Invisible friends are a phenomenon most commonly observed in children between the ages of 2 and 8, with the peak occurring around age 3 to 5. These imaginary companions can take on countless forms—some resemble human beings, others look like animals, and some are entirely fantastical beings born from the limitless depths of a child’s imagination. Sometimes even beloved objects, like stuffed animals or toys, become “alive,” gaining distinct personalities and acting as full-fledged participants in the child’s daily life. In more elaborate cases, children may create whole families or imaginary communities with which they share emotions, secrets, and everyday experiences.
Invisible friends serve far more than a playful purpose—they play a complex psychological role. These companions often help children cope with overwhelming emotions by providing a safe, non-judgmental outlet for fear, frustration, or emotional chaos. They allow children to practice navigating the social world: learning to communicate, negotiate, empathize, and understand others' perspectives. For only children or those going through emotional turbulence, these companions can offer emotional continuity and ease feelings of isolation. Conversations with such imaginary beings can significantly improve a child’s verbal and emotional expression while nurturing their creativity and imaginative thinking.
Not all cases of invisible friends are harmless. The distinction between a healthy imagination and a potential red flag is vital for parents and caretakers. In typical development, the child is aware that the friend isn't real—even if they fully embrace the make-believe world during play. But certain warning signs may point to something more serious. For example, when a child firmly believes in the physical reality of the companion, uses them as a replacement for all real-life relationships, or struggles to function in daily life without them—it may be time to pause and ask deeper questions.
It becomes particularly concerning when an older child—around 8 or 9—begins interacting with an imaginary friend when they’ve never done so before. In some cases, this companion may not be a figment of imagination at all but a spirit of someone who has passed away. This is where the awareness of the adults becomes crucial. Recognizing when something invisible is causing distress can be key to preventing future suffering.
While rare, invisible companions are not limited to childhood. Adults may also experience a version of this phenomenon, particularly during periods of prolonged isolation. Loneliness, compounded by emotional stress or trauma, can lead the mind to create—or perceive—other presences. Sometimes these are coping mechanisms; other times, they may not be imaginary at all. For instance, during bereavement, it’s not uncommon for someone to feel the "presence" of a departed loved one nearby.
This sense of being accompanied can be explained spiritually. After death, souls don’t always depart immediately. Some linger close to the physical realm, unsure or afraid of transitioning fully into the Light. The idea of venturing into the unknown can create resistance—even for the deceased.
A spirit that refuses to transition and remains tethered to the physical world can pose a problem for the living. This is particularly true when the emotional bond between the deceased and the living intensifies after death. The connection may become so emotionally charged that the spirit merges with a person’s emotional body. This creates what’s known as a spirit possession—not in a theatrical or horror-movie sense, but as an energetic entanglement that deeply influences a person’s inner world.
After the death of the physical body, the spirit continues to exist in its emotional body. Every living person has one as well, but in today’s world, most people lack the skill or awareness to manage it consciously. This disconnection often leads to confusion about one’s own emotions and creates fertile ground for spiritual interference.
This is why emotional self-awareness is not simply a nice idea—it’s essential. Turning inward with intention, examining one’s internal emotional climate, and uncovering the roots of deeply held beliefs or unprocessed traumas—especially those originating in childhood—can prevent unwanted spiritual entanglements. These buried emotional patterns often replay in adulthood, echoing old wounds that were never healed.
Without this inner clarity, unconscious behaviors and emotional patterns emerge. These act like magnets, attracting beings from the emotional realm—sometimes familiar, sometimes total strangers. These are not fantasies. They are spiritual dynamics at play, often unnoticed until the suffering becomes unbearable.
The longer a spiritual attachment remains, the more deeply it embeds into the person’s psyche, leading to emotional, mental, and even physical suffering. If someone is aware of the reality of spiritual possession, it’s important to seek out those who are not only knowledgeable but trustworthy in this area. Early recognition is key. If what one is experiencing is indeed the result of a spirit’s presence, professional spiritual support can bring immense relief.
Releasing these spirits—through a proper removal or healing process—can spare an individual from immense and unnecessary suffering. However, true and lasting freedom requires more than spiritual intervention alone. Without parallel work on uncovering and understanding one's unconscious emotional triggers, any relief may prove temporary.
There are people who experience complete and lifelong freedom after undergoing spirit removal. But this is not a guarantee. Without personal growth, self-exploration, and emotional work, even the best clearing can eventually be undone by the return of unhealed wounds.
About the Author:
Michael, a co-founder of The Dr. Wanda Pratnicka Center, holds a B.A. degree in psychology and is a spiritual teacher and healer, with a specialization in spirit removal. Under the mentorship of his wife Wanda Pratnicka, Michael gained profound spiritual insights into the nuances of spirit attachment phenomenon, and for many years, he played a crucial role in assisting her with the remote spirit removal process. In his leisure time, Michael finds solace in meditation, immerses himself in the timeless beauty of classical music, and cherishes tranquil walks by the sea.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1. You can find more information about common symptoms of spirit attachment / possession here:
2. How to check whether you or your loved one are experiencing a spirit attachment?
3. Want to learn more about how we remove spirits?
December 21, 2024
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