Success stories
This is a sample of many letters I have had from people who have attended one of my clinics. They have written their stories because they want to help others who may be interested in doing the course. Many of these lovely people are also willing to talk with you on the phone if it were considered appropriate. Please do take the time to read their stories as they are as inspirational as the people who wrote them and I feel very privileged and humbled to have had the chance to work with them, to effect the changes they so passionately desired and were determined to achieve.
Their stories are written in their own words:
I can't thank you enough for the help you gave me and would like other people to know how the Lightning Process has enabled me to overcome my anxiety and stress and get my life back on track. Some five years ago I experienced extreme anxiety and stress related to a pain in my shoulder muscle. This anxiety and stress increased to such an extent that it caused excruciating pain from muscle cramps, sensitivity and sensations all over my body. My doctor referred me to the hospital pain clinic where I was treated with CBT by a psychologist and specialist physiotherapist. I was discharged after four years but although I was somewhat better I still could not break the cycle of anxiety/pain/sensations. I returned to my doctor who said that he had heard through his colleagues about the Lightning Process which was obtaining good results for some of their patients with ME and anxiety. I decided that I had nothing to lose and gave it a try. After the very first day of the course I noticed an improvement which continued over the following months to the point where I am now back to my old self. I still get the very occasional "wobble" but I know now how to deal with this and it quickly passes.
I would like to thank you again for your help and continuing support, the cost of the course was worth every penny.
I wish you well in the future and hope that this will give you more referrals enabling you to help other people with this problem.
Very best wishes
Gill DevonshireANXIETY AND STRESS
Dear Jan
Food allergies/ intolerances
Hi Jan
It was hearing of the astonishing recovery from ME made by a friend of my daughter who had done the LP course that motivated me to find out more. I’d had 64 years of ill health, almost exclusively stress related to some degree. Over that time I’ve suffered from agoraphobia, anxiety, low grade ME, insomnia, panic attacks, lack of confidence, dependence on prescription drugs ...etc! And for the last 30 years I’ve had multiple food sensitivities. Until a month ago I was cutting out wheat, dairy, yeast, sugar, red meat, all processed foods, fruit, caffeine and a load more...! in fact there was very little that I was confident that I could safely eat without suffering really severe symptoms. I felt I had nothing to lose but the cost of the LP course; so I attended feeling excited and with a glimmer of hope but deep down not really expecting very much! Day 1 was awful! I was SO exhausted and stressed that I felt tempted not to continue. Day 2 was a lot better; and Day 3 was brilliant! I felt on the verge of something big. I used the process to get over the terror of actually attempting to eat the foods that had been making me so ill. That was the really big hurdle. But I found it worked! It worked amazingly and beyond any hope or expectation I had dreamed of. That was a month ago. I’ve just come back from a week’s holiday during which I ate anything and everything that I fancied or was put in front of me! A complete miracle! I also found the confidence to resume driving and even tackled some short stretches of motorway. And I’ve got more energy than I’ve had for years. I’ve not done with this Process yet....! there is SO much more I am planning to achieve and it’s all there for the taking now I have the right tool at my disposal. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Audrey Williams
Dear Jan
Lovely to chat with you this morning and I just wanted to say how thrilled I am with my progress so far following the course with you last week on the Lightning Process.
Prior to the course, I was unable to eat any dairy, wheat or drink wine and I had to be particularly careful of any processed foods otherwise severe headaches would follow. Since the course, and applying it whenever even the slightest thought of "oh, I wonder if I can eat that", I have been able to enjoy foods that have been off limits for over a decade. The day after the course I enjoyed a sumptuous 3 course lunch enjoying all the delights that were on offer and by doing a form of seated version of the Process I sailed through the meal and quite frankly could have cart-wheeled around the car park with joy when I left!
From my own point of view, I have found the metaphor works best for me and I speak out loud rather than run the dialogue in my head. This seems to be a more powerful tool for me personally. Obviously, if seated at a table with other diners I don't verbalise my thoughts!
I do find I have to stop myself analyzing why it works and simply allow it to happen, to just be – I don't question why and how the sun rises every morning, its just does.
So thank you for giving me the tools to help myself although I realise, like any tool, they need to be used as a tool left "idle" in the box is worse than having no tool at all!
Best regards and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours. ( Dec 2010)
Carol
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Hi Jan
One of the reasons I had for attending the lightning process was to free me from restrictive diets and let me eat food without worrying about the consequences. I have had a wheat free diet for many years now, and also kept dairy to a minimum, cut out caffiene and reduced sugar. On day 2 of the course I was challenged by another trainee to eat a biscuit, because I really wanted one, but still feared that the repercussions might still be there. I asked Jan about how long I had to be feeling "normal" before I could venture into eating these things again. Her answer was obviously that if you're body is working correctly, then it's working correctly! I ate the biscuit, and then spent 20 mins worrying about it! I did the process on my anxiety and decided I would embrace the new opportunities, in fact I went straight home and ate garlic bread, which I loved! In the coming weeks though, I thought I didn't want to eat too much in the way of wheat
etc and felt I was "testing out" what my reaction would be each time I had some - constantly being on guard in case things went wrong. Not very helpful or productive! When I realised what I was doing (and had a pep talk from Jan), I decided to actually enjoy eating these foods I had cut out for years! Once I stopped all the anxiety and just relaxed into this new way of life (and got excited about trying these foods again), things improved dramatically! It is only 2 months since I completed the course, but now I don't worry about what I eat, and I haven't had any physical reaction to this change. In fact last weekend I had wheat at every meal with no consequences! I suppose the next step is to stop noticing that I'm eating it at all!
