About
Our Mission

Meet Our Team

Why

Watch Our Videos

Testimonials

Donate

Our Mission

Giving kids a voice for positive change in their lives, and those of future generations.
At The Imagine Project, we empower kids with the tools to rise above life’s challenges, turning everyday stress and trauma into stepping stones for a brighter future. Our mission is to nurture the mental well-being of every child, helping them envision a world where resilience, joy, and imagination pave the way to endless possibilities.
The Imagine Project offers a free and simple 7-step Imagine… journal that can be downloaded from anywhere in the world. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization based out of Colorado that has successfully reached over 738,000 kids across the US and in 48 countries.

Meet Our Team

Why

The Power of Writing to Heal !

Studies have shown that writing about personal struggles can bring about healing and clarity, allowing us to process difficult emotions and ultimately move forward. For children, starting as early as Kindergarten and continuing through high school, writing can be a powerful tool to manage stress. That’s where The Imagine Project steps in. This innovative, 7-step writing process begins each sentence with the word “Imagine,” providing a sense of emotional safety for kids and teens as they reflect on their experiences.
By framing their story with “Imagine,” they are given the space to express without being overwhelmed by their emotions. Step 4 of the process encourages the writer to envision a new story, filled with hope and possibilities, allowing them to see that their past doesn’t define their future. It’s a gentle but profound way to inspire resilience and growth.

Watch Our Videos

Learn about The Imagine Project and how it will impact your classroom!!

Testimonials

“The Imagine Project has really taken off in my district. I completed the project in my 5th grade classroom at the beginning of the school year and the outcome was powerful beyond words. The things the students were able to relinquish and say during this project were mind blowing. I have since shared your project with other teachers at our Institute Day and to school board members at a meeting just last night. Everyone that hears about the Imagine Project and how it is impacting my staff and students are in awe. I am so excited about where our district is heading in regards to students’ mental health and overall well-being. I truly believe that your project is what is going to propel our district in the right direction!”

Jesseca Musso 5th Grade

“I sat in on all three classrooms while they did the bulk of the project and it was really a fascinating process to be a part of. I saw many kids really engaged in the writing process, many chose to share their stories and the displays of support and empathy by fellow students was beautiful to behold. One interesting thing I noticed was that, for the most part, the kids who “act out” as a result of their traumatic lives really struggled with this project. Many of them chose not to participate, which we made clear was OK.I understand that for many of them, it is difficult to even try to access those traumatic experiences. I also realized many of them struggle with writing in general. I observed some who did not .........

Nikki Wood Counselor, Eastgate Elementary

Donate to The Imagine Project, Inc.

We would appreciate your support in helping transform the lives of kids and teens
who have been negatively affected by stress and trauma.
Your help will save a child from a lifetime of mental or physical health problems.
Your help will promote positive interactions in homes, schools, youth organizations, and communities.
Your help will lesson bullying and school shootings–promoting trust, compassion, and kindness with kids across the globe!
Getting Started
For Schools/Professionals

Step-by-Step "How to Webinar"

For parents

About Kid Stress and Trauma

Watch our videos

Imagine Stories

ETF Tapping

Research

Crisis Support

For Schools/Professionals

My Imagine Journal™ is an interactive 7-step expressive writing activity that gives kids, teens, and even adults the opportunity to reflect on old stories that may be holding them back, let them go, and imagine a new story in its place. This powerful tool increases self-awareness, builds resilience, helps manage stress, and gives kids a positive direction in life—supporting emotional and mental health—all while getting them excited about writing!

Step-by-Step "How to Webinar"

Go at your own pace, We encourage you to write your own story when it’s suggested. Writing your own story helps with understanding the power of the project. You will enjoy it, we promise!
Module 1: Introduction to The Imagine Project

Step 1: Introducing The Imagine Project:
TASK- Before we begin to explore and experience The Imagine Project, we would like to collect some information about you that will help us continue to improve. Please complete the following anonymous survey (this is optional). There will be a follow-up survey after experiencing The Imagine Project.” Here is the Google Forms Link: Click here
Intro Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAmsZMCkEUo&t=46s
Dianne’s Personal Story: https://vimeo.com/456298892
Watch this intro video.
Step 6: Download the Feelings Wheel – Watch this video about using The Feelings Wheel while writing or having others write their Imagine stories

For parents

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act, helping us maintain a balanced perspective in most situations. When we are grounded, we make healthier choices, express emotions freely, accept help when needed, manage stress, feel empathy, experience joy, and connect easily with others. This balance is essential at every stage of life. As children grow, they develop these skills, and we continue to refine them well into adulthood.

