The term pelvi dēwān passed into classical Arabic as dīwān , which in our language became divan . This is the name given to a type of seat with an elongated structure that usually lacks a backrest and is used for a person to recline on.
During the Ottoman Empire , the term divan was used to refer to the highest council that administered justice and dealt with various state affairs. The room in which these councillors met, which had elongated seats located along the walls, was also called a divan. Eventually, by extension, the notion of divan began to be associated with the seats in question.
In the Western world, divans became popular in the mid- 18th century . They were initially used in homes and later spread to public places such as bars and cafes. These pieces of furniture resemble sofas , although they have arms and a backrest.
Nowadays, couches are associated with psychology and more specifically with psychoanalysis . Sigmund Freud introduced the use of the piece of furniture in sessions, making the patient lie with his back to the analyst. This avoided eye contact and the patient could feel freer to speak. Analysts, in many cases, maintained this use of the couch in their sessions.
Specifically in relation to psychology, we can point out the existence of an application called Divan, where patients can meet psychologists when they need this type of medical help. It is considered that these professionals can use the app as online therapy.
If it is considered beneficial, it is because it brings with it advantages such as privacy, that it is carried out confidentially, that it is safe and that it allows anyone to be treated by an expert.
Likewise, it is established that online therapies such as those offered by this application are great as they allow the psychologist to reach more patients, even those who live far from the city. Likewise, it is indicated that it is a fast and safe method and even that a closer service is offered and that it allows patients to pay a cheaper price than if they went to a physical consultation.
In the field of television and film, the term “divan” has been used on several occasions to give a title to a work. This would be the case, for example, of “Historias de diván” (Divan Stories). This is an Argentine-Uruguayan miniseries that aired in 2013 and revolves around the figure of a therapist, Manuel Levin, who receives all kinds of patients in his office, with different problems and realities.
This production is based on the work “Stories from the couch. Eight stories of life”, written by Gabriel Rolón and published in 2007.
In literature , a divan is a collection of poems written in an oriental language . It may be the work of one writer or of several authors. Originally, divans were collections compiled by the court of a sultanate.