Thanks
Gill
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Tinker’s Testimonial on Depression
I had been suffering from severe depression when I dragged myself to the Lightening Process. Overwhelmed by helplessness I had been told that it could offer me a way of helping myself. From the first moment of walking into the room I knew I was in the presence of someone of huge and positive energy, given unconditionally and from the heart. Although I wavered through the sessions Jan gave me the courage to stay with them and through phone calls during the following 2/3 months, let me know that she was there for me, for however long it took. In a short time I had regained my old spirit and had undertaken the translation of a 250 page book.
In the `success stories' on her website the most frequently used words to describe Jan Oakley are generous and down to earth. She is quite simply one of the most inspirational people I have met.
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Depression "Learning the Lightning Process has helped me to move on from years of depression to finding a real purpose in life and finally being happy again! Jan’s professionalism combined with her skill as a hypnotherapist and coach has definitely helped me to make this huge shift to create the life I want. She is inspiring, compassionate and understanding and I cannot recommend her more highly if you are looking for help to really change your life, with plenty follow-up and support. I would happily speak to anyone directly if they want further reassurance." Lisa, Devon (April 2008) *******
The following stories are just a sample of the hundreds of people I have worked with who had symptoms of CFS/ M.E
Chantelle 16 yr old cfs / m.e
I suffered with M.E. for over two years. My predicted A grades for GCSE were swiftly becoming just a dream, and my friendships were falling apart as I wasn't in school long enough to build them. When I'd heard of The Lightning Process, I had tried nearly everything under the sun, and was sceptical of this remedy. I'd heard good and bad stories about it, and the thought of losing what had grown to be a crutch or a comfort zone to me was quite daunting. I'd known M.E. for so long and although I hated it, it'd grown to be a part of me. But I have no regrets! I am now achieving A*'s in my final year of GCSE, looking forward to a beneficial time in Sixth Form, and rebuilding friendships so quickly. I have been surprised at just how much I take my good health for granted now, and encourage anyone who is even vaguely considering The Lightning Process that this could be the best thing they'd ever done. It is for me, and I wasn't originally confident that it would. I'm looking forward to getting that bike out again, and living my life.
CFS/ M.E
My name is Tom and I am 11. I started with glandular fever which turned into fatigue. I was constantly tired, very tearful, easily stressed and my legs ached whenever I walked. I felt like I had rust all through my body. Walking anywhere was exhausting. The doctors told me to do 2 lessons a day and a 10 minute walk a day, then build up. But I got fatigue whenever I did it. I wanted to get to sleep at night but I couldn't which made me very tearful. Until I met Jan on the Lightning Process. At the end of the first day of the Lightning Process I swung on a rope which I hadn't done for 6 months. Then I ran up 11 steps which was impossible to do with the fatigue. I could see this was definitely working for me after the first day. By the end of the second day I ran down the passage and was absolutely fine. I was so fine that I thought I didn't need to go in for the third day, but I felt I probably should. By then I was feeling from about 2 or 3 out of 10 most of the time and sometimes one, to 10 out 10. By the end of the 3rd day I was so fine that I went back to playing rugby at school and doing full day lessons and the occasional night boarding. Now after a month I am fully boarding and I've made a full recovery. I hardly have to do the Process now. Jan is so amazing that she WILL help you get better. Sarah Manson –Aged 14 (April 2010)
After doing the Lightning Process in March the changes in my life have been dramatic. I have gone from being always conscious about how I’m feeling and focusing on all the negatives to someone who ignores the negatives, amplifies the positives and loves all the new found energy the Lightning Process has helped me to unlock.
The CFS I had for two years prevented me from going to school or having much of a social life with my friends and family, however since doing the LP I have been able to do so much more and I am looking forward to returning to school after the Easter break!
Finding out about and doing the LP was like a dream come true; there was at last a light at the end on the tunnel. Just after the first session the changes in me were huge. I woke up not feeling tired and for once without any “brain fog”. I even got up before my sister went to school which I hadn’t done for a very long time! By the end of the third day I was a new person; full of energy and just wanting to do everything!
At the moment I am having great fun planning all the things I can do which I wouldn’t even have contemplated a month ago! I am really looking forward to doing all the things my friends do and being able to meet up with them again without having to think about “pacing” myself. I can’t wait to get all my stamina back and be able to return to school!