About Kid Stress and Trauma

Childhood stress is more prevalent than many realize. According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in America™ survey, teens aged 13 to 17 experience stress levels comparable to adults. On a scale of 1 to 10, teens reported an average stress level of 5.8 during the school year, significantly higher than the healthy level of 3.9. Even during the summer, their stress levels remained elevated at 4.6.

Watch Our Videos

Learn about The Imagine Project and how it will impact your classroom!!

About Kid Stress and Trauma

Billy ( 10 yrs. old )

Imagine… having great friends but knowing that you’re hardly ever going to see them again.
Imagine… seeing your friends cry for you but you can’t truthfully say that it’s going to be fine.
Imagine… that it might be the last time you ever see someone you love

ETF Tapping

EFT is a form of energy psychology that integrates the mind, body, and energy field to address emotional and physical conditions. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma symptoms, and a variety of other emotional and physical challenges.
Rooted in the Chinese concept of energetic meridians, EFT is based on the belief that the body has pathways through which energy flows, similar to how blood flows through veins. In traditional Chinese medicine, illness is thought to occur when these energy pathways are blocked. Acupuncture uses needles to target specific points along the meridians to restore the flow of energy and promote healing. EFT follows a similar principle but involves tapping with the fingertips on these key energy points rather than using needles.

Research

For more than 30 years, researchers have explored the impact of expressive writing on well-being. In most studies, participants are asked to spend 15 to 30 minutes writing about an emotionally challenging or even traumatic event in their lives.

Crisis Support
Journals
Books
Blogs
Contact

Webinar

Our new Webinar about how to use The Imagine Project

We have two choices for you. Click on the lilnk below and it will take you to a (free) powerpoint that will walk you through learning about The Imagine Project.

Or you can use the information below. Either way, we encourage you to go at your own pace. You will be prompted to write your own story within the lessons. Writing your own story helps with understanding the power of the project. You will enjoy it, we promise!

Click here for our new Powerpoint Webinar! FYI, when you open the Powerpoint, you will need to click on the enable content button on the upper right corner of the page to be able to watch the videos. The downloads will only work in play mode.

Module 1: Introduction to The Imagine Project

Step 1: Introducing The Imagine Project:
- TASK- Before we begin to explore and experience The Imagine Project, we would like to collect some information about you that will help us continue to improve. Please complete the following anonymous survey (this is optional). There will be a follow-up survey after experiencing The Imagine Project.” Here is the Google Forms Link: Click here
- Intro Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAmsZMCkEUo&t=46s
- Dianne’s Personal Story: https://vimeo.com/456298892
- Watch this intro video.
- Step 6: Download the Feelings Wheel – Watch this video about using The Feelings Wheel while writing or having others write their Imagine stories.

Module 2: WHY The Imagine Project? Learning about Stress and Trauma

Step 1– Watch this intro video.
Step 2– Learning about stress and trauma:
- Unfortunately, our world is stressed. Adults are stressed and so are kids. Depression and anxiety are higher than ever before–no matter what age. Research has shown that traumatic events affect 50% of children before the age of 17. Adults and children need tools to mitigate stress and help navigate through challenging life events.

