Research into the Lightning Process
With so many people reporting great results with the Lightning Process, research teams have been fascinated by it and have produced 18 independently peer-reviewed published studies on the LP.
A statement supporting this research has been issued by leading academics and doctors and can be viewed here.
Here are some of the key research headlines and links to the papers for those who wish to read them in full.
And you can also search our research database here:
Key Research Headlines
Information last reviewed February 2025
Long COVID Research
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.’
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 how effective and safe something is. This 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.
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
Treatment for Children with CFS/ME in the UK
In the UK, children with CFS/ME usually receive Specialist Medical Care (SMC). This often includes:
- Support with managing activity and exercise
- Talking therapy (CBT) to help with fatigue
But treatment doesn’t work for everyone — about 1 in 3 children don’t get better within six months.
Because of this many families try other options, such as the Lightning Process (LP). Research shows LP may help some children.
What makes LP different?
- Focus on the language we use and how they affect health
- Explains symptoms through brain-mind–body connection
- Teaches skills to shift emotional and physical responses
- A unique style of teaching and support
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.
Effective
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 more 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 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
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.
An audit of 12 cases of long COVID following the lightning process intervention examining benefits and harms
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.’
Lightning Process & Chronic Fatigue in Cancer Survivors
Does the Lightning Process Training Programme Reduce Chronic Fatigue in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors? A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Chronic fatigue is a common late adverse effect following oncological therapies. This pilot intervention study evaluated the perceived efficacy of the LP training programme in 13 adolescent and young adult cancer survivors treated for sarcoma or Hodgkin lymphoma.
Results: Statistically significant improvements were documented for all the patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaires comparing the pre-and post-intervention periods. In interviews, participants emphasised that they now experienced both less fatigue and explicit improvement in their energy level and that the LP had not worsened their health or caused them any negative side effects and that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the intervention.
The researchers noted that ‘The reductions in the participants’ total fatigue scores were remarkable, since no changes in their overall level of fatigue, as subjectively expressed by the participants themselves, were reported over the preceding years.’
Long-Covid and the Lightning Process Case Reports In Explore Journal
LIGHTNING PROCESS TO TREAT LONG COVID IN PRIMARY CARE
- The Lightning Process has been shown to be effective in reducing fatigue and accompanying symptoms in other chronic conditions including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Here we outline its novel application to two patients with LC who both reported improvements in fatigue and a range of physical and emotional symptoms post-treatment and at 3 months follow-up.
Long COVID-19 and an effective lightning process intervention: A case study- Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports
Case presentation: 53-year-old European woman who was COVID-19 positive on a RAT test for 13 days; solo parent and breadwinner for family; physically very fit. The main symptoms of the patient: are brain fog, extreme fatigue, breathlessness and shaky when standing or moving, even minimally.
Conclusion: For many patients, this case raises the issue that so-called Long Covid-19 is likely to be a mind-body condition. In this case, the Lightning Process showed benefits from the first day of intervention. Early intervention, as in this case, may prevent deconditioning when symptoms persist and complicate the clinical picture.
Comparing LP with UK specialist medical care for paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
CBT repackaged or a novel treatment? The Lightning Process compared with UK specialist medical care for paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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.
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 – 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.
Alpine study: CFS/ME, Fibromylagia, Pain, Anxiety, Depression
This outcome measures study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the approach for fatigue, pain and well-being using well validated scales and to report on the scope of presenting issues.
Overview:
Outcome data was collected LP participants (n= 96, age = 49.5, identifying as female =81) from UK, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Switzerland. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) and Warwick and Edinburgh Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) were used to record outcomes pre-course (T1), and at 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) post course.
Results: The studies found the LP decreased pain and fatigue levels and increased well-being at 1 month post intervention and that it was maintained at 3 and 6 months.
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.
Qualitative Study of Recovery From ME/CFS
Patient perspectives of recovery from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome:An interpretive description study
Patients with ME/CFS describe independently constructing and managing treatment plans, due to a lack of health system support…Mind‐body approaches were highlighted by individuals who achieved full recovery but also acknowledged as an area of considerable contention within the ME/CFS community
For example, P28, who experienced full recovery, said that they avoided online ME/CFS communities due to the negativity they encountered after sharing their experience with the Lightning Process, 3 day programme designed to help patients recognise and calm the body’s acute stress response:‘I feel like the focus of that [online] community is kind of on, you can’t get healthy and if you get healthy then you were never really sick for real and it’s kind of stigma around getting healthy.
Proof of concept study: MS
Proof of concept study: Multiple Sclerosis
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.
Drug and alcohol misuse issues
4 research projects on drug and alcohol misuse issues and the Lightning Process
This mixed methods research project evaluated The Rediscovery Process (a version of the LP for alcohol and substance misuse). It was run in conjunction with London Metropolitan University and has now been completed and published. It consists of:
A preliminary RCT
An association study
A systematic review
A qualitative study,
For full details please visit the RCT research site.
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.
Snapshot Survey of Lightning Process Outcomes and Experiences
Snapshot Survey
Overview: The snapshot surveys were completed by 1297 people who attended a Lightning Process seminar, in a variety of locations throughout the UK and Norway, between January 2007 and May 2010.
Results: 81.3% of clients report improvement after the LP course. Read the full survey here and the survey focused on CFS/ME here.
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’.
Brighton & Sussex Medical School and Sussex & Kent ME/CFS Society’s Survey
Brighton & Sussex Medical School and Sussex & Kent ME/CFS Society’s Survey
Results: In this study the LP was identified as the ‘most helpful approach’. In this survey of 457 members, tracking their experiences over two years, 44% of the society’s members found the Lightning Process “very helpful” and 36% “reasonably helpful”.