In Bussum, Netherlands, Ellen, 63, diagnosed with Long COVID in April 2022, is seeking a new path to rediscover joy and manage her persistent fatigue and overstimulation.She is exploring the potential of art therapy with Karin Alice Schouten, a visual therapist. Ellen has expressed the challenges she faces, stating that the ordinary, daily things cost much energy, whereby extra activities do not succeed well. Schouten, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the field, recently published “zichtbaar.beeldende therapie bij trauma, rouw en verlies” (Visible. Visual therapy in trauma, grief and loss) at the end of January. The book delves into how visual therapy can considerably benefit individuals who struggle to articulate their experiences, have limited emotional connection, or suffer from long-term trauma. Schouten emphasizes that the spirit thinks in images, making visual therapy a powerful tool for healing and recovery.

Art therapy provides a unique and accessible approach to unlocking emotions and promoting healing,especially for those who find it difficult to express themselves verbally. Karin Alice schouten’s extensive experience has demonstrated the profound impact of visual expression on individuals grappling with trauma, grief, and loss. Her work also extends to helping refugees who have endured unspeakable horrors, providing them with a non-verbal outlet to process their pain and begin their journey toward recovery. This innovative approach offers a beacon of hope for those struggling with the often-debilitating effects of Long COVID and other challenging conditions.

The Challenge of Long COVID

Ellen, grappling with the ongoing effects of Long COVID, finds herself caught in a frustrating cycle of enthusiasm followed by debilitating fatigue. Despite enjoying activities such as walking, swimming, attending a literature club, and volunteering as a reading assistant at a children’s club, she experiences deep disappointment when her energy wanes. It has been around for three years now; I lose the courage that it will get better, ellen confessed during her session with Schouten. This sentiment underscores the significant emotional toll that chronic conditions can take,highlighting the urgent need for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches.

To maximize the benefits of her therapy session, Ellen meticulously prepared key points and an overview of activities that both give and drain her energy. She enjoys reading, but processing large amounts of information proves challenging. Even being careful requires significant energy expenditure.She expressed a desire to sing with others but finds the intensity of a large choir overwhelming. Schouten proactively suggested, Set up a small Covid choir, demonstrating a tailored approach to finding solutions that meet Ellen’s specific needs and limitations.

Visualizing the Present and Future

Schouten presented Ellen with a carefully curated selection of images, asking her to choose two: one representing her current situation and another representing her aspirations for the future. After a period of quiet contemplation, Ellen selected an image of a boat on wild waves. that’s how it feels: like a storm, I don’t know how I get out, I’m surviving instead of life, she explained. For her desired state, she chose a photo of trees with sunlight filtering through the trunks, saying, The peace that goes out, I long for: I crave peace in my head.

Schouten observed that Ellen worries a lot, which significantly drains her energy.She then inquired about Ellen’s experience with drawing. Ellen admitted, I find this pretty exciting, as I couldn’t draw at school. So now I think: nothing will come out soon; am I going to meet the assignment? Schouten reassured her that visual therapy is suitable for everyone, irrespective of their artistic background or perceived skill level.

The Journey on Paper

Schouten asked Ellen to draw the path from her present situation to her desired future,starting with the present. Ellen began by creating a narrow, brown strip on the left side of the paper, depicting a black, tired face and a bed. This represented her current reality. The room fell silent,punctuated only by the soft scratching of chalk on paper.

Drawing from “no idea” helps to release control

Schouten’s approach emphasizes the importance of letting go of preconceived notions and embracing the creative process, even when starting with no idea. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have spent a long time in

Unlocking Inner peace: How Art Therapy Offers New Hope for Long COVID Sufferers

Millions struggle with the debilitating effects of Long COVID. But what if the key to healing lies within our own creative potential?

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, welcome to world Today News. Your expertise in visual therapy is highly respected. The recent surge in long COVID cases has left many seeking choice therapies. Can you explain how art therapy, specifically visual therapy, offers a unique approach to managing the symptoms and the emotional toll of this condition?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. Indeed, Long COVID presents a complex challenge, impacting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Visual therapy offers a powerful non-verbal pathway to healing, particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), and emotional dysregulation often associated with Long COVID. Many suffering from this condition find it challenging to articulate their experiences verbally. This is where the power of visual expression comes into play, providing an outlet for processing complex emotions and experiences.

Interviewer: The article highlights the case of Ellen, who uses imagery to represent her current struggles and aspirations for the future. How does this symbolic representation contribute to the therapeutic process in visual therapy?

Dr. Sharma: Using imagery, like ellen did with the boat in a storm and the peaceful trees, is a cornerstone of visual therapy. It allows individuals to externalize their internal landscape, giving shape and form to often intangible feelings. The act of choosing images and describing their significance is inherently therapeutic, creating a dialogue between the unconscious and conscious mind.This process helps to identify underlying emotional patterns, coping mechanisms, and aspirations for recovery. Its about understanding the current emotional state (the storm) and visualizing a path toward desired well-being (the peaceful trees). this visual pathway becomes a roadmap for healing.

Interviewer: The article mentions the importance of releasing control in the creative process. Can you elaborate on this aspect within the context of visual therapy for Long COVID patients?

Dr. Sharma: Long COVID frequently enough leaves individuals feeling a profound sense of loss of control over their bodies and lives. The structured nature of traditional therapies can sometimes exacerbate this feeling. Visual therapy encourages a different approach; it’s about embracing the process, not striving for perfection.Starting with “no idea,” as the article highlights, allows for a spontaneous expression of emotions and experiences, bypassing the critical inner voice that often hinders the creative process. This release of control can be incredibly empowering, fostering self-discovery and resilience.

Interviewer: Beyond Long COVID, what other conditions benefit significantly from this visual therapeutic approach?

Dr.Sharma: Visual therapy’s benefits extend far beyond Long COVID. It’s proven effective for those coping with trauma, grief, loss, and other mental health challenges. The ability to express oneself non-verbally is particularly crucial for individuals who have difficulty articulating their experiences verbally, whether due to communication barriers, emotional numbness, or other factors.for example,refugees processing trauma, children expressing emotional distress,or even adults working through personal growth often find solace and healing through visual expression techniques.

Interviewer: What are some practical steps individuals interested in exploring visual therapy can take?

Dr.Sharma:

Seek a qualified visual therapist: This is crucial to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic experience.

Be open to the process: Embrace the journey of self-discovery, even if it feels uncomfortable at times.

Engage fully: Active participation is essential to maximize the benefits of visual therapy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and express yourself authentically.

Combine with other therapies: Visual therapy can complement other forms of treatment to provide a more holistic and effective approach to healing.

Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights with us.This interview has highlighted the meaningful potential of visual therapy as a powerful tool for healing and recovery.We appreciate your time and expertise.

Final thoughts: Art therapy, specifically visual therapy, offers a unique and compassionate path to healing for individuals challenged by Long COVID and a range of other emotional and psychological conditions. Through the power of visual expression, individuals can reclaim a sense of control, process complex emotions, and cultivate a path toward inner peace and well-being. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below—share your thoughts and experiences with visual therapy!