Research Overview > Report of Clinical Psychologist

Report for Imagination Gym (Bright Child Productions)

Dr. Rosemary Walsh has helped us field test ImaginationGYM® methodology in Our Ladys Childrens Hospital Crumlin, Dublin and St. Vincents' hospital burns Unit, Dublin.

By: Dr Rosemary Walsh
Clinical Psychologist, (B.A., M.A., D.CLIN.PSYCH.)

Bright Child Productions have designed and set-up a project to fine-tune the technical, creative, commercial and professional aspects of unique child relaxation and imagination materials.

Extensive in-depth research and field testing has been carried out with children using guided imagination CD’s, in particular the core imagination story of ‘The Enchanted Forest’.

As is best research practice, control group methodology has been employed and as such a range of adults, adolescents and younger children have also been product tested. An evaluation measure has been constructed and opportunities for qualitative feedback provided.

Valuable feasibility and user information regarding consumer satisfaction, pragmatic and creative considerations have been recorded and analysed.

The preliminary feedback has been extremely positive and demand for field test supplies has escalated in tangent with an excellent word-of-mouth reputation. The ‘Bright Child’ project is committed to a child-centred approach and the products demonstrate good face validity.

Feedback from children themselves has been incorporated into the project design.

Consequent modifications have been made to improve the content and quality of the stories and music production and activity workbooks have been tailored to the interests and abilities of the appropriate developmental stage. As child relaxation products, the CD’s are very versatile and adaptable.

All age groups can listen to the CDs although the main target audience is children from middle to late childhood. From the field testing, exciting possibilities for the extensive use of the CD’s emerged.

For instance, field-test use with children who have a wide range of clinical difficulties (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sensory impairments, learning difficulties & autism, emotional or conduct problems, social disadvantage, generalised family stress & so forth), and across a wide range of clinical health and educational settings.

Consultants and advisors have been identified and contracted. Training programs developed and workshops have been run. The project has built momentum, product networks have proliferated and a sound reputation has been formed.

Bright Child Productions have identified a niche area of children’s audio CD materials.

Something that helps children to relax, counteracts stress and help with sleep. Something that any child can simply listen to and which has no right or wrong way of doing it. Something to do which makes them feel good and increase self-confidence.

Something to do that in the child’s control and offers plenty of choices. Something to do within a group or on the child’s own, at home or at school & so forth. Children, their parents, family and friends, and also specialist users such as teachers, therapists, community workers and other child health service providers have awaited the production of child-friendly, positive products that are easy and pleasant to use.

The CD materials are supported by a complete range of activity materials including the pencil and paper type (e.g., creative drawing and writing, private journals), question and answers, and knowledge-based educational projects. The educational value of the CD and activity program is immense.

The CD’s promote multi-model learning opportunities (e.g., audio, musical, visualisation, creativity, kinaesthetic, auditory skill aspects & so forth).

The CD’s utilise the old tradition of story telling, build on the cultural appreciation of music and fairies, and enhance the imagination and creativity of the child listeners. These CDs have a wide appeal and would be highly suitable for child health professionals and so forth.