What is Maladaptive Daydreaming?

We are who we are, living our lives, our reality. Yet sometimes we drift away into daydreams and become someone else, living a different life.  

Daydreaming is natural. It can be joyful, creative, even healing. But what happens when it takes up hours of your day, pulling you so far from reality that life itself feels out of reach? This is when the word maladaptive comes into play. 

Break it down:
Mal- → from Latin malus = bad, wrong, poorly.
Adaptive → from Latin adaptare = to fit, adjust.
Maladaptive = poorly adjusted, badly fitted.

Imagine daydreaming like a blanket:
At first, it comforts you — keeps you safe, warm, and protected. But if you never take it off, it becomes too heavy, too hot, and eventually it stops you from moving freely. That is what makes it maladaptive: something that once helped you cope now holds you back from living fully. The dreams don’t stop. Life goes on. But you live it in a world apart.

Living fully in reality is not a question. Challenges usually appear only when maladaptive daydreaming intersects with difficult experiences. 

At GLOW, we support people experiencing this or similar situations to find their own way forward. We do this through Grit, Laughter, Optimism, and Wit.

What Our Clients Have To Say About GLOW

I can't put into words how much the coaching with Giusy has helped me. She is so kind and full of knowledge on how to reach my goals. I would highly recommend Giusy as a coach. 10/10
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Giusy provided invaluable coaching during my job search and a period of significant personal decision-making. She helped me reframe opportunities and see them from angles I would have missed on my own. What impressed me most was how her guidance balanced practical advice with genuine encouragement. She gave me tools and perspectives I continue to use. If you are looking for a coach who offers clarity, authentic support and actionable insight, I can't recommend Giusy highly enough.
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