Research into the Lightning Process
We understand how difficult it can be to sift through information and opinions to determine what might be effective. Research plays a crucial role in clarifying what works and who is likely to benefit from different approaches.
Since the Lightning Process (LP) offers a whole-person approach to health care, with many positive outcomes reported, researchers have been keen to explore its impact. To date, 18 peer-reviewed studies have been independently published on the LP and a statement supporting this research has been issued by leading academics and doctors, which can be viewed here.
Here are some key research highlights and links to the full studies for those interested in deeper exploration.
Key Research Headlines
Information last reviewed February 2025
Long COVID Research
As Long COVID is a relatively new condition the research is still developing, but already a number of research papers have been published.
The most recent, from 2025, evaluated the LP for Long COVID and found all participants made significant improvements, with over 90% of participants reported being 85% back to normal or more, and concludes:
‘The Lightning Process is a promising and safe intervention for symptoms of long COVID. Primary care clinicians can refer patients for treatment with a high chance of benefit without fear of harm.’
Two additional peer-reviewed papers reported on three different case reports. They both identified that patients reported improvements in fatigue and other symptoms after completing the LP.
CFS/ME Research
A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is the best kind of study available designed to show if something is effective and safe or not. This one was run by the NHS and the University of Bristol, it found that the LP improved CFS/ME patients’ symptoms of physical function and fatigue and had no side effects, when added to NHS treatment for CFS/ME. The positive changes also continued for the entire 12-month study.
Post-Cancer Fatigue Research
A pilot study in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors found that the LP led to significant reductions in fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Participants also reported improvements in their energy levels and quality of life.
Comparing the LP to CBT & Other Approaches for CFS/ME
UK specialist medical care (SMC) for paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) includes behavioural approaches (Graded Exercise Therapy; Activity Management) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for fatigue (CBT-F). Treatment is suboptimal with a third of children not recovering after 6 months of SMC. Many families seek alternative treatments at personal cost, including the Lightning Process (LP). Evidence shows LP can improve patient outcomes, though this intervention is not widely known/understood.
Results: While overlaps with SMC approaches were identified, and CBT-F in particular, distinct elements of LP were its focus on language style, neurophysiological rationale, affective/physiological change technique and mode of delivery.
Substance Use Research
An RCT found the LP helped those with substance use significantly reduced alcohol use and impulsivity, and increased flourishing scores compared to treatment as usual. The positive changes also continued for the entire 3-month study.
A study exploring the experiences of those taking the LP to help with substance use issues found it was described as an empowering, compassionate and effective approach.
Systematic Review
Systematic Reviews are designed to pull together the results of all the studies, assess them each one’s quality and value and present an overview of the findings. They are considered to be even more valuable than RCT studies. The team of researchers concluded that ‘there is strong evidence that the LP helps many participants with fatigue, physical function, pain, anxiety and depression.’ and that all of the studies designed to show if the LP helps patients found strong evidence of benefits of the LP and no side effects or harms.
More Papers and Details
We know research can be hard to take in in one sitting sometimes, so here’s a deeper dive into the major papers and full links to the studies.
Randomised Controlled Trial: CFS/ME
‘Clinical and cost-effectiveness of the Lightning Process in addition to Specialist Medical care for pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial.’
The ‘SMILE’ trial; a randomized controlled trial (RCT) run in conjunction with the NHS and the University of Bristol.
Two papers had previously been published on this study and you can find a link to them both here:
1. The feasibility and acceptability of conducting a trial of specialist medical care and the Lightning Process in children with chronic fatigue syndrome: feasibility randomized controlled trial (SMILE study)
2. Comparing specialist medical care with specialist medical care plus the Lightning Process® for chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (SMILE Trial)
A Systematic Review of the Lightning Process In Explore Journal
This peer reviewed study evaluated the LP for Long Covid and found all participants made significant improvements, with over 90% of participants reported being 85% back to normal or more, and concludes:
‘The Lightning Process is a promising and safe intervention for symptoms of long COVID. Primary care clinicians can refer patients for treatment with a high chance of benefit without fear of harm.’
An audit of 12 cases of long COVID following the lightning process intervention examining benefits and harms
A systematic review of the evidence base for the Lightning Process
- First systematic review into the Lightning Process.