Step 3– Stress statistics:
- In the last 6-7 years there has been an unprecedented spike in anxiety and depression in adolescents.
- ~35% of children experience health-related stress problems.
- ~10% have anxiety, ADHD, or behavioral problems. ~5% suffer from depression.
- American teens rate their stress at a 5.8 (10 point scale), adults are typically 3.8.
- 7 out of 10 teens say anxiety and depression are a major problem among their peers.
- Watch this video about how stress and trauma can show up in kids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrF5BF3aES0
- Signs of stress:
  - Stomach aches
  - Frequent headaches
  - Acne
  - Dizziness
  - Bowel problems
  - Bedwetting
  - Frequent colds or illnesses
  - Becoming clingy
  - The quality of school work has changes
  - New habits such as hair twirling, nose picking, or thumb sucking
  - A change in sleep patterns
  - Mood swings
  - A child might begin to lie
  - Changes in eating habits
- Stress and trauma can:
  - Change brain function which will impair a child’s ability to focus, organize, and process information.
  - Adversely affect attention, memory, and cognition.
  - If a child seems chaotic, unable to focus, easily distracted or frustrated they could be experiencing (or have experienced in the past) some level of stress or trauma.
  - Recommended reading if you’d like to learn more about stress and trauma: “What Happened to You” by Bruce Perry, and/or “The Deepest Well” by Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris

Step 4-Understanding trauma:
- Watch this video
- Trauma is any life experience that overwhelms your coping mechanisms. Everyone’s coping mechanisms are different. One child might handle an experience better than another. One child might not be bothered much by loud arguing, another will be very upset. Children are more easily and more profoundly affected by a traumatic event. Traumatic events can be severe or mild depending on the child’s ability to cope.
- Trauma statistics:
  - 60% of adults report experiencing some level of trauma
  - 50% of children experience at least 1 trauma event before the age of 17
  - 26% of children witness or experience trauma before the age of 4
- Symptoms of trauma:
  - Sleeping or eating problems (hoarding or avoiding food)
  - Excessively angry, aggressive, or abusive towards others
  - School problems
  - Frequent headaches, stomach aches or other physical problems
  - Nightmares
  - Poor self-confidence/self-esteem
  - Addiction: food, drugs, technology, etc.
  - Sexual knowledge beyond the child’s age
  - Abnormal fears and anxiety
  - Suicidal thoughts
  - Withdrawal or alienation from social or family situations
  - Difficulty trusting others
  - Unhealthy romantic relationships
  - Overly self-reliant
  - Self-harm
  - Feeling shameful
  - Defiant
  - Running away
  - Starting fights
  - Difficulty visualizing/dreaming about new possibilities in life
- TASK- take the ACE survey for yourself http://traumadissociation.com/ace
- Watch Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris’ TED talk (very helpful but optional) Click Here
- Unresolved emotional issues can cause:
  - Frequent emotional and mental dysregulation
  - Difficulties focusing and learning
  - Disengaging with school
  - Developing poor social skills
  - Be prone to high-risk behaviors

Children need tools to help them cope with life’s challenges. The Imagine Project is a great tool to help them process, cope, and move forward in life.

Module 3- What is The Imagine Project?

Step 1: Watch this video

Step 2: How and why TIP started: https://vimeo.com/457849924

Step 3: Writing Helps Mitigate Stress and Trauma

Research shows that writing about life’s struggles helps to process, heal, and move forward during and after experiencing life challenges. Kids are perfect candidates to use writing as a tool to mitigate stress starting as young as Kindergarten through high school. The Imagine Project is a great tool to prompt kids and teens to write about a difficult life story because the 7-step process uses the word Imagine to begin each sentence. Using “Imagine” is a safety net for the writer. It gives them the opportunity to write about their experience without being pulled into a deep/difficult emotion they might have felt using other writing formats. Step 4 in the writing process prompts the writer to Imagine a new story in place of the old story, helping to Imagine new possibilities in their life. A perfect way to move forward to realize they don’t have to be defined by their story.

* Step 4: Why Does TIP work: Dr. Jerry Yager: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSqooWqtUYA&t=1s

* Teens Talking About TIP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBwXDEOjAnw&t=81s

* Step 5:: TASK: Watch 2-3 videos of kids reading their Imagine stories. *A few of these stories might be difficult to watch if you have had similar experiences. Please take care of yourself and if you feel triggered just stop and move on to a different video.

