Author: Thomas Zimmerman

Potential Facilitators:

Thanks for expressing an interest in being trained in group Flash processes.  Nearly 30 people have signed up to learn how to do groups and eventually facilitate a group.  I wanted to write a quick note to sketch out what I’m thinking and to see how it sounds to you.   All events referenced in this email are free.

While there are no CEUs in this process, I wanted this training to be structured.  I also am planning a certificate of completion that you can have on file to document having completed this training.  These are the requirements for that certificate, if you are interested (you can participate in any way you would like if you do not need the certificate):

• Have taken the three-hour Four Blinks Version of Flash training (on Zoom or on-demand)
• Have reviewed the Group Four Blinks Version of Flash Protocol on http://TraumaTherapyGroups.com
• Have participated in at least three (actual number will be documented in your certificate) Flash groups as a client/participant.  These groups start in December 2023
• Have assisted in at least one group in addition to the three above.  Responsibilities of assisting include:
  o   Review information (will be made available to you) related to how to help participants manage abreactions or problems during the group process
  o   Assistant another group leader and be available to help any participants who encounter difficulties (it is not essential that your services were actually used)
  o   You can assist in another facilitator’s private group (not one of the groups advertised as part of this project)
  o   If you have a very small (six or fewer participants) group you are leading, you can describe how you also met the assistant’s role effectively in the group you conducted
• Have conducted at least one Flash group as the leader.  Options for this group include:
  o   After the first three groups, I will open subsequent groups for others to lead and you can conduct one of those groups.  Groups will be offered nearly weekly throughout 2024, typically during the evening on days scattered throughout the week (Eastern Time).
  o   You can conduct your own online or in-person private group and write a description of the group process and send this to Thomas Zimmerman at: flattext@gmail.com

I have scheduled the first round of groups that Thomas Zimmerman will start facilitating.  You will be able to sign up for leading subsequent groups after the third group.  It is not essential that you attend groups with any regularity or frequency.  You are also able to attend groups without the intention of leading a group, assuming that you are not working toward the certificate.

Note: It is also probable that some demonstration groups featuring advanced Flash therapists who already have experience in Flash groups may also be scheduled.  These groups may vary from the Four Blinks Version, but they will still count toward your three groups as a participant.  Flash approaches are flexible.  My goal is to help you develop a way to do Flash with your client populations in ways that closely match the needs of your clients.

As always, participating in trauma reprocessing groups always involves some risk of unexpected trauma responses.  Thomas Zimmerman, EMDR Cleveland, LLC, and other participants are not responsible for any distress or difficulties that you encounter.

Thanks,

Thomas Zimmerman, Ms.Ed., LPCC