The Lightning Process
We don’t endorse any of the resources here, but only share what exists. Please do your own research. The information within our resources is from secondary sources, and is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare provider. Whilst we aim to provide as much information as we can for free, some of these resources will cost you money if you take them up. If there are scholarships or funding that we can find, we cite them in the resource.
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The Lightning Process is a three-day personal training programme designed to help you change how your nervous system controls your body.
It’s built around the idea that the body can get “stuck” in a chronic stress response, known as the Physical Emergency Response (PER). This ongoing state of heightened stress is thought to contribute to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
The training aims to break this cycle, teaching tools to calm the stress response and encourage healthier nervous system patterns.
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Participants learn a combination of guided coaching, specific language patterns, and light movement techniques to interrupt unhelpful neurological loops and create new, healthier ones.
The process focuses on:
Recognising the signs of the Physical Emergency Response in day-to-day life
Using set phrases and postures to interrupt that stress cycle in the moment
Practising daily to reinforce calmer, more regulated nervous system states
Applying these tools to real-life situations, so they become automatic over time
The idea is that by repeatedly disrupting the old stress pattern and replacing it with a new one, the brain begins to favour the healthier response, reducing symptoms over time.
Part 1 of the course is an in-depth introductory training available for £15.99, which allows potential participants to understand the approach before committing to the full programme.
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Controversial: LP lacks strong scientific validation and is viewed skeptically by medical bodies like NICE, which recommends against using it for ME/CFS However, NICE also doesn’t believe you can recover from ME/CFS so… take that as you will.
Mixed research: Some studies using small samples report benefits, but many are flawed or ethically questioned
Patient Reports: Some report drastic improvements; others experience worsening symptoms or feel blamed for not improving. Some found it caused panic or anxiety.
Potential Risks: Some users have reported emotional harm or pressure from coaches to “push through” in ways unsuitable for their health. These may be those who do not believe in recovery though.
Informed Choice Matters
Ask people who have done this course what their opinions are.
The LP has been a target for the ‘anti-recovery activists’ for years - so a simple google might not be enough.
Phil Parker is incredibly approachable so it might be worth dropping him a DM if you want to get direct answers.
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In the UK, LP courses cost approximately £700–£1,200. This includes three half-day sessions, course materials (audio program), and three hours of post-course support.
In higher-cost countries like Norway or Sweden, prices may be even higher.
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Part 1 of the course is an in-depth introductory training available for £15.99, which allows potential participants to understand the approach before committing to the full programme.
Formal illness-specific discounts are not widely advertised by Lightning Process practitioners.
Some trainers may offer payment plans, reduced rates, or repeat-course discounts if you ask directly - especially if you’re on disability benefits, unemployed, or living with a long-term illness such as ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, POTS, or chronic pain.
Group courses are often cheaper than one-to-one training, with savings of £100–£300 compared to private sessions.
Some international practitioners offer occasional “refresher” sessions at a lower price for past participants, which may be useful if you can’t afford the full programme again.
It’s worth asking if the fee can be split over several months, as many practitioners will agree to this if it helps accessibility.
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Phil Parker’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drphilparker/?hl=en-gb
