Light-Induced Guided Healing Therapy (LIGHT) | Centers for Integrative Health

Light-Induced Guided Healing Therapy (LIGHT) is a research-backed self-care protocol that implements a hybrid of hypnosis and guided imagery to promote self-efficacy. Albert Bandura, the renowned scientist who coined the term self-efficacy, observed, "In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life."

Be it an entrepreneur or a student, a parent or a coach, an athlete seeking to improve performance or an individual faced with the shifting demands of chronic illness, LIGHT devises opportunities to improve quality of life and engineer new mental pathways to anchor a more positive outlook of life. With practice, we can all develop better mental habits that make life engaging and more rewarding.

Currently, we offer LIGHT through group programs (8-week or 3-day intensive) and also via individual private sessions (scroll down to see request form at bottom of page). Graduates of LIGHT programs have access to Booster classes.

Group Programs

The LIGHT Self-Efficacy Educational (SEE) programs are available either as an 8-week program that meets once weekly or a 3-day weekend intensive. Both programs constitute roughly twenty hours of material divided into theory, discussions, and experiential sessions. Anyone looking to develop new habits and modify their lifestyle should consider the 8-week program. The 3-day weekend is a compacted Bootcamp model to introduce the fundamentals and acquire the tools for self-care suitable for the busy professional.

Our educational programs implement the foundational principles of this novel, evidence-based protocol and offer ample practice to embody LIGHT for self-care and continued personal growth.

Why should one care to build self-efficacy?

Efficacious people set challenging goals and maintain a solid commitment to them. In the face of impending failure, they increase and sustain their efforts to be successful. They approach difficult or threatening situations with confidence that they have control over them. Having this type of outlook reduces stress and lowers the risk of depression. (Bandura, 1994)

Conversely, people who doubt their ability to accomplish complex tasks see these tasks as threats. They avoid them based on their weaknesses or on the obstacles preventing them from being successful. They give up quickly in the face of difficulties or failure, and it does not take much for them to lose faith in their capabilities. An outlook like this increases stress and the risk of depression (Bandura, 1994).

The first pilot study at UC San Diego aimed at exploring the effectiveness of LIGHT concluded that the subjects experienced a 75% decrease in depressed mood. Additionally, LIGHT users also reported desirable benefits such as increased vitality, improved sleep, and pain management (Case et al, 2018).

The LIGHT framework empowers us to face negative influences and see them transformed in our minds. This simulation of life-affirming images and positive outcomes, when repeated as part of a daily routine, is believed to create new mental pathways that enhance the quality of life. In time, with persistence and repetition, one may eventually cultivate a habit of naturally favoring problem-solving and self-affirming strategies over procrastination or self-defeating practices of the past.

A second smaller study employed electroencephalogram (EEG) reading and found a broad network of brain systems became increasingly engaged as individuals progressed through the visualization sequence. Notably, in the central and occipital regions, power in the theta (4 - 7 Hz) and alpha (8 - 12 Hz) range declines during post-session relative to pre-session rest baseline (Hsu et al, 2018).

Alpha-Theta training can create an increase in sensation, abstract thinking and self-control. Suppressed Theta states can improve concentration and ability to focus attention (nhahealth.com).

Wouldn't it be marvelous to have a simple self-care tool that is always available, especially when we are in the thick of it?

Now, we can use every challenging situation as a playground to build our reserve and visualize our goals fulfilled.

We have designed the LIGHT protocol to invoke and engage the user's full attention toward visualizing an intention fulfilled at its highest. We achieve this by expanding the consciousness within a safe space created mentally for the non-judgmental and unlimited exploration of possibilities.

Now we can get back in control.

LIGHT is easy to use and does not require any prior experience with meditation or other forms of mental training. All we require is simple language comprehension skills to enjoy the full benefits of LIGHT. With the continued use of LIGHT, it is possible to build emotional resilience and promote new mental pathways that conform to newly inculcated confident attitudes.

With LIGHT, participants have a standard framework that remains the same for every session. However, this framework is pliable and customizable to each individual and their changing needs from moment to moment and day to day. Participants can gain familiarity quickly, and with consistent practice, we can now address momentary challenges with the cumulative efficiency accrued over time.

Sample Schedule for 8-week LIGHT Self-Efficacy Educational Program

(The programs are subject to alternations as we gain more insights from further research activity and the active participation of our growing community.)