The Lightning Process was amazing and now I am looking forward to living a life I love. Thanks hugely to Jan who has been a great support and who has given me the tools I need to have a great life.
TOM WHITBREAD AGED 11
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Linda’s comments: ( CFS )
I spoke to Jan on the telephone a number of times before committing to do the course. I immediately found her an inspiration and someone who could relate to me. Her passion for what she does could be felt coming through my telephone and I put my trust and faith in her. I went into my 3-day training course with a completely open mind, willing to listen to Jan and committed to understanding the concept, theories and techniques. I was determined to give it my best shot – if it can work for others – why not me?
Illness is an experience like no other. It leaves no aspect of your life untouched and can create uncertainty, self-doubt, losses and limitations. For me, CFS changed the way I saw myself, and altered my perceptions of the world around me, and I suffered for years. You have to have a dream if you’re going to make a dream come true. My dream was to live my life to the full and be fit and healthy. Then I found The Lightning Process and Jan Oakley……
As soon as I had the tools and realised how influential I can be in both my life and health, I was off and running.
Jan, I cannot put into words how grateful I am to you. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to believe in myself. I now know how the mind and body influence each other and I am reclaiming my life once more.
I wish every course in life was as interesting and fun as a course led by Jan is. Never before had I attended one that gave you a new life either! Really – Jan pretty much switched the light on for me again. She is such a lovely, vibrant and inspirational woman and I am determined to succeed just as you have.
If I can give anyone reading this some advice it is to listen to Jan and do EXACTLY as she says. You must apply the process as it is taught to you. In my case, it took perseverance and conviction and a lot of hard work, but life gets better every day. If this happens to you – don’t give up. Put every ounce of determination and energy into it and keep believing: -
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.
Some people might think a 3 day course is a huge thing to sign up to and I understand their concerns about how physically and mentally demanding this could be. I was one of those people too, and yes it does take a lot of concentration and energy to undertake BUT to be able to walk away from those 3 days and gain more energy everyday, better ability to concentrate, and to start living a life you love, believe me, It is so worth it. In my opinion the 3 days are spread out just perfectly. Each day is different, but builds on the previous days teachings.
Jan brought the course to life with so much vitality and energy and the interaction from all 3 of us on the course worked so well.
Linda x
Pat ( cfs )
I have been making the most of my recovery and still feel grateful for the last (almost) two years of full health. Am enjoying life and living it to the full with a very grateful husband and our lovely family, including a second granddaughter.
Thanks again and all the best to you.
I just wanted to let you know that i am still feeling the benefits of the Lightening Process course. I feel completely recovered, and now have been for over a year and a half with no relapses. It’s been great to be well again and i am really appreciating it.
Thanks again for your help in that.
Regards
Ewan Jan 2011 ( cfs )
Cath CFS Feb 2011
For me learning the 'Lightning Process' was a lifesaver. I now have a tool that enables me to stop any symptoms of Chronic Fatigue in their tracks.
I live in a fourth floor flat - 60 stairs and no lift. Chronic Fatigue rendered me effectively housebound. Before I attended Jan's course in the summer, I had got myself to a stage, by using Graded Exercise Therapy, where I could get down the stairs (and, more importantly, get up them again!) and walk about a mile. I used a pedometer to keep track of distance and would panic if I thought I might not have enough of an allowance left to get home. Despite the achievement this represented, I could not celebrate it because I didn't feel I could rely on it. The Lightning Process changed that by giving me an insurance policy that lets me live my life with confidence again, not to mention joy. In effect, it put me back in control.
Having said that, it took a few weeks for me to fully get to grips with the mechanics of the process. During this time, and since, Jan's help and support was invaluable. Our conversations helped me better understand what I needed to do and to identify those small elements of thought and behaviour that were not at all helpful and certainly not life-enhancing. Now I have my own personalised process that I use often proactively to avoid getting into those unhelpful ruts of thought.
I know there is debate as to how successful the Lightning Process is in the control of CFS/ME. All I can say is that it worked for me and to anyone thinking of giving it a go I'd recommend speaking to Jan in the first instance. As well as giving very good advice as to how beneficial her course might be, she stresses the importance of being ready to take on the challenge because you will need to work at it. But if it's what it takes to get your life back, it's more than worth the effort.
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it's taken me nearly six months to write this testimonial... but for the first time since I can remember I have a life and have simply been too busy to write one!
If I was to sum up the Lightning Process in one sentence regarding my health it would be... 'Amazingly the best thing I have ever done, I just wish I did it sooner!'
Although one sentence doesn't do justice to how I actually now feel.
I know that if I had to write on a piece of paper all the ailments that plagued me before I went on the Lightning Process, I could have quite easily have written a small novel! (and thats not even mentioning physicological issues) But for the sake of helping others who may well be suffering, I'll name the primary ones...
