Section 4
Safe Place in Imagination
As children grow, they encounter many moments that feel uncertain or overwhelming. A safe place in imagination is a calming mental exercise that teaches children to create an internal sense of safety and comfort, even when their external world feels stressful. This imagined space—whether it’s a cozy fort, a sunny meadow, or a place filled with favorite people and pets—helps children feel secure and grounded.
Developing the ability to visualize safety supports emotional regulation, which is still developing throughout childhood. When children learn to picture and return to their “safe place,” they strengthen neural pathways between the amygdala (the brain’s emotion center) and the prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for calming and problem-solving). This connection helps the brain shift from a “fight-or-flight” response to a more relaxed and focused state.
Creating a safe place in imagination also nurtures self-soothing skills. It empowers children to use their mind as a tool for comfort, giving them agency over their emotions. Over time, this builds resilience, confidence, and a stronger sense of inner stability that supports healthy development and mental well-being.
Why “Safe Place in Imagination” Matters
It builds emotional regulation skills:
Guided imagery activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural “calm-down” mode—which lowers heart rate and reduces stress hormones (Gould et al., 2016). This helps children learn how to calm their bodies through mental focus and breathing.
It strengthens the mind-body connection:
Research shows that visualization engages the same brain regions as real experiences (Kosslyn et al., 2001). When children imagine their safe place, their body experiences genuine relaxation, teaching them that their mind can influence how they feel.
It promotes a sense of internal safety:
Children who develop an internal “safe base” are more likely to cope effectively with anxiety and change. This aligns with attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of both external and internal sources of security (Bowlby, 1988).
It supports trauma-informed care and resilience:
Therapists often use “safe place” imagery in trauma-focused interventions to help children regain a sense of control and emotional safety (Porges, 2011). Practicing this skill early prepares children to handle stress and recover from challenges in healthy ways.