Week 1: What is LIGHT? Explore the tools you have always possessed that you will now have the ability to implement fully in maximizing your expression of self and the experience of life
Week 2: Affirmations - Understand the power of words and explore their potential to transform your life
Week 3: Basic Meditation Exercises - Simple visualization exercises to establish clear communication pathways with your mind
Week 4: Self-Hypnosis - Go deeper and explore the recesses of your subconscious mind
Week 5: Training and Discipline - Repetition and consistency is the key to developing a habit
Week 6: LIGHT framework - Personalize and create your heaven on Earth
Week 7: Success Stories - Testimonials from LIGHT users
Week 8: Conclusion - Tie all the loose ends and commit to staying on course

"A single footstep will not make a path on the Earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." ― Henry David Thoreau

Course Highlights

Explore simple exercises to sharpen your mind and expand your imagination. In the process, discover more of your inherent gifts and dormant potentialities that are waiting to be actualized.

Discover ways to identify stressors early and methods to put out the sparks in your mind before they turn into forest fires.

Experience self-love and self-compassion to activate within your being all that you wish to experience in the world.

"If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration." — Nikola Tesla

Private LIGHT One-on-One Session

If you would like to set up a private one-on-one LIGHT hypnotherapist session, please complete the form below and give us 24-48 hours to respond. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to speaking with you. Once you are ready to register and complete payment for one-on-one sessions, click here.

LIGHT One-on-One Sessions - FAQs

How many sessions will you need?

The LIGHT one-on-one instructor-led experiential sessions are always delivered as a package of five sessions. In special cases, eight to ten sessions may be recommended. Each session lasts around 60-90 minutes. You will receive one session per week for five consecutive weeks. Ideally, it is recommended that the sessions be slotted for the same time each week to cultivate a routine and assimilate its benefits.

What benefits of LIGHT were observed in research studies?

The first pilot study to test the efficacy of LIGHT was commenced at UC San Diego in 2011. The results were peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine in February 2018. [Link to the Publication]

The researchers then named the protocol Healing Light Guided Imagery (HLGI), which has since been renamed Light-Induced Guided Healing Therapy (LIGHT). The study participants reported a 75% decrease in depressed mood, a 24% decrease in fatigue, a 38% increase in physical quality of life, and a 30% increase in mental quality of life.

A second pilot study was conducted at the Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience using EEG to observe what transpired in the participants’ brains while experiencing the protocol. [Link to the Publication] The researchers observed that a broad network of brain systems became increasingly engaged as individuals progressed through the visualization sequence. Notably, in the central and occipital regions, power in the theta (4 – 7 Hz) and alpha (8 – 12 Hz) range declines during post-session relative to pre-session rest baseline.

Paraphrasing and summarizing the process and benefits as observed by the researchers at UCSD:

During the intake session, the client sets an intention and identifies a guided imagery “go-to place” that is returned to and developed with successive sessions. Clients are introduced to the induction process, educating them about systems of affirmations and guided imagery used to improve creative imagination and evoke positive thoughts as often as possible.

LIGHT uses a repeatable framework that helps the client relax into a mild trance. Here they are guided through consistent visual cues to access their beliefs and concerns related to the intention. The framework empowers the client to face negative influences and see them transformed in their mind.

When repeated by the client as part of their daily routine, the simulation of life-affirming images and positive outcomes is believed to create new pathways for thought processing and improve their overall outlook and ability to attain their goals. Researchers have identified this trait promoted by the regular use of LIGHT as self-efficacy.

What are the benefits of LIGHT, as reported by clients, research participants, and students?

“My LIGHT experience allowed me to explore my inner self and provided me a foundation to develop a sustainable practice for my life from now on. Working with Paula via Skype was truly an amazing opportunity. Her energetic work inspired me to look deeper and release my self-imposed restrictions.

“I have had Multiple Sclerosis for over 30 years, and it does not have me! During my weeks of LIGHT sessions, I became a fierce leader again and landed the position of my dreams. I am an Information Systems Disaster Recovery Specialist Manager for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C. THANK YOU, LIGHT.”

— Valerie B.

“It took me a few weeks to liberate myself from these other practices and not be in this state of conflict of 'Wait a minute, that's not meditation. That's how you do Gnosis.' I'd be like, 'okay, just get on the roller coaster ride.' Once I could get on the roller coaster, I just went to some crazy places. I realized how much more fun doing LIGHT is than doing meditation. I'd rather do LIGHT and have a great time.

