ImcyHow do Imcy coaches help children ages 3–6?
For preschoolers, emotion coaches on Imcy feel like magical friends and role models.
“A warm, validating, and deeply understanding relationship is a blessing to anyone, especially a child. This is exactly the kind of relationship a child has with their Imcie.”
— Imaginary coaches
- A magical friend feels natural and safe
- It’s easy to talk to
- It motivates
- It makes serious learning fun
Questions & answers
— How are sessions structured?
It starts with a 20-minute audio consultation between you and the coach. Then your coach meets your child for a video session, using the link shared with you in advance.
After each session, your coach sends you recommendations, an action plan, and helpful resources. Your coach may also create a personalized video recap for your child that reviews key points and reinforces the skills learned.
— What happens during a session with my child?
During sessions, your coach creates a safe and engaging atmosphere for your child. Communication is dialogue-based and includes multimedia visuals that reward your child and support the learning process.
In each session, the coach teaches your child one research-backed self-help skill for managing emotions and behaviors more effectively.
— How do I choose a coach?
At Imcy, all coaches fall into two tiers: Qualified and Licensed.
Qualified — a coach who meets the necessary qualifications to coach children: a degree, plus additional training in life skills coaching or in evidence-based approaches for kids, such as low-intensity cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Licensed — a licensed emotion or life skills coach with substantial CBT training and/or extensive experience using evidence-based methods to coach children.
We recommend starting with the tier that fits your budget.
All coaches on Imcy are qualified to help with typical childhood concerns. If your child is going through something severe or potentially risky, we recommend seeking clinical help through your healthcare provider.
— What training do coaches on Imcy have?
Coaches on Imcy are qualified and licensed coaches with additional training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, internal family systems therapy, executive function training, stress management training, anger management training, and other science-backed methods that can help teach children emotional regulation.
— How do I explain what's going to happen and introduce the character to a child?
We suggest asking your child whether they’d like to talk with a magical kitty, a puppy, or another imaginary friend, or “Imcie.” For example: “Maybe it’ll be fun and you’ll become friends! Your character can also support you and share a magical tip when you need help.”
If your child asks how it all really works, or says the character isn’t “real,” we recommend being honest: “A trained coach controls the avatar. They use it not to trick you, but to make talking feel more fun and comfortable.”
If your child wants, you can show them a photo of the coach or the coach’s page on the Imcy site. Once they understand they’re meeting a coach, ask whether they’d prefer to meet the coach as they really are or through an avatar.
Reassure your child that even though the coach is an adult, they won’t judge or criticize, because they’re always on your child’s side. Many children keep the avatar even after their coach is “unveiled.” Others feel more comfortable having sessions without it. It’s always about what feels comfortable for your child and for you!
— What if my child won't listen to the character or talk?
Coaches on Imcy adapt their language and style to your child’s individual needs. Sometimes it takes a little longer for a child to open up, but most children enjoy talking with their imaginary coach.
— Can I get a refund if my child won't engage?
Of course, if your child doesn’t enjoy their sessions, we’ll refund any paid sessions you haven’t used.
Some children need more time to open up, especially children with social anxiety or autism spectrum traits. We recommend giving your child time to get comfortable with their Imcie.
— What will the coach talk about with a young child who, because of their age, doesn't have much past to discuss?
Emotion coaches on Imcy don’t analyze the past with young children. Most of the work focuses on the present and on building skills for the future.
Your coach will set a clear overall goal with you, based on the outcome you want. Before each session, tyour child and their coach define a specific task to work on. Your coach keeps the conversation focused on that goal while paying close attention to emotional validation and helping your child build emotional and social awareness.
— My child's speech isn't very clear: will it be a problem if the coach can't understand them and I have to "translate"?
Coaches generally recommend that parents not sit in on sessions. If your coach needs your help, they’ll let you know. And if your child wants you nearby, that’s completely fine too.
— What platform are sessions on?
Coaches on Imcy hold sessions on Zoom. Before each session, your coach will send you a link to join. Just make sure Zoom is installed on your device. We kindly ask that you have your child join video sessions from a desktop computer rather than a phone or iPad.
What people say about us
@natalia.remish
Natalia Remish, blogger
“The character made it easy for my daughter to open up. It helped us through her grandfather’s death. After a few sessions she was herself again — and loved every meeting.”
@babydoctor_Elmira
Elmira Mamedova, pediatrician
I’m a pediatrician and have worked with the Imcy team for a long time—with real pleasure. Their unique approach through a character is especially valued by parents of preschoolers. It helps connect with very young patients even online. Thank you for your work!
@psych_bogdanova_tp
Evgenia Bogdanova, blogger
“Steady progress — school started and she stopped biting her nails, feels calm, and is happy again. Thank you!”