Psychotherapist Reacts to Violet Evergarden Episode 7: A Deep Dive into Grief, Healing, and Emotional Paralysis

In a recent YouTube video, Ben Kim, a psychotherapist, offers an insightful analysis of Episode 7 of Violet Evergarden, focusing on the themes of grief, emotional paralysis, and the healing power of creativity.

Kim breaks down the episode's complex emotional landscape, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the characters' struggles and triumphs. Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Grief and Emotional Paralysis: The video highlights how grief can manifest as emotional paralysis, using the character of Oscar, the playwright, as a prime example. Oscar's inability to finish his stories is linked to his unprocessed grief over the loss of his daughter, Olivia [27:55]. Kim explains that Oscar's avoidance of completing his stories is a subconscious way of clinging to his memories of Olivia [28:11].
• Addiction as Escapism: Kim, drawing from his personal experience as a recovering alcoholic and his professional work, discusses how addiction, like Oscar's alcoholism, is often a manifestation of deeper emotional pain, such as unprocessed grief or depression [07:14]. He emphasizes that addressing the root cause of the pain is crucial for healing [09:11].
• The Symbolism of Water: The video delves into the symbolism of the lake in the episode. Kim contrasts the stagnant water, representing Oscar's emotional stagnation, with the flowing water, which typically symbolizes renewal and healing [17:14]. He suggests that Olivia's dream of walking across the lake represents a desire to overcome this emotional stagnation [23:58].
• Violet's Emotional Growth: A significant portion of the analysis is dedicated to Violet's emotional development. Kim emphasizes her journey from someone disconnected from her emotions to someone capable of empathy and experiencing a full range of feelings [14:26]. Violet's tears in this episode mark a pivotal moment in her emotional growth [24:32].
• The Power of Storytelling and Art Therapy: Kim discusses how storytelling can be a form of narrative therapy, allowing individuals to process their experiences vicariously [13:08]. Oscar's play serves as a way for him to confront and work through his grief [32:33].
• Violet as a Bridge: Kim interprets Violet's actions, particularly her attempt to leap across the lake, as a symbolic act of bridging the gap between Oscar's brokenness and his healing [19:40]. This act ultimately helps Oscar find emotional closure [37:56].
• The Importance of Emotional Processing: The video underscores the importance of confronting and processing difficult emotions rather than suppressing them [26:03]. Kim uses the metaphor of a sealed water bottle to illustrate how suppressed emotions do not simply disappear but rather accumulate and can eventually lead to a "volcanic eruption" [26:10].
• The Pain of Emotional Awareness: As Violet becomes more emotionally aware, she also grapples with the pain of her past actions and the weight of her emotions [45:07]. Kim notes that increased self-awareness can make it harder to deny or avoid painful truths [47:07].

Conclusion

Kim's analysis provides a rich and insightful perspective on Violet Evergarden Episode 7, illuminating the complex interplay of grief, healing, and human connection. By breaking down the symbolism and psychological themes, he enhances viewers' appreciation of the episode's emotional depth and offers valuable insights into the process of emotional healing.