“My whole world turned around. Lots of wonderful little miracles have happened—serendipitous events. I certainly tapped into my creative imagination. Those were the messages I needed at that moment. I have had the most authentic conversations with people. Things I had kept private that I shouldn't have. It was creating buffers in our authentic lives. The walls have just come down. This is the entirety of me. You will accept me for who I am, just like I accept you for who you are. Thank you for the gift you have brought to my life.”

— Amy P.

“When I came here, I wasn't sure what this whole thing was about. I received an email from the center because I did a mindfulness course years ago. For some reason, I decided to open it even though the description was slightly vague. I'm happy that it was vague and I didn’t understand what it was about. Because if I knew, I probably wouldn't have come here. I'd have felt it was not my thing to do. I felt slightly uncomfortable initially because all these concepts were new.

“I wasn't a spiritual person. But the combination of Paula for her story and practical approach to things and Thomas for the spiritual with science thrown in and he is so calm, the two got inside my heart. I'm very grateful that I was here. In life, it's important to have a good teacher. I wasn't disciplined in doing the meditations every day, but whatever I did somehow resonated with me. I feel I'm calmer in every way in all my interactions.

“Waking up at night, usually going back to sleep, was hard. Even other times when I'm getting a little bit anxious, I don't even need to do a whole session or find myself a quiet place. I have to think that I have that in my imagination, the place that I created, and it has a good effect on me. It's great because it's much better than carrying benzodiazepines. Having LIGHT is a wonderful tool. All the materials in class for the homework opened a whole new world for me. I'm happy that I found you.”
— Liora N.

“My journey through LIGHT has been adventurous. Firstly, my experience with meditation was probably doing the 21-day through Oprah Winfrey, but I never got to finish it. So, attending these sessions and listening to 'Oh, trying to be aware in three places at once, the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious.' I was like, 'how is it possible to be aware in three places at once.' Then there are the commander cells. All of this was very new to me. But through practice, it has been a very positive and rewarding experience.

“It has taught me to value myself and let myself know that everything will be okay no matter what issue or problem I encounter.

“For instance, over the holidays, I went skiing. And, of course, I threw out my back. My commander cell is Rosie from the Jetsons. So, I called Rosie. I said, 'Okay, Rosie,' I closed my eyes and took a few breaths. 'Rosie, go to that lower back and ease that pain — just enough for me to get up and get to the lodge.'

“It wasn't automatic, but it took some time. And every time this pain came, I would call on Rosie. Okay, you go to that lower back and apply some warmth. I was in the snow for about 15 or 20 minutes, and it helped me to get to the lodge. And eventually, within 24 hours, I was even feeling well. But then I felt too comfortable and overdid it by twisting and bending.

“I felt confident that I was going to be okay. It gives me faith that 'hey, any problem that comes across my path, I will resolve it.' So, thank you very much.”
— Georgina M.

Do I need to meet any prerequisites?

We only offer LIGHT in English, so a basic understanding of the language is required to engage with the practice fully. Outside of this, there are no prerequisites as such. In your intake session with a LIGHT professional, we recommend that you discuss any health concerns and other apprehensions that you believe may interfere with the practice. On a personal level, the individual willing to commit to the process and be disciplined and consistent is more likely to extract the most benefits from the experience.

Are there any adverse effects?

LIGHT is not a substitute for standard care. It is a self-enhancement tool set to help with focus, awareness, and general well-being.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your primary care physician or a local health emergency service immediately. If you choose to utilize any information provided by the Centers for Integrative Health (CIH), the writers, or any other employees of CIH, you do so solely at your own risk.

The use of LIGHT induces a light trance state which may be discomforting to people unfamiliar with meditation practices or inexperienced with this state of awareness. In self-practice sessions, LIGHT must only be used when you are in safe surroundings and away from interruptions and hazards.

Kindly give yourself a short while to reorient after a LIGHT session before re-engaging with life and your regular activities. You may practice grounding or earthing exercises, such as walking bare feet outdoors on unpaved surfaces like lawns or the beach. Staying hydrated also helps with this. Another method is to have a bath with Epsom salts. Taking long, deep breaths is a good way to feel relaxed and comforted.

How much does it cost?

The package of five LIGHT sessions costs $875. Additional sessions, if required, are charged at $175 per session.