Predictive Processing FLASH Therapy
Predictive Processing Flash Therapy
In network with Anthem BCBS, Aetna, Ambetter, Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) Coordinated Care of Washington, LifeWise, First Choice Health (Kaiser PPO), Molina, Premera, Regence and Wellpoint. Out of Network services with Superbills provided and Private Pay option.
Rates:
53-60 Minutes - $185
90 Minutes - $275
Limited Open Path Sliding Scale
Healing Trauma Without Reliving the Pain
For a long time, the therapy world operated on the belief that to heal from trauma, you had to face it head-on, talk about it in detail, and feel the pain all over again. For many people—especially those with complex trauma, neurodivergence, or high anxiety—that approach is simply too overwhelming.
It doesn't have to be that way. At Kirkland EMDR Counseling, our clinicians are specifically trained in Predictive Processing Flash (formerly known as the Four Blinks Version of Flash), a highly effective, gentle trauma reprocessing method developed by Thomas Zimmerman of Cleveland EMDR.
This approach allows us to resolve severely disturbing memories quickly and safely, without requiring you to consciously engage with, talk about, or feel the distress of the traumatic event.
How Does Predictive Processing Work?
To understand how this works, it helps to look at how your brain operates.
Your brain is a "prediction machine." Based on your past experiences, it constantly predicts what will happen next to keep you safe. When you experience trauma, your brain's predictive model gets stuck on high alert. It begins predicting danger even when you are safe, leading to anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional exhaustion.
Predictive Processing Flash interrupts this cycle using a process called memory reconsolidation. By briefly glancing at a memory while you are completely immersed in a positive, calming scene, we create a "prediction error" in the brain. This allows your nervous system to safely update and overwrite the old, fearful memory with a new sense of safety—all without you having to drag yourself through the painful details.
What Does a Session Look Like?
This approach is structured, deeply containing, and designed to feel surprisingly comfortable. Here is what you can expect when working with our trained clinicians:
Building the Container: First, we build a highly effective mental "container" to securely hold the distressing memory so it doesn't leak into your body or emotions during the session.
Developing a Calm Scene: You will turn your attention entirely to something that brings you joy, calm, or deep engagement—like a favorite vacation spot, a beloved pet, or a piece of music.
The "Blinks": While you stay completely immersed in your positive Calm Scene, your therapist will guide you to blink every few seconds.
The Quick Glance: You will be guided to take a micro-second "glance" at the contained memory, immediately returning to your Calm Scene. Because your brain is flooded with the positive experience, the trauma memory loses its emotional charge. It gets re-filed in the brain as a neutral event from the past, rather than a present-day threat.
Who Can Benefit from This Approach?
Predictive Processing Flash is a wonderful standalone therapy, but it is also frequently used as a gentle preparation phase for standard EMDR. It is highly effective for:
Clients with high anxiety who are afraid of becoming overwhelmed in therapy.
Highly dissociative clients or those who struggle to stay grounded when discussing the past.
Neurodivergent clients (Autistic/ADHD) who may find traditional exposure therapies overstimulating.
Individuals with complex trauma or multiple traumatic events who need a safe, highly contained starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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No. One of the greatest benefits of Predictive Processing Flash is that you do not need to speak about, vividly recall, or "re-live" the traumatic memory. You spend the vast majority of the session focusing on a positive, engaging thought while the brain processes the trauma in the background.
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Standard EMDR requires you to hold the traumatic memory in your awareness while tracking bilateral stimulation (like eye movements). In Predictive Processing Flash, you actively avoid thinking about the trauma, focusing instead on your Calm Scene. It is incredibly effective at reducing the intensity of a memory quickly, often making standard EMDR much easier to tolerate later on.
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Absolutely. Predictive Processing Flash is highly effective in an online, virtual setting. In fact, many clients prefer doing this work from the physical safety and comfort of their own homes. Our Washington State-based therapists will seamlessly guide you through the process over our secure video platform.
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No therapy erases memories. Instead, this process removes the emotional distress and physical activation attached to the memory. You will still remember that the event happened, but your body and nervous system will no longer react with fear, panic, or shame when you think about it.
For more information check our Frequently Asked Questions
Good Faith Estimate Notice
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.