Jay’s Imagine Story (Alternative high school senior)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pe-X6KoAE8&t=1s

Kamia’s TIP story (freshman in college who was homeless)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5euXIaN4tM

Kailee’s TIP story (middle schooler)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hozqWuGwSlA&t=3s

Emily’s TIP story (Alternative high school junior talking about abuse)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9zO0Wqs0m0

Victor’s TIP story (Adult talking about using The Imagine Project)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqLSvVRMHQ

Faith (5th grader) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbQrnZg4W8g

Kaedon (5th grader) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBoSbDlqqbU&t=2s

Molly (5th grader) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz0uOJcGsTg

Achmed (5th grader) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYUjBCJWFzo

Chloe (5th grader) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3JwogMRSu0

Module 4- How to Use The Imagine Project

Step 1: Watch this video about how to use The Imagine Project

Step 2: How does TIP work? https://vimeo.com/456209940?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=40024563

- Step 3: Teacher talking about using The Imagine Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkz82Jn-CTg&t=171s

Step 4: Middle School Counselor talking about using The Imagine Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htyYUcnA6cs&t=38s

Step 5: The Imagine Project works with Uplift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrSyuCZALr8

Module 5 – Writing Your Story:

Now it’s time to write using The Imagine Project 7-step process. It’s important to write your own story so you can witness and feel the power and benefit of using The Imagine Project before asking someone else to write.

Download The Imagine Project Journal to begin writing (you can use your own writing pad if you’d like).

Imagine Project Spotify Playlist:Here is a song playlist you can use while writing your Imagine story and while you’re working with students.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Xyfy02g4oFsJkIPHoL70N?si=e1cd1e67607349f4

This is the embedded code for the Spotify Playlist:

- Step 1 – Celebrate: Make a list of positive experiences that have happened in your life. What are you proud of? What do you love about your life? Connect them to feelings on the feeling wheel when appropriate.
  - Watch the intro video.
  - Check The Imagine Project Spotify playlist for possible songs. Song suggestions for step 1: “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera.
  - TASK- write celebrations
- Step 2 – Reflect on difficult times or challenging life experiences related to a specific topic- Connect them to feelings on the feeling wheel.
  - Watch the intro video.
  - Check The Imagine Project Spotify playlist for possible songs. Song suggestion for Step 2: “Story of my Life” by One Direction.
  - TASK: list 1-3 difficult life experiences.
- Step 3 – Write an Imagine Story: Take one of the difficult life experiences from step 2 and write an Imagine story about it. Tell the story beginning each sentence using the word Imagine. Write the story in detail and use feeling words where appropriate.
  - Watch intro video
  - Check The Imagine Project Spotify playlist for possible songs (typically need 2-3 songs for this step). Song suggestions: “Into Dust” by Mazzy Star, “Renegades” by X Ambassadors, “Three LIttle Birds” by Bob Marley
  - TASK- Write Story.
  - If you are able, it’s a powerful process to share your story with someone. In a group setting, you can share with each other. Sharing creates vulnerability but it also is very empowering to feel heard. (Some teachers/leaders wait and share after Step 4)
- Step 4 – Hopeful Turn: Write a new ending to the story you wrote about in step 3. How do you want the story to end? What’s positive that has, or can come from your story? Write a new ending to your story using the word Imagine to begin every sentence. Use feeling words where appropriate. You can encourage participants to share their story after this step as well.
  - Watch intro video
  - Check The Imagine Project Spotify playlist for possible songs. This typically needs 1-2 songs. Song Suggestions: “Just Imagine It” by MKTO, “Can’t Knock Me Down” by Pretty Panther
  - TASK- Write Hopeful Turn

If you are able, it’s a powerful process to share your story with someone. In a group setting, you can share with each other. Sharing creates vulnerability but it also is very empowering to feel heard.

