Extreme Imagination: A Guide to Overcoming Maladaptive Daydreaming

by Kyla Borcherds

Is your imagination the most powerful force you have ever encountered?

Do you have stories in your head that are more exciting and compelling than reality could ever be?

Are your deepest and most authentic relationships with people who don't exist?

 

If so, you may have a trait called immersive daydreaming. But if the epic movie that's playing in your mind is getting in the way of real life, and you're finding it difficult to work or study or connect with people, then your harmless immersive daydreaming may have turned into destructive maladaptive daydreaming.

 

In this book, Kyla Borcherds explains how and why the stories in your head have grown into a damaging addiction that's now holding you back in different aspects of your life. She walks you through the four-step plan that she used to overcome her own maladaptive daydreaming and shows you how to use your talent for immersive daydreaming to tap into an unlimited source of inspiration and motivation that can transform your life.

 

Extreme Imagination is the most comprehensive guide to overcoming maladaptive daydreaming published to date. This book offers understanding, validation, hope and actionable steps that will enable you to turn your imagination from a dangerous distraction into your greatest gift.

Genres: Psychology

262 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2024

About the author

Kyla Borcherds is a writer, mum, mental-health geek and lifelong daydreamer. In 2018, she learned that the “stories in her head” had a name – maladaptive daydreaming. And that started her on a quest to understand and tame her vivid imagination. In healing from maladaptive daydreaming, she discovered the importance of overcoming shame, confronting trauma and reconnecting with her authentic self. She reinvented herself, overcame decades of depression and turned her daydreaming from a damaging addiction into a powerful tool for self-development. She is now committed to helping other maladaptive daydreamers do the same.

Kyla is a prominent member of the maladaptive daydreaming community and the author of The Daydream Place, one of the largest blogs devoted to immersive and maladaptive daydreaming.

Kyla left a lengthy publishing career in 2021 to focus full-time on her writing. She lives in Birmingham, UK, with her husband, children and a few very special fictional characters.

Reviews

[Gisela Moreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely gave some good advice and I'm sure if I stick to it it'll work.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm and supportive guide to understanding maladaptive daydreaming. The author shares her own experiences openly, making the book feel relatable and validating, while also offering clear explanations and practical strategies for managing MD. Highly recommended for anyone seeking both comfort or guidance.