I suffered throughout my entire childhood with one illness after another - not major illness' but enough that I was off school a lot, visits to the doctors was frequent and I did the odd stint in hospital. I was constantly checked for glandular fever. When I was 12 I was hospitalized with severe salmonella poisoning & side effects...arthritus and loss of hair. Of course I recovered but my previous symptoms persisted and worsened. Doctors were 'puzzled' and struggled to find out what was wrong, I even got told that I was a hypercondriac! When I was 15 I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism or under active thyroid. Finally I thought 'great they found out whats wrong, I wasnt imagining it, I can get drugs and I can live a normal life!' Even though the drugs stopped me from falling terminally ill, I still showed and felt all the symptoms of my illness. I slowly stopped doing the things I loved and accepted that I had to go to bed 1-2 hours during every day to function at all. It was impossible to hold a full time job and I suffered through 5 pregnancies, two of which didnt survive.
Prior to going on the Lightning Process the doctors had diagnosed me with...Hypothyrodism, post natal depression (even though it was 4 years since I had my last child) depression from childhood, panic attacks, ME - myalagic encephalomyelitis, migraines, fibromyalgia & exhaustion.
It got to the point that I was embarressed to go to the doctors. I tried various alternative treatments that added up in costs. They did help a little but nothing was sustainable.
Then in the Summer 2010, a close friend who suffered terribly with ME went on the Lightning Process course. I was astonished to see the visible difference in him even after a week of going on the course. From being bedridden literally he was making plans to climb Mount Snowdon! Which he went on to do! I felt that this was my last chance at having a healthy, quality life. It seemed an expensive course at first, but it WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY and I would have no hesitation spending it again - I've actually made back that money in the past six months from not having to pay for treatments and medicines!
I was nervous about going on the course because I naturally dont 'do' people and knowing that I was going to be in a room of strangers freeked me out. But determined to get better I went along. Again I was very sceptical because I thought how could a 3 day course possibly sort me out, surely I was too far gone, plus I had spent such a long time convincing people I was ill!
I found the course utterly fasinating and starting to understand the whole process. It took me until day 3 for something to really click. I walked out on the last day feeling - positive, enthusiastic and I also felt like had seen psychiatrist and all my 'issues' had been processed and delt with. I also walked out the door knowing that I would never be depressed again - ever!
As regards my 'ailments and illness'' - I can reasonable and honestly say that after a month of doing the process I was able to say to myself and others... 'I no longer have ME, Fibromyalgia, depression, panic attacks, exhaustion and since the course I havent had one mygraine! Yes I still have hypothyrodism but not the symptoms that come with it. I have a life for what seems like the first time, I'm now the type of mother and wife I longed to be. I am alson able to work and since the course I have become a professional artist besides various other interests. I honestly feel that I can do and achieve anything I want to achieve! I strongly, strongly encourage anyone and everyone to do the course - and if you follow it correctly it will be the best thing you have ever done!.
Well I guess I've still gone ahead and written a little novel - but I wanted to write so much more.
Thank-you Jan for being a great teacher. I simply do not know how to rave about it more then I already do. I want people to know how genuin my feelings and expressions are regarding how its changed my life. I know its not a miracle cure and it has taken a lot of hard work but its been worth it. I thick it should be a compulsary for anyone diagnosed with any of the conditions I've suffered with to go on the course, it would save so much money, time and heart ache.
Thank-you, thank-you , thank-you
with the kindest regards
Leanne Christie, Totnes, Devon Feb 2011
www.leannechristie.co.uk
Hi Jan,
I wanted to just let you know how I was. I did the course with you last March and have had no problems since, been back at work since April, walking as much as I want etc. My illness all seems a bad dream and long ago, and I don't give it a thought.
Thank you so much for giving me my life back.
Hope things are well with you,
Best wishes
Giselle Sheppard cfs
cfs
Thankfully, now I'm not tired anymore, a memory technique that was shown to us in a revision session at school is now working! I'm so pleased that I am finally me again. Thank you, Jan, for help. I'm so pleased about it! My name is Colin Bridge, M.E sufferer I am sixty two years old and I attended a three day ’lightening Process’ course with practitioner Jan Oakley a few weeks ago. The difference that this made to my life was immediate. At last I had found a way to overcome the symptoms that had made a normal life impossible for me.
For the last two years I had lived a life usually at home. Half of my day was spent either lying on the bed, or in bed, feeling as if a cloak made of lead had been thrown over me. The slightest exertion wore me out and then it was back to bed to rest and usually fall asleep. I had to sleep most afternoons and then I would be back in bed by seven thirty in the evening as I was very weary. The sleep that I had through the night - or rather, didn‘t have - was no help at all, I always woke up feeling achy and tired. Work was not possible nor was the sea angling which I have loved since I was around ten years old.
It is possible that I have had ME at least twice before the last bout. Twice before over the last forty years I have had an illness, the first time in my early twenties which hospitalised me for many weeks in the isolation ward of Torbay Hospital, which despite many medical tests remained unidentified by the doctors and consultants treating me. Was this wholly or partially ME related ? I don’t know.