- Found a variance in quality of studies from good to fair and in reported patient outcomes.
- All studies evidenced a level of benefit from the intervention, commonly for the majority of participants.
Review of the Lightning Process approach to CFS/ME in JEP
‘Understanding the Lightning Process Approach to CFS/ME; a Review of the Disease Process and the Approach.’
Conclusions: This paper resolves the identified gaps in the research and clarifies the hypotheses behind this approach, which has been identified by the evidence base as providing successful outcomes for some. It is hoped this clearer understanding of the approach will assist researchers, clinicians and those with this disabling disease to identify some additional options for potential recovery.
Qualitative study: CFS/ME
Experiences of young people who have undergone the Lightning Process to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) – a qualitative study
Overview: An independent study, published in 2012, found that of the 9 participants with CFS/ME “7 were satisfied and were much improved”.
Evaluation of a Treatment Strategy: Chronic Pain
‘Evaluation of a Treatment Strategy’
Conclusion: “A structured cooperation between doctor and LP instructor has contributed to significant pain reduction and improvement in the quality of life for nine of the twelve youngsters in the project. The remaining three participants had not noticed any effect, either positive or negative.”
Proof of Concept Study: MS
Proof of Concept Study: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Abstract: The interim data shows that the LP provided benefit to all participants and there have been no incidents of negative effects. The data suggests that it would be worth pursuing a full Randomised Controlled Trial
“The Proof of Concept study, although being in a small number of subjects, has produced some encouraging and worthwhile results over the 12 month period following participation in the Lightning Process. They indicate that the Lightning Process provides measurable benefits to those with MS and suggests that further larger randomised studies would be beneficial to investigate the role the Lightning Process plays in the well-being and quality of life of MS patients.” MS-UK October 2014.
Outcome Measures Study
Study reporting on outcome measures of those taking the Lightning Process for a range of issues
Overview: Outcome measures data was collected from 205 clients who attended a Lightning Process seminar, using the RAND SF-36 form.
The indications are that the LP is making a significant positive impact, resulting in increased health status at 6 weeks, persisting at 3 months, and demonstrating improvements in all areas that were covered by the RAND SF36 questionnaire.
ME Association’s Survey 2010
ME Association’s 2010 Survey
A UK based charity survey (N = 4,217, female = 78%, age range 11-66), asked respondents about their experiences of managing their ME. Perceptions of using 25 different approaches, including standard approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (n = 997), Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) (n = 906) and the LP (which was the third least used of the approaches, n = 101) were rated on a Likert scale.
The survey found that the LP received the highest percentage out of all the 25 approaches for those feeling they had ‘greatly improved’.
Does it Help Everyone?
75,000 people Have Taken the LP
Real Results, Real Stories
The Lightning Process has helped people achieve remarkable transformations—from being bed-bound to returning to work, school, parenting, and even winning Olympic medals.
In a 2024 survey, 98.2% of participants said they would recommend the Lightning Process to others.
However, no single approach works for everyone. We recommend speaking with a practitioner to determine if the Lightning Process is the right fit for where you are in your recovery journey.
Do Doctors Use it, and are Practitioners Registered?
Supported by Doctors and Researchers
The Lightning Process seminars are delivered by highly trained, registered practitioners who follow a strict code of conduct and undergo regular evaluations. The team includes medical doctors and healthcare professionals, many of whom have personally used the Lightning Process to improve their own health.
Read statements by doctors and researchers supporting the LP >>>
How Different is it From Hospital HealthCare?
A Whole Person Approach
Developed in 1999 by Dr. Phil Parker, a psychologist, osteopath, and researcher, the Lightning Process has helped over 75,000 people, from ages 6 to 90, transform their health and well-being.
Working alongside hospital medicine, the Lightning Process incorporates innovative approaches based on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change through practice—and focuses on improving health by addressing:
- The connection between the brain, mind, and body
- Managing stress effectively
- Building self-kindness over self-criticism
Research highlights that the Lightning Process is not solely a psychological approach but considers all aspects of well-being. When combined with existing healthcare methods, it has been shown to support those with physical health challenges.
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