If you are interested in private one-on-one LIGHT sessions, please complete the inquiry form and allow 24–48 hours for a response. These sessions are only offered as a package.

Session Structure

• Sessions are offered as a package of five (5-session package: $1,250)
• Each session lasts approximately 60–90 minutes
• One session per week for five consecutive weeks
• Scheduling the same time each week is recommended to build routine
• Additional sessions, if needed, are available at $250 per session

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will I 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, sessions should be scheduled 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. The researchers named the protocol Healing Light Guided Imagery (HLGI), which has since been renamed Light-Induced Guided Healing Therapy (LIGHT). 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. 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.

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, where 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 as part of a daily routine, the simulation of life-affirming images and positive outcomes is believed to create new pathways for thought processing and improve overall outlook and ability to attain goals — a trait researchers have identified as self-efficacy.

Do I need any prerequisites?

LIGHT is offered in English only, so a basic understanding of the language is required. There are no other prerequisites. In your intake session with a LIGHT professional, we recommend discussing any health concerns and apprehensions that 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 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. Give yourself a short while to reorient after a LIGHT session before re-engaging with regular activities. Grounding exercises — such as walking barefoot on a lawn or at the beach, staying hydrated, a bath with Epsom salts, or long deep breaths — can help with this transition.

How much does it cost?

A package of five LIGHT sessions costs $1,250. Additional sessions, if needed, are charged at $250 per session.

Program Formats

The LIGHT Self-Efficacy Educational (SEE) group programs are offered 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 may 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.

Current status: The 8-week group program and 3-day intensive are not currently being offered. If you are interested in future group programs, please complete the interest form.

Why 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).

Research Findings

The first pilot study at UC San Diego concluded that subjects experienced a 75% decrease in depressed mood. LIGHT users also reported 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.

About LIGHT

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 continued use, 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, address momentary challenges with the cumulative efficiency accrued over time.

Sample 8-Week Schedule

Programs are subject to alterations as we gain more insights from further research and 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.

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.

LIGHT Booster Sessions are a seasonal 4-week guided group experience designed to help participants reconnect with the LIGHT framework through structured practice, reflection, and community support. The current format is open to both returning participants and those new to LIGHT.

Each session includes:

• Weekly 90-minute to 2-hour live group session on Zoom
• Guided walkthrough of the full LIGHT protocol
• Peer sharing of experiences and challenges
• Community-supported practice and accountability
• Led by a Certified LIGHT Professional or a founder of LIGHT

Tuition: $950. UC San Diego students and employees: $850.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this appropriate for someone new to LIGHT?
Yes. Booster Sessions are open to anyone interested in exploring the LIGHT protocol. No prior experience is required.

Do I need to attend all four sessions?
Attending all sessions is encouraged to build continuity and community, but not strictly required.

Will sessions be recorded?
Sessions are not recorded in order to maintain the integrity of the live group experience.

What technology do I need?
A device with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Sessions are held on Zoom.