I had heard about the LP quite a time ago, but having found out as much as I could about it, I could not believe or understand how it could possibly help me. I had read the testimonials, just like this one, and although I was happy for those people who were now ‘cured’ as I understood the case to be, I was not convinced, until, a friend whose Mum - who had suffered with ME for over 25 years - phoned me and said that she was absolutely amazed at the difference in her Mum after she had taken the 3 day course at Totnes. I know that I can trust this friend totally and I also know that she would not give me any false hope, so at the point I knew that I was going to give LP my best possible shot, and if for any reason it did not work for me, it would definitely not be for lack of effort or determination on my part.
Although it is still early days for me, my leg muscles, arm muscles and my back are all in poor shape due to doing very little for two years, I am so very happy to be able to sleep properly, wake up feeling good and take part in everyones world again.
LP is not a ‘cure’ as I thought. The symptoms - tiredness, the feeling that I need to close my eyes and sleep, aching limbs, etc. - keep returning, but I can now stop the symptoms more or less instantly, get myself back up together with a recharged battery feeling and carry on. The more I try to do, usually the more I have to use the LP process. However I know that I will die of old age before I give up. I am not going to waste this opportunity that I have been shown to live a normal life.
I think it is possible to understand that all the different symptoms are controlled by one master switch, when that master switch is activated all of the symptoms are either all on or all off.
I know that LP works for me. I really believe that it is possible for LP to work for anybody who is prepared to give their all to succeed in overcoming ME and determined to keep at it, even when it would be so much easier to go to bed, put on the electric blanket to keep warm, even in the summer, and go to sleep - which is exactly what I used to do before I found a way to overcome M.E.
Soooo grateful and happy,
Chantelle. xx
"I have deliberately waited a couple of weeks or so before making contact so that I could be sure of my body's response to your treatment. It has been revolutionary - in the sense that I feel revolutionized. It took a good few days for there to be a consistency to my condition, but I can now say for sure that I no longer have the malaise that had blighted the previous nine years of my life. I no longer wake - after a 'good' night's sleep - feeling fatigued and depressed, but feel generally energised and normal.
And, most of all, I feel in control so that if the situation should deteriorate I know how to repress the symptoms. I have gone back to the Gym with a re-newed energy. So, my dear Jan, thank you so very much. Testimonial Ian, Edinburgh, 2009 m.e/ cfs
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"Just a line to let you know I'm still doing really well following your Lightning Process Course at Halsannery in July. Before doing the course I was wary of doing much exercise as I would suffer for it - often a couple of days later. I would go for the occasional run, or surf but never managed to get into a routine because I'd always feel rubbish. Since the course I've been running 3 times a week and doing loads of surfing & feeling absolutely fine. Restricting my activities feels like a distant memory!
I'm also able to drink alcohol & have late nights again which is brilliant! I'm absolutely amazed that by doing your course and using the Lightning Process I can so dramatically alter how I feel when I have a drink. Wine used to make me feel lousy. Now I'm really enjoying it. The other thing that continues to amaze me is how powerfully, dramatically & instantly the Lightning Process can change how I feel. In the mornings I used to wake feeling exhausted & acheing all over. I now wake up feeling fine.
The Lightning Process Course has exceeded my expectations. From all the positive reports I read before doing the course I did believe it would get rid of my Chronic Fatigue. But what it has also done is made me feel happier in myself and much more in control, by challenging negative thought patterns and being able to choose how I feel/think about things.
I'm really grateful to you Jan. Keep up the good work!"
Anna, Bideford, 2009 ( cfs )
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"Felt like the sun was coming out again and I was reminded of my younger self starting out at work, before I lost all my confidence, and it seemed like a challenge but one I could meet.
Also I am amazed how much what I learned on the LP course seems to illuminate a lot of what i have already learned about, but just haven't fully taken on board, in Buddhism, and also how much I misinterpret certain things. I wish I'd done it before I went on my long retreat, really! However I might not have been ready for it then.
So all in all I am finding the LP training very valuable- I still do the process and it does work when I do it- a lot of the time I'm OK and don't need to."
Kath in Edinburgh on life after using Lightning Process to recover-Sept 2009
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"Hi Jan, just wanted to update you on my progress. Everythings going great, I'm getting stronger and fitter all the time and really enjoying the mountainbiking again, went surfing for 2 days a couple of weeks ago, playing tennis and started sailing again. We also got engaged recently. Can't believe 8 months ago I was almost bedbound with M.E/CFS !"
Mick Hicks
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"In 1991 after catching glandular fever, I went on to develop severe M.E, and for 18 years wrestled with this devasting illness. For a great deal of the time I was bedbound or housebound, and life became just a miserable existance. With no real hope of recovery from conventional medicine, I tried many different complementary therapies, - some were helpful, some were not, but even those that did help didn't seem to last, and I was always back in the same old state, trapped in my body, deeply depressed, and feeling utterly hopeless.
Then a year ago, my very best friend gave me a copy of a magazine article about someone who had made a complete recovery using the Lightning Process. This interested me a lot, for although I'd never heard of this before, over the years I had become convinced that thebrain and body were somehow inter-connected, and one could influence the other, and this is what, amongst other things the Lightning Process seemed to be saying.
