Information For Healthcare Professionals

What is the Lightning Process®?

The Lightning Process (LP) is a practical training programme that teaches people skills to influence the connection between the brain, nervous system and body.

It uses a combination of education, gentle movement, mental exercises and mindfulness-based techniques to help people recognise unhelpful patterns in their nervous system and practise new responses that support improved regulation, confidence and function.

The approach is based on the principles of neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to adapt and develop new patterns through practice and experience. Participants learn self-management strategies aimed at reducing the impact of symptoms and supporting a return to meaningful daily activities.

The Lightning Process is designed to complement medical care. It does not replace medical assessment, diagnosis or management, but provides an additional set of skills to support recovery and improved quality of life.

What it involves

The Lightning Process training is run over 3 half-days in small groups, either in person or online over Zoom. Prior to engaging in the training seminar there is a 4-hour home study audio, followed by an application process conducted by a practitioner to assess suitability. After the 3-day seminar there is additional follow-up coaching support.

Read the summarised seminar protocol here.

For academics, read the breakdown of the full LP course content, concepts and mechanisms involved in the intervention here.

Who is it for?

People have used the LP to support recovery from a variety of chronic conditions including:

• Long Covid

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)

• Post-cancer fatigue

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic pain

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

• Anxiety, depression, and other emotional health challenges

It is suitable for people who have been experiencing prolonged or recurring symptoms for more than 6 months. Many people who choose to learn the LP have previously been experiencing symptoms for years.

An A 2025 study evaluated the LP for Long COVID and found all participants made significant improvements. Over 90% of participants reported being 85% back to normal or more.

It 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.’

What outcomes does it aim to improve?

The research studies and patient reported benefits include:

• Improvement in fatigue, increased energy and physical capability

• Reduced intensity of symptoms

• Reduced fear, avoidance of activity and hypervigilance

• Improved confidence in doing daily tasks

• A sense of agency after a long period of illness

• Enhanced capacity to return to meaningful activities, such as exercise, socialising, or work.

Success in this programme depends on consistent application of the tools learned and an openness to engaging with the training process.

The evidence base

What we know

• There are 18 independently peer-reviewed published studies on the Lightning Process gathered over 27 years.

• An RCT, run by the NHS and the University of Bristol, found  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 continued for the entire 12-month study.

• A systematic review also identified an emerging body of evidence supporting the efficacy of the LP for many participants with fatigue, physical function, pain, anxiety and depression.

• There is support from academics and medical professionals for the evidence-based research. Read here.

What remains uncertain

• It is not a proven cure. The evidence base is limited and further research is needed in some areas.

Clinical consideration

• It may be considered as one option within a broader care plan.

• It is not appropriate for everyone, and patient engagement is a key factor in outcomes.

Patient suitability

This training is beneficial for people who:

• Are ready to take an active role in their health journey

• Want to learn science-aligned methods to influence their nervous system

• Are committed to practicing skills outside of the training sessions

Because the LP is a training, not a treatment, success in this programme depends on consistent application of the tools learned and an openness to engaging with the training process.

Who it is not suitable for

Research suggests the LP would be unlikely to help if the participant:

• Does not think its possible to influence health through a training program

• Does not recognise the link between the brain, mind and body could be used to improve symptoms

• Has a medical diagnosis of active psychosis

• Has a level of comprehension less than that of a six year old. Those with cognitive impairment would need to be assessed on a case by case basis.

As each case is different it is recommend to speak with a practitioner so they can assess and advise the individual if it is suitable for them or not.

Practitioner credentials

Lightning Process practitioners must complete a minimum of 13 months of intensive clinical training at the Phil Parker Training Institute.

Before being accepted into the specialised LP training, practitioners must already hold prerequisite qualifications including a Clinical Diploma and Master Practitioner Certification in NLP, Coaching and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Advance practitioners have additional training in applied neuroanatomy, neuro-physiology, and working with complex issues like trauma and inner conflict

To maintain their country specific licence and stay on the official Lightning Process Register, practitioners are required to engage in continuing professional development (CPD), attend regular professional supervision sessions and abide by a strict professional code of conduct.

Referral process

The Lightning Process® is a privately delivered programme and does not require a medical referral or involve Medicare funding.

Patients can self-refer by contacting a registered Lightning Process practitioner to arrange an initial discussion and determine whether the programme is appropriate for them.

Contact details

Liz Allen is an Advanced Lightning Process practitioner based in Sydney, Australia. She originally learned the Lightning Process as a patient to fully recover from Chronic Fatigue.

Liz retrained as a practitioner to help others reclaim their health and now delivers the Lightning Process face to face in Sydney, and online across Australia and the USA.

If you would discuss this approach for your patient, contact Liz Allen here.