A special variety of guided imagery was developed by using computerized animation. The goal was to help pediatric oncology and hematology patients to meet the challenges of serious illness regardless of distance from the hospital, language, time and religion, by providing them a safe environment in which to express their feelings in a nonverbal way.
This was attained by constructing a graphic program, adapted for use of children from the age of 4 years onward, which allows the child creative exploration and discovery. It was created by using a digital camera, video-phone and scanner, with hand-painted drawings and graphics, computerized video animation, computer CD games and audio-cassettes with music, sounds from nature and voice.
The program, called "The Bridge", is based on non-verbal communication, which aids in projecting unconscious imagery. It stimulates the five senses and awakens the child's imagination.
The computerized program is introduced to the child in the hospital under the supervision of an art therapist. Each child receives an art therapy menu, adapted to his/her emotional, psychological and medical condition. The program allows freedom of choice of colors, forms and even medium, and encourages the child to produce images by using the different expressive options.
The scanned images are transferred to the home computers. Patients are requested to print and/or transfer the images into diskettes. Siblings and parents are invited to participate if necessary, so that family interactions and communication are promoted. The program may be activated by the child at home so that it assists the medical staff with home medical management.