I spent the next few months researching all I could about the Lightning Process, and began contacting several Trainers both in my own area and beyond. The more I heard and read, the more convinced I was that it could work for me, and I even began to develop an dogged determination and intention that it would work for me. It was just finding a Trainer with whom I felt comfortable.
When I first spoke with Jan on the phone, it was immediately obvious to me that although she didn't know me, what she genuinely wanted more than anything else was for me to be well again. She spent so much time explaining the Process to me, answering all of my questions in the most professional way and yet also with such patience, kindness and love. Over the next few months I phoned her many times and began to feel guilty at taking so much of her time, but she was always ready and willing to talk me though any doubts or queries, and with such enthusiasm and conviction that I began to feel better just listening to her!
I finally took the Lightning Process Course just over a year ago, and am so very glad that I chose Jan as my Trainer. She is the most wonderful person, and the energy and total commitment that she put into teaching us was simply amazing.
When I arrived at the Course on the first day I was using my walking aid. After my first session with Jan, I walked out of the building completely forgetting to take it with me, as I had so much more energy and was feeling so much stronger.
The 2nd and 3rd days got even better, and I was able to do things that I'd only been able to dream about for the past 18 years. At the end of the Course , I knew that my M.E. had 'flown out of the window', and was gone for good. Today, just over a year on, I am fit, well, and loving life. I have lots of energy and am now catching up with all the things I have missed over the last 18 years, and life really is wonderful.
I feel that I have put the Lightning Process fully to the test over the last year, and it has never failed me once. As Jan says, once we have learned the Process, then it's a tool that we can carry with us for the rest of our lives, and use it in very many other circumstances as well as for M.E.
One of the great things about choosing Jan as my Trainer is that she is willing to always be my support and help if and when I ever need her, and I know that I can completely rely upon her to be there for me She continues to support all of her trainees for as long as needed, however long that may be, and that is something I find quite incredible and generous, and for which I am enormously grateful.
So it is the hugest, hugest THANKYOU JAN for helping me to say goodbye to M.E. for good.
You are simply THE BEST. God Bless."
testimonial - Joy 2009 Totnes
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"I just wanted to write and tell you how much I’m loving the fact that I did the lightning process! It is a powerful tool that has allowed me to discover my power and full potential. It has given me my life back and allowed me to take positive steps to a brighter future.
When I discovered the Lightning Process, I was on my second time round with M.E. I was in total despair and I was adamant that I wasn’t going to go through another 6 years of this horrendous, soul destroying illness. Someone had told me about LP, but I have to admit that I was a little sceptical; I couldn’t get my head around the fact that I could help myself! After a while and lots more people telling me how amazing it is I decided to call Jan Oakley to find out more. Once I had spoken to her I was sold, I never looked back, and I just totally threw myself into it. I was determined that if other people were having such fantastic results then there was no reason that I should reap the same benefits.
So I went on the 3 day course, gave it everything I had and listened closely to what Jan was telling me. I practiced hard and started to see small benefits very quickly, this was hugely exciting and only spurred me on more, I wanted to be fully fit and to get on with my life. A month after completing the course I had built up enough confidence in my capabilities that I had moved back to my life in London and started working full time again.
A year later I am still full of health, working in a job that I love and doing all the hobbies that I enjoy, such as dancing, singing and socialising and I am leading a happy and fulfilling. I thank my luck stars that I found and accepted the Lightning Process into my life and I am grateful to Jan everyday for showing me these vital life skills. Now I never have to worry again, everything I need I already have. I implore anyone suffering to do the Lightning Process course, you will never regret it….trust me! "
Crystal, Totnes, 2008
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"I suffered with ME for over 5 years I felt I had tried everything possible in order to recover. The Lightning Process kept coming to my attention via the media and a friend gave me a leaflet about it. After doing some research on the internet I decided to give it a go although I must admit I was somewhat sceptical.
Just attending the 3 day course was a real achievement for me and it filled me with excitement and hope for the future. The next couple of weeks were a real turnaround for me. I felt like I had been released from prison and was getting used to life in the outside world again. At first I took tentative steps but now I have come on in leaps and bounds. A couple of months down the line I feel so much more energetic, confident and happy. I have started my own vegetable patch, booked a holiday, joined my old yoga class, enrolled to take part in Race for Life and enjoyed some of the most fantastic long walks on the beach. These are all things I've not been able to contemplate doing for many years and it feels unbelievable.
Jan was a first class teacher, passionate and committed. She has also been there to give me encouragement and support after the course when needed. Having been there herself some years previously she really does understand. I would wholeheartedly recommend the LP and Jan to anyone who is suffering from ME. It is life changing and it is wonderful."
Michelle, Bideford, 2009
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"I am extremely grateful to Jan Oakley for her seminar on The Lightning Process™.
I have experienced chronic fatigue syndrome for the last three years, and although many have endured the illness over much longer periods, I really struggled going to work each day, as a self-employed contractor in the building trade.
