La médiation argile : une thérapie innovante dans le traitement du traumatisme et du post-traumatisme

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to review of the benefits of art therapy in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychotrauma has long been the business of military doctors. However, the latest attacks on French soil have opened the door for new approaches in care. Research in clinical psychology and psychopathology underlines the effectiveness of art therapy in the treatment of PTSD. Our aim is to identify the extent to which and the processes through which clay may be of benefit to people having suffered trauma. As a malleable medium, can clay contribute to the process of change in a therapeutic setting? Can it help the patient confront trauma-related information in a therapeutic manner? Clay is a vehicle that allows for three steps in the therapeutic process. First, clay allows for a cathartic release of emotions. Second, it helps elaborate the traumatic experience. Third, it leads to transformation. Do these three steps guarantee a positive prognosis for PTSD? This work takes into account the importance of the patient-therapist therapeutic alliance. This relationship, built within a structured and containing therapeutic framework, allows the creative process to take place. Art therapy with clay helps reduce anxiety. The act of kneading, smoothing, touching, or moistening the clay, makes artistic creation a pleasant and relaxing activity. This induces relaxation and the reduction of cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety. This relaxation is comparable to that achieved through mindfulness. Clay makes the unconscious visible and thus creates possibilities for investigating emotions and cognition. This contributes to cognitive regulation. Varying instructions during the sessions allow the participant to learn to self-regulate through touch, and control physical reactions that trigger the cycle of stress. Work with clay provides distance, improved recall of trauma and easier access to emotions. The setting, instruction, and attitude of the therapist create a safe environment for the conscious expression of emotions and memories. This is similar to exposure, recall, and emotional distancing and allows for better regulation of emotion. Clay facilitates the association of ideas. It helps the patient open up to his therapist and their experience during the process of creating with clay can be deepened through conversation. After identifying and isolating negative thoughts, patients gain new skills on how to counteract them. Clay allows the elaboration of thought and improves the capacity for symbolization and imagination. The results presented in this article provide insight into the effectiveness of clay art therapy in trauma treatment. They highlight the urgent need for further research on art therapy and trauma treatment.