When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Barcelona, psychologist and art therapist Javiera Morales Daviu faced a sudden crisis. 'Nearly all my clients relied on in-person sessions,' she recalls. Lockdowns left her scrambling – until she reimagined her approach.
Morales Daviu and her partner made a bold move: relocating to the Spanish countryside. 'The silence here healed me first,' she says, describing mornings filled with birdsong instead of traffic. Transitioning to online therapy sessions proved surprisingly effective. 'Clients relax more when surrounded by their own comforts – sometimes even gardening during sessions.'
Her story reflects a global trend. Over 62% of mental health professionals shifted to telehealth during the pandemic according to industry surveys, with many reporting improved work-life balance. For Morales Daviu, rural living brought unexpected perks – afternoon hikes now replace subway commutes, and she's launched nature-integrated art therapy workshops.
'Remote work freed me to prioritize human connection over urban chaos,' she reflects. 'The pandemic taught us healing can happen anywhere.'
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