I did the Lightning Process seminar with Jan and at the end of the first afternoon session I had learned and implemented methods to overcome my illness, (which I discovered was being perpetuated by stress, including the worry of not understanding what was happening to me ), and it has never returned!
Many people, including respected authorities, believe M.E to be a purely physical illness; the physical symptoms are very real indeed but by using the Lightning Process™, many of my physical ailments disappeared overnight!
In addition to combating my chronic fatigue I have since used the programme to overcome stress-related anxiety, public speaking, limiting beliefs and I get a good night’s sleep every night!
It’s even helped me to focus on improving my skills in the sport of darts; whereby I have upped my standard to a semi-professional level!
If someone is serious about making changes for the better, be it to defeat a disorder or simply to improve their outlook on life, the Lightning Process is a phenomenal programme for permanent restoration and improvement, with no drawbacks whatsoever!
I would like to end by saying that I was initially sceptical about the programme, even though I knew someone who’d completed the course and recovered. There are no unusual processes to learn and nothing that would contravene a religious belief system. It’s logical, it makes total sense and it works!
Thanks once again Jan, I will continue to keep you updated on my ever-improving progress."
Warren 2008
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"M.E/CFS can be a real grind and drag you down, it did me. I wanted to be better, I shouted at myself, jumped up and down and any number of other things, all to no avail. Then I found myself talking to Jan on the phone. Just a short discussion about what she thought she could do for me left me feeling like someone had taken a lot of the sludge that was running through my body and replaced it with crisp spring water. I got the feeling, just talking to her that here was someone who did not think it would be nice for me to be well again, I was talking to someone passionate about me being well again, and clear that the most important person in that process was me, but she would support me all the way. I thought I wanted to kick the "silly-old-bonky-old-illness" as my 5 year old son called it, out of the door, but that want was nothing compared to the want Jan just radiated to help me do it.
Jan is a person loaded with unconditional love, and because of that unconditionality, she can be real tough too, which is wonderful. The knowledge when working with her that there was someone there stronger than me, tougher than me and more determined than me gave me the freedom to actually try.
The words are very small, but all I can say to Jan is: Thank You!"
Roger, Wales (September 2008)
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"It's now 5 months since I did LP, and what an extraordinary 5 months they've been! Having had M.E for 22 years, and pretty much housebound for the last 14 years, and running out of treatments to try, I was absoloutely amazed and delighted to hear of how two M.E friends had seen dramatic improvemnt with LP. But it took me many months before I felt able to go ahead myself. I knew I'd be devastated if I couldn't get the hang of it, and see improvement like they'd seen, but asked myself, was this a valid reason not to go ahead?......finally I was able to change my focus to 'but what if it DOES work and I recover too!!' and how overjoyed I am to be able to say that it has proved to be the turning point I've been waiting for all these years, and now at last, I have my life back. Yes learning the technique is challenging, but the rewards are so great, that it makes it all worthwhile. I saw a huge improvement in my health and also in my selfconfidence, while doing the 3 Day Training, and the last 5 months have been really thrilling. Activities like walking and shopping, and travelling by bus and train after so many years being housebound have been such fun. For me it's been very satisfying building up my stamina, e.g. gradually increasing the distances I've walked etc. Have just been given a bicycle and after less than a week, it's as if I've been cycling all my life! - though am sticking to cycle tracks for a while! Rejoining the world, as it were, is of course full of challenges which vary from person to person, and it's great to be in touch with other 'LPers' to compare notes and support each other when necessary. Adjusting to a noisy environment was a big challenge for me, but my tolerance of noise has improved dramatically.
In the early weeks I was doing the LP all the time, but now it comes in on a more occasional basis, often not for fatigue but for stress/worry etc. - it's a great tool to have at one's fingertips! I wholeheartedly commend Jan as a wonderful tutor/teacher. She is both inspirational and dedicated - her committment to her clients is second to none. She's so patient and supportive, and I've benefited from quite a number of follow-up sessions - to know she's there at the other end of the phone, should you need her, is very reassuring. To get my life back after so many years of illness, is like a dream come true - during the first few months after doing the L.Process my face was aching so much from smiling! - for me 'doing normal' really sums it up, and I still have bright coloured Post-It notes dotted around the house to remind me!, though being able to do all the sorts of activities that most people take for granted feels far from normal! My family and friends and neighbours have been amazed at my progress, and it's reassuring that aspects of one's personality which have unfortunately had to lie dormant for many years, as it were, can now reappear, and for me, once I started living a life I love, it's been as if the years of illness just melt away, and I can revel in the enjoyment of being able to do things I haven't been able to do for so long, and ofcourse new experiences too, and the satisfaction of making arrangements/appointments to see people etc, knowing that you'll be able to go ahead, is so wonderful. And knowing you've learnt a technique that you can rely on for the rest of your life, is so empowering. So, 3 Cheers for LP!"
