EMDR Self Therapy: Flash

A step-by-step companion for practising the Flash technique at your own pace. You never have to describe or write down your memory.

PLEASE NOTE: The app interface is in Turkish.

In the Flash technique your attention stays on an engaging, pleasant focus rather than on the disturbing memory. A steady left-right rhythm plays in the background, and at each spoken "Flash" cue you blink naturally three times.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Starter guide: learn the sound, the butterfly hug and the Flash cue without touching any memory. You can try a practice round first.
2. Positive focus: choose a place, activity or moment that feels good. Add a short note or photo if you like.
3. Rating: mark how disturbing it feels right now, from 0 to 10.
4. Sets: rounds with rhythm, spoken Flash cues and a butterfly-hug video.
5. Re-rate: continue or stop. You do not need to reach zero.
6. Closing: "Back to the present" steps bring you back to where you are.

WHAT YOU GET

• Left-right rhythm with headphones, centred sound on the speaker
• Video guidance filmed with a real person showing the butterfly hug and the blinks
• Pause, Short break and Back to the present, available at any time
• Grounding and positive-focus videos
• Optional history: date, number of rounds and ratings kept only on your device
• Free. No ads. No subscription.

PRIVACY We do not ask for memory text, voice recordings or health history. History is off by default; if you turn it on, records stay on your device.

WHO IT IS FOR Adults (18+), for mild distress, as recommended by a therapist trained in the Flash technique. Without therapist support, use the practice round and the back-to-the-present steps only. Do not try to process intense or complex trauma on your own.

WHO DESIGNED IT The content was designed by Assoc. Prof. Alisan Burak Yasar, MD, psychiatrist and EMDR trainer, first author of a randomized controlled trial of the Flash technique (Yasar AB et al., Frontiers in Psychology, 2022;13:845481). Those findings concern clinician-delivered Flash; the effectiveness of this digital version has not yet been clinically tested.

IMPORTANT This app is not a medical device. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and does not replace psychotherapy or emergency care. If distress increases, stop and use the back-to-the-present steps. If you are at risk of harming yourself or in immediate danger, do not stay alone; call your local emergency number.