Guided Dreamwork & Imagination

Helping your child craft the life they want

Dear Parent

Your child is amazing yet the struggles are real. The outbursts. The anxiety. The stuckness. You already know that fixing and correcting aren't the long-term answer.

You've tried everything from therapy to keeping your child stimulated and regulated with activities, more time in nature and more co-regulation. All of these things are wonderful, and they've genuinely contributed to your child's healthy development.

And still something is missing. Especially if you've done any work on yourself, you already know the answer isn't out there. The key is self-understanding, self-awareness, the ability to pause, look and understand.

So how do you build your child’s your child’s self awareness skill in an age appropriate way?

With a technique that engages the right brain and the senses -

spontaneous imagination.

Kids will often tell you, through the character, things they can't yet say about themselves directly. Imagination is the bridge between image and self-knowledge. I use this principle with intent and purpose to help your child regulate, resolve and create.

Here's how each of these could translate into concrete, practical scenarios:

Giving feelings shape, colour and voice

Your child draws or names their "Angry" as a red, spiky character living in their chest. Later, when frustration builds up, instead of shutting down or lashing out, they say "Red Spiky is really loud today" and you can ask it questions together: "What does Red Spiky need right now?" The feeling becomes something they can observe and talk to, rather than something that overwhelms them.

Meeting a future wise self

Through a guided visualisation or storytelling exercise, your child imagines themselves ten or twenty years older - calmer, more confident, having been through similar struggles. They ask this "future self" for advice on a real problem they're facing (a friendship conflict, a fear, a tough decision) and write down or speak aloud what that wiser version of them might say. It gives them a felt sense of their own resilience and options, rather than advice coming only from adults.

Night dreams as parts calling for attention

Your child mentions a dream, maybe about being chased, or lost, or meeting a strange creature. Instead of dismissing it as "just a dream," you gently explore it together: "What did the creature want? What do you think it needed from you?" This opens a low-pressure doorway into feelings or experiences your child may not have words for yet during the day, using the dream's imagery as a safe starting point.

Want me to draft these into a polished one-pager or parent-facing handout?

Spontaneous imagination and dreams may be your child's most powerful tool for self-regulation and problem-solving.

BOOK A TASTER SESSION

Session Description

What is Guided Dreamwork & Imagery?

Guided imagery is a gentle, imagination-based approach that helps children relax, process emotions, and build inner confidence.

During a session, your child is guided through calming stories and visualisations designed to engage their imagination. These “inner journeys” help children feel safe, supported, and more in control of their thoughts and feelings.

This is not hypnosis or something done to a child but rather, it is a collaborative, child-friendly experience where they remain aware and in control at all times. It is fun and interactive, yet it teaches the child to introspect and meditate.

This technique is based on the work of Dr Catherine Shainberg who teaches power of dream images and imagination for transformational purposes. This work originates back to the 13th century from Rabbi Isaac the Blind of Provence, France, and Jacob Ben Sheshet of Gerona, Spain. The last lineage holder was Reverend Colette Aboulker-Muscat, who passed this important knowledge to my teacher Catherine Shainberg.

Who is it for?

Guided imagery sessions can support children who:

Experience anxiety, worries, or fears
Have difficulty falling asleep or relaxing
Feel overwhelmed by emotions
Struggle with confidence or self-esteem
Are going through transitions (school changes, family changes, etc.)
Are sensitive, imaginative, or emotionally aware

Typically suitable for children aged 8+, depending on their ability to engage with stories and imagination.

How does it work and what problem does it solve?

Children naturally think in images, stories, and imagination. Guided imagery uses this strength to help them:

Calm their nervous system
Process feelings in a safe, indirect way
Build inner resources (e.g., confidence, courage, sense of safety)
Develop self-soothing skills

Instead of trying to “talk through” problems, children experience change internally through imagery, which can feel easier and more natural.

Over time, this can lead to:

Reduced anxiety and emotional overwhelm
Improved sleep and relaxation
Greater emotional resilience
Increased sense of control and confidence

Who is it not for?

Guided imagery may not be suitable if:

A child is in acute psychological distress requiring clinical intervention
A child is unable or unwilling to engage with imaginative or quiet activities
There are complex needs that require specialized therapeutic or medical care

What happens in the first session?

The first session is gentle and exploratory.

It typically includes:

A conversation with the parent
Building rapport and helping the child feel comfortable
A short, simple guided imagery experience
Time to reflect and close the session
Feedback to the parent

There is no pressure for the child to “perform” or engage perfectly—the focus is on creating a sense of safety and trust.

How many sessions are needed?

This varies depending on the child and their needs.

Some children benefit from just a few sessions
Others may need ongoing support over several weeks

A typical starting recommendation is: 4–6 sessions, followed by a review

Consistency helps children integrate the experience more deeply and progress in understanding not just themselves but the work itself.

What does a session feel like for a child?

Sessions are calm, gentle, and very enjoyable.

Your child may:

Sit down comfortably
Listen to a story or guided “adventure”
Imagine places, characters, or sensations
Experience a sense of relaxation or curiosity
there is often an art activity to integrate the experience, I usually use drawing and clay

There is no right or wrong way to participate, each child experiences it in their own way.

The role of the parent

Parents play an important supportive role.

Depending on the child’s age and comfort:

You will receive brief feedback after sessions
You may be given simple ways to support your child at home

The goal is to create consistency and a sense of safety for your child.

Safety and approach / what to expect

This is a gentle, non-invasive method
Your child remains fully aware and in control at all times
Sessions are adapted to your child’s pace and needs
If a child feels uncomfortable at any point, the process is adjusted immediately
Every child is different, some children respond quickly, others need time and repetition
Changes may be subtle at first (e.g., small shifts in calmness or confidence)
Consistency and patience are key to lasting results.

Get in Touch

If you feel this may support your child:

Book an initial session - at the comfort of your own home - £ 40, usually sessions are £50
Or reach out for a brief phone chat to discuss your child’s needs

Find me on samarahana@protonmail.com