Sheila, Devon (June 2008)
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"I had suffered from M.E. for about 27 years and although I had made a significant recovery using a variety of different approaches, life was still quite limited. I was still getting frequent bouts of being pretty unwell (especially if I got overtired) and even on good days could not cope without an afternoon rest. Disturbed sleep at nights was the norm and my social life was almost non-existent.
A couple of months ago I heard about the Lightning Process. At first I was a bit sceptical but I trawled the internet to find out as much as I could about it and was impressed by the huge number of very positive testimonials from people who had undertaken the training and whose lives had been completely turned around as a result. I thought, “Well I don’t understand it but if it works for them I don’t see why it shouldn’t work for me too.” With my husband’s agreement I decided to give it a go. I understood that the secret of success was total commitment to what we would be taught on the course but this was no problem for me – I decided I would do whatever it takes to be free from this miserable and debilitating condition.
My husband, John, attended the course with me as an observer and this was a great help. Not only was he able to make a valuable contribution to the course (he is disabled himself following a serious accident from which he made a remarkable recovery) but he has been a great support to me too as he is fully conversant with what the Process is all about and can help keep me on track!
I was absolutely amazed at the training. The Process itself is extremely simple to do although the rationale behind it is far from simple. It is exactly what it says it is – a programme to enable us to retrain our brains to respond in more positive and life-enhancing ways. By the end of the course I knew for certain that my M.E. was a thing of the past and that I could look forward to a bright and fulfilling future provided I was willing to apply the Process whenever necessary. I am very willing!
It is now a month since I did the course and almost 30 years since I was last really well. I am now 65 and a lot of things have changed over the years so obviously I have to make allowance for this when re-shaping my life. Nevertheless I am making excellent progress. I am now sleeping much better at nights without medication. I stay awake most days which means I can go out in the afternoons. I am starting to develop a social life once again and even enjoyed a recent trip to the theatre when I actually managed to see the whole show instead of having to leave, exhausted, at the interval! Perhaps the thing I appreciate most is that I can now plan ahead and make arrangements knowing that I will be well on the day. Another wonderful thing about the Lightning Process is that it enables you to take control of your life so that, once you have learned the technique, you can apply it to a variety of different situations whenever you wish.
As a committed Christian I have been asked by several people if the Lightning Process is “Christian”. The answer is that it is not overtly Christian – indeed it would be inappropriate if it was as this would deter many people from attending. However I found that not only was it totally compatible with my Christian beliefs but that my understanding of the Process was enhanced by my faith and vice versa - a very worthwhile situation indeed!"
Liz, May 2008
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"This is hard to write as words do not convey the changes and sheer happiness that having the LP at my disposal has made to my life.
The LP has trained me in the skills to take control of my life and allow me to do what I want to with my life. Even this sounds twee but I mean it. I still have times when I don’t feel great, I’m normal, now however, I can sort it out. I don’t have M.E. anymore.
The LP for me was instant in that I did get surges of energy and joy whilst doing the training – it was and is incredible. I use it to make steps to change my life and improve it and am still doing so 6 months later. I am not instantly the very fit sporting competitor I used to be – but I know that I could be if that’s what I want.
It is not always easy. The LP is a skill to be practised and used for the rest of my life.
If anyone really wants to get well and recover from M.E. the Lightning Process will work for them."
Jane, (May 2008)
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"Thank you, Jan, for your help and support. You have been a fantastic coach and I really appreciate what you have taught me. Some of the important things that I have learnt are that I have choices. I am now aware that what you focus on is what you get and that I can do anything!"
Paula (April 2008)
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"I completed the Lightning Process™ seminar over six months ago. Since this time my health and sleep pattern has greatly improved. The course tought me how I can minimise difficult life situations that can't be changed and helped me focus on ways I could make adjustments in my life to maximise my health. I now have more time to fill with things that make me happy as I am no longer losing precious time to illness.
Before the Lightning Process™ I attended the doctor's at least once a week in desperation to feel better - last week I booked an appointment for something minor and routine and realised I hadn't been to the doctor's for months! It felt fantastic!
I still practise the Lightning Process™ maybe once a week which is very easy once learned, but important to staying well. Jan who ran the course I attended was professional, kind and caring, and I always felt I could call if needing further support, which is readily available.
I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone who wants something in their life to change."
Felicia (December 2007)
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"Amazing! Attending the Lightning Process at the Oakley Clinic has been a life-changing event for me. I had suffered from moderately severe ME/CFS for over 5 years. Although NHS training in CBT and pacing enabled me to manage the illness, I was still stuck with a very limited life-style, which no amount of positive thinking could shift. After the 1st session of the Lightning Process, I was aware that a major shift had occurred. It was as though a switch had been flicked, in an instant. My CFS/ME began to feel like a thing of the past. I have a renewed zest for life and my family and friends are delighted. The training by Jan was very professional and it was evident that she was a competent teacher, counsellor NLP/Hypnotherapist. The Follow up support was excellent and she also addressed two other problems I had, which are now resolved. Thank you!"
Lucy Edwards, Devon (December 2007)
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