Step 5 – I am, I can, I will: Turn your dreams into I statements!
- Watch intro video
- Check The Imagine Project Spotify playlist for possible songs.This is a fast step, you may or may not need a song. Song suggestions: “Roll Up Your Sleeves” Meg Mac
Step 6 – DO! Write down 3 things you need to do to make your dreams happen.
- Watch intro video
- Check The Imagine Project Spotify playlist for possible songs. This is also a quick step, you may or may not need a song. Song suggestions: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- TASK- Set Goals Check The Imagine Project
Step 7– 30 Day Imagine/Gratitude/Kindness Challenge– In this challenge you are asked/asking that every day for 30 days you write down 3 things you are grateful for, 3 things you want to Imagine in your life, and do 1 act of kindness. All of these embed kindness, goal setting, and seeing possibilities in your future.
- Watch the intro video.
- Check The Imagine Project Spotify playlist for possible songs. Song suggestions: “Imagine” by John Lennon, “Rise Up” by Andra Day
- TASK- start the challenge.

Module 6: More helpful information about stress, trauma, and using The Imagine Project:

Step 1: Using The Imagine Project in Groups or Classrooms

- World renowned trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry explains in his book, What Happened to You said that the resilience in this country is diminished because our connectedness is diminished. Social media, the pandemic, and a host of other causes have created a relational poverty with children and adults. We need the emotional support of being connected to others to withstand life’s challenges. When the Imagine Project is used in a group (family is a group) or classroom and kids are given the opportunity to read their stories out loud, a connectedness is created. A sense of understanding ourselves and each other–creating camaraderie and security in knowing that you aren’t alone navigating this sometimes difficult world, and that others also have challenges they face. It’s truly beautiful to watch this process unfold in a group/classroom. We at The Imagine Project encourage everyone to experience it, young and old

Equity (Four Agreements): Watch this video explaining using the Four Agreements in a classroom or group setting while using The Imagine Project sets clear norms for the experience.

How to present brain research on stress and learning to a group of students: Watch this video to learn more about how stress affects the brain and the ability to learn.

Step 2 – Sharing your story and holding a brave space. After steps 3 and 4 we encourage participants to share their stories out loud with each other. Some will share, some won’t. It’s okay either way, it’s their decision. When they do share it’s important to know how to hold space for those who are sharing, and teaching others in the group or classroom to hold a brave space. These videos explain more about holding space for sharing.

Watch this video about holding brave space in a group or classroom.

This is a wonderful children’s book about holding space. “The Rabbit Listened” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBjAWkog9n0)
TASK- Share your story or plan for sharing your story. Watch more stories from above to practice listening

Step 3 – Releasing Stress – There are many ways to release stress with kids. Here’s a few ideas:

Running, jumping, playing, or just being silly.
Dancing: Gonoddle.com is a great website for younger kids.
Tapping: also called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Go to this website to learn more about this simple and effective way to release stress. https://theimagineproject.org/eft-tapping/

- Step 4: Dos and don’ts:

DO:

- - Have students read their stories together in a group (this is optional).
  - Clap after each student reads their stories.
  - Teach compassion, respect, attention, and even have other students visualize wrapping the reader in love (especially with the little ones).
  - Have students pick a positive power word that goes along with their story. This is helpful in supporting them believe in themselves.
  - See them without their story. They need a positive role model to believe in them. If you aren’t sure you can handle being with their emotions, ask a counselor to be in the room with you. Here is a blog to help you help kids who are feeling emotional.
  - Download and us the Feelings Wheel to help focus your emotions on your story and your hopeful turn.
  - See their resilience and how amazing they are!!
  - Send home the parent letter before you do the project so parents are aware of what the kids are doing.

DON”T:

- Read the student’s story if you’ve told them you’re not going to read it (we suggest telling the kids no one needs to read their stories if they don’t want anyone to).
- Send them home on a Friday after reading their story from step 3.
- Try to fix them, it’s okay if they cry, let them feel their emotion, care for them through it. In the words of Brene` Brown, hold the energy of, “I am here with you.” You aren’t doing therapy with them, you are just giving them a place to be heard.
Step 5: Watch this conclusion video
Step 6: Task: Thank you for watching and participating with The Imagine Project. Please complete this brief post questionnaire on Google Forms

Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.

Module 1: Introduction to The Imagine Project

Billy ( 10 yrs. old )

Webinar

Our new Webinar about how to use The Imagine Project

Module 1: Introduction to The Imagine Project