Aspects scientifiques et cliniques des médiations thérapeutiques : quelle prise en soin pour les victimes de l’explosion du port de Beyrouth ?

Objectives

After reviewing current research in art therapy, this article discusses the therapeutic effectiveness of clay workshops in cases of individual or collective traumas. Specifically, it advocates for the interest and specific indication of this method, which promotes health-generating creative processes. How do these processes facilitate identity reconstruction and psychological repair for the victims?

Method

In a clay workshop, 10 group sessions, spread over a year, were offered to four women and four men who survived the explosion on August 4th, 2020, at the port of Beirut. Using a case study involving the analysis of a patient's artistic productions, the psychic processes facilitated by this type of therapy were highlighted. Determining inclusion in the group, clinical progress was assessed using Traumaq, which provides a comprehensive evaluation of clinical aspects related to trauma, such as anxiety, depression, memory disorders, and difficulties regaining a sense of security. Administered at the beginning, midway, and at the end of treatment, the PCL-5 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist aimed at identifying different trauma characteristics, allowing for a quantitative assessment of the patient's clinical evolution. Finally, six individual sessions, combined with the analysis of productions in the group workshop, provided qualitative elements necessary for a clinical understanding of the patient.

Results

Notably, symbolization through clay and the independence of art therapy from language skills were highlighted as key factors in helping heavily traumatized individuals overcome mutism, depression, and shock. Thus, resorting to non-verbal expression allowed patients to avoid re-traumatization through an immediate narrative of the explosion. Their PCL-5 scores significantly decreased at the end of treatment, indicating an important clinical improvement. Heightened self-esteem and the return of the ability to relate to others were observed, supporting the patients’ desire to recommit to new projects.

Discussion

Emotional and behavioral reactions such as avoidance, hypervigilance, dysphoria, and flashbacks in the patient were alleviated through the secure, relaxing, and sensory experience of working with clay. In the workshop, the group dimension emerged strongly, demonstrating the importance of sharing the experience of both the medium and the traumatic event.

Conclusion

These encouraging results invite further research into creative processes in art therapy. By expanding the studied cohorts, diversifying the media and the evaluative tools used, and by extending the indication to other pathologies, the effectiveness of art therapy will be even better demonstrated.