We are all prone to daydreaming when our immediate surroundings or activity invite us to take momentary refuge in our own fanciful thoughts as a means of escape. While daydreaming can be a useful activity that fosters imagination, excessive daydreaming can interfere with normal functioning or ability to relate to others. The term “maladaptive daydreaming” was first coined in 2002 and is not yet recognized as a diagnosable condition. However, some believe this phenomenon, in which highly vivid and immersive daydreams make it difficult for a person to function normally, may result from trauma or abuse, and act as a coping strategy to escape reality. If so, understanding maladaptive daydreaming may prove useful to those in need of treatment.
Whatever the issue that is keeping us from living a healthy lifestyle, whether trauma, loss or illness, therapy can help us to identify the causes of behavior patterns that are holding us back. Our therapists can guide and support you in your struggle to cope with the challenges that life inevitably presents us with, and they can give you strategies and techniques that you can call on, going forward. To schedule an appointment, please call one of our offices today or visit the online screening on this website.
P.S. Therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may help expose underlying issues that trigger maladaptive daydreaming.