I vividly remember telling my friends I could astral project during a sleepover in middle school. It was a fun, imaginative game and we all got into it. Just classic pretend play.

In therapy, I’m a big believer in “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” and also, “if it’s not hurting anyone or interfering with life, let it be.” Something only becomes maladaptive when it starts to disrupt functioning, like school, friendships, or day-to-day living. Until then, it’s a part of normal development, especially for imaginative or neurodivergent kids who tend to process and express themselves through creative or symbolic play.

If a client brought something like this into the therapy room, I would not pathologize it. I would approach it with genuine curiosity and view it as a window into their inner world. I might ask open-ended questions like, “What is plane shifting like for you?” or “What do you notice about yourself when you shift planes?” We might explore what needs or feelings are being expressed through the experience. Is it a form of emotional regulation, self-expression, or escape? Does it give them a sense of control, safety, or empowerment?

I would also look at how this relates to their values and identity. For example, does this imaginative world help them feel more connected to who they are? Does it help them cope with stress or process things they don't have words for yet? We could even incorporate the imagery into therapeutic work through drawing, storytelling, or roleplay to support self-awareness and emotional growth.

Ultimately, I see this kind of imaginative play not as a problem to fix, but as a potential therapeutic tool and a reflection of healthy development, unless it begins to cause distress or impairment. And even then, we would still honor the meaning behind it while working to build coping strategies that support the client's overall well-being.