Actually I recommend going to GameFAQS and looking up one of the FAQs there; it's even odds that SOMEBODY has taken the time to write out all the button commands and such for things like getting into EX mode.

The glowing light-things (Chains etc.) are the same things that will also sometimes give you Cures.

You can always try switching to RPG mode, or honestly I eventually through sheer perseverance got better at dodging (I....think it's L + circle? It's been long enough, and I am muscle-memory trained enough, that I don't remember the actual buttons.)