How do Animago therapists help kids ages 6–9?
For preschoolers, Animago CBT therapists feel like magical friends—role models children look up to.
“The earlier a child has a trusted, mindful friend in their life, the smoother their mental development will be”
— Animago therapists
- A magical friend feels natural.
- It’s easy to talk to a magical friend.
- Children want to listen to a magical friend.
- With an Animago magical friend, it’s easy to learn new psychological skills.
- With an Animago magical friend, it’s safe, fun, and comfortable.
- Animago therapists mean safety.
Questions & answers
— How are sessions structured?
It starts with a 20-minute parent consultation call from your specialist. Then your CBT therapist joins the video platform using the link shared with you in advance to work with your child.
After each session, the therapist sends parents a detailed report with recommendations, an action plan, and helpful resources. They also create a personalized video recap for your child that reviews key points and reinforces the skills learned.
— What happens during a session with my child?
In session, a CBT therapist creates a relaxed, engaging atmosphere with your child.
Even in a playful format, an expert uses about 20 techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy—including validation and normalization, emotional and cognitive restructuring, mindfulness and meditation, behavioral experiments, imaginal exposure, and role-play.
Each session, the therapist teaches one research-backed self-help skill to help your child manage emotions and behavior more effectively.
— How do I choose a therapist?
At Animago, all therapists fall into three tiers: Specialist, Expert, Supervisor.
Specialist — a licensed child psychologist with additional training in evidence-based approaches for children, such as low-intensity cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Expert — a licensed child psychologist with formal CBT training and extensive experience using evidence-based methods with children.
Supervisor — a licensed child psychologist trained in CBT and other internationally recognized evidence-based models who also supervises Animago specialists.
We recommend choosing first based on what fits your budget.
All Animago therapists are qualified for typical childhood concerns. If your child is going through something severe or potentially risky, we recommend an Expert or Supervisor.
— What training do Animago therapists have?
Animago therapists are licensed psychologists educated in Russia. Many are cognitive-behavioral therapists trained in CBT programs at home and abroad. Many also practice coaching when it fits. We also have therapists who specialize in ASD and ADHD.
— How do sessions work for clients outside Russia?
When working with clients outside Russia, our therapists use coaching methods. Most of our team are CBT therapists and licensed psychologists trained in evidence-based counseling—but they may not meet licensing standards in every country where a client lives. Animago therefore offers coaching, which does not include diagnosis or psychotherapeutic methods used for specific mental health disorders.
— How do I explain what's going to happen and introduce the character?
We suggest asking your child whether they’d like to talk with a magical kitty, puppy, or another Animago character. For example: “Maybe you’ll find it fun and become friends? Your Character can also share a magical tip when you need help.”.
If your child asks how it all really works—or says the Character isn’t “real”—we recommend being honest: a person, a CBT therapist or psychologist, controls the Character. They use it not to trick your child, but to make talking feel fun and comfortable.
If your child wants, you can show them a photo or the therapist’s page on the Animago site. If they understand they’re meeting a psychologist, don’t push or shame them about having a “problem.” Gently remind them of tough situations and suggest trying to discuss them and learn helpful tips—”maybe something will click for you?”
Reassure them the specialist won’t judge or criticize—they’re always on your child’s side. If your child prefers a CBT therapist in their “human” form, that’s possible. Later they may want the Character back or to switch formats.
— What if my child won't listen to the character or talk?
Animago therapists adapt their language and style to your child’s individual needs. Most children enjoy talking with a Character—even though it’s a dialogue focused on psycho-education.
— Can I get a refund if my child won't engage?
Of course, if your child doesn’t enjoy sessions, we’ll refund you for paid sessions you haven’t used.
Some children need time to open up—especially with social anxiety or autism spectrum traits. We recommend giving your child time to get comfortable with their Character.
— What will the therapist talk about with a young child who, because of their age, doesn't have much past to discuss?
Animago CBT therapists do not analyze the past with young children—most work happens in the present and toward the future.
Your therapist will set a clear overall goal with you based on the outcome you want. Before each session, they define a specific task to work on with your child. Your CBT therapist keeps the conversation focused on reaching that goal.
— What platform are sessions on?
We hold sessions on Zoom—a reliable video platform. Before your consultation, your therapist will send you a link to join. Just click it—no extra Zoom account setup is required. If you can’t connect for technical reasons, we’ll reschedule your session at no charge.
What people say about us
@natalia.remish
Natalia Remish, blogger
“The character made it easy for my daughter to open up. It helped us through her grandfather’s death. After a few sessions she was herself again — and loved every meeting.”
@babydoctor_Elmira
Elmira Mamedova, pediatrician
Я врач-педиатр. Давно и с удовольствием сотрудничаю с командой Animago. Уникальная методика работы через персонажа очень востребована родителями дошкольников. Позволяет наладить контакт с самыми маленькими пациентами несмотря на онлайн формат. Большое спасибо за ваш труд!
@psych_bogdanova_tp
Evgenia Bogdanova, blogger
“Steady progress — school started and she stopped biting her nails, feels calm, and is happy again. Thank you!”