing traumatic memories in the brain's information processing system without exposure to trauma.In clinical applications, FT can both process traumatic memories and experiences, reduce individuals' subjective feelings of distress, and help them achieve a healthier psychological state. However, there are only a few studies on FT, and there are insufficiencies in sampling and methods. Based on the present findings, future studies should adopt diverse measurement and research methods such as fMRI, ERP, and eye-tracking technology to further explore its mechanism of action; verify the clinical effects of FT interventions in the Chinese cultural context through a more rigorous study design and extended follow-up period; and explore its application areas in depth and form a standardized and generalizable intervention.