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Article Dans Une Revue Frontiers in Psychiatry Année : 2024

Healing Collective Trauma through Clay: Evaluation and Treatment of Neurological Disorders in Beirut Explosion Survivors

Résumé

●Introduction Discussing major English, French and German publications on art therapies and the neurosciences, we lay the theoretical groundwork for our research on survivors of the catastrophic explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4th 2020 (Chesnot, 2023). Articulating theories of trauma, neurosciences and art therapy, ten clay workshops were proposed to eight survivors that had been assessed by Traumaq (Damiani et Pereira-Fradin 2006) and by the PCL-5 (DSM 2015) in a pre- and post-treatment evaluation. In order to combine theory and practice in the specific field of trauma studies, we will review several seminal contributions i.e. Hass-Cohen & Carr 2008; Jansen-Osmann 2008; Hass-Cohen & Findlay 2015 and King (ed.), 2021. Nan et al. (2021) having theorized the specific, mainly sensorimotor process that are enhanced by offering clay workshops to traumatized patients. We will be focussing on the healing power of esthetic experiences that are favored by the arts therapies (Kapoula & Lestocart 2011). Additionnally, it is through his own creativity that the art therapist triggers change (Lecourt et al. 2014; Lubart 2014; Franzen et al., submitted). The analysis of these international frameworks will enable us to deepen the discussion of our own research. Aiming to prove the efficiency of art therapy based on clay, its novelty consists in both the clinical and standardized evaluation of neuropsychological and the relational troubles that heavily impact the survivors of the explosion in the Port of Beirut. ●Methodology Our methodology relies on a one-year longitudinal screening of eight victims of the Beirut port explosion, involving ten monthly sessions. This setting is complemented by an in-depth analysis of 32 artistic productions and participant assessments using Traumaq (Damiani & Pereira-Fradin, 2016) and PCL-5 questionnaires (DSM, 2015) at T0 (before), T1 (during), and T2 (after) clay therapy. The comprehensive evaluations conducted through the Traumaq and PCL-5 instruments have yielded important insights into the neurological and behavioral repercussions of the participants' traumatic experiences. These scales allow for a precise assessment of trauma-related symptoms, considering not only specific symptoms but also associated symptoms and their impact on quality of life. These tools have facilitated a nuanced analysis of symptoms, fostering a profound understanding of the complex nervous-system responses to traumatic incidents, coupled with an exploration of how clay art therapy modulated these responses in those eight survivors. The outcomes of these evaluations stand as pivotal contributions, shedding light on the underlying neurological dynamics and providing strategic direction for the implementation of clay art therapy as an effective therapeutic modality. ●Results In our study, significant changes were observed, particularly in relation to criteria B and D of the DSM-5. We noted a reduction in intrusive memories, as well as an improvement in emotional and physical reactions to these memories. The sense of guilt had subsided, and there is a notable improvement in sleep and concentration. Participants have reported enhanced self-esteem, expressing a desire to pursue their studies and engage in active projects for their community. However, they still express anger regarding injustice and lack of compensation by the Lebanese authorities. Our study emphasizes the crucial role of art therapy in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), highlighting positive changes both psychologically and neurologically. These results strengthen the link between art therapy and neuroscience, thus emphasizing the potential of this approach to stimulate beneficial neural responses in the healing process. ●Analysis To complement these quantitative results, we present an in-depth case study of one participant, a critical component providing nuanced qualitative insights. This approach stands out for its analysis of a specific individual, employing diverse methods such as interviews and observations. Methodological diversity, including the triangulation of data, aims to offer multifaceted perspectives for a comprehensive understanding of the case. In our research, the case study serves globally as a tool for detailed exploration of intricate interactions related to psychological trauma, creative processes, and group dynamics. This choice offered a holistic perspective, facilitating a profound understanding of all participants and their evolution, both within the confines of the art therapy workshop and in their everyday lives. ●Discussion As we were able to show in our research, therapies based in the arts are a beneficial indicator for patients suffering from collective or individual trauma. Thus, having been exposed to war, terrorism, natural or man-made disaster, the victims may be relieved through art therapies. Individual trauma such as domestic violence or abuse may be treated by artistic mediations and the repair offered by the esthetic experience. The in-depth exploration of clay art therapy in PTSD patients has yielded significant results and further increases options for future research. After a year of intervention involving ten group sessions and six individual sessions for a total of eight participants, clay has proved effective in such aspects as: •Reduction of Stress and Anxiety - The tactile activity reduces stress and anxiety associated with PTSD. •Attention Regulation - Clay focuses attention, improving the management of distractions. •Emotional Expression - Clay provides a non-verbal means of expressing difficult emotions. •Awareness - It helps overcome defense mechanisms, promoting self-awareness. •Problem Solving - Artistic creation encourages real problem-solving. •Self-Repair - Symbolizing aspects of the self and traumatic experiences contributes to identity reconstruction. •Socialization and Support - Workshops provide a secure environment, reducing PTSD-related isolation. In conclusion, our research strengthens the effectiveness of clay art therapy in PTSD management, paving the way for its broader application in clinical psychology. We have demonstrated our commitment through missions in various trauma-affected countries, underscoring our determination to make this approach accessible to a wider audience. For example, our next intervention is planned in Yemen and Syria, highlighting our ongoing dedication to exploring and disseminating the benefits of art therapy in complex post-traumatic contexts. More in-depth research is needed to further our understanding of the complex interactions and mutual dynamics between neurosciences and arts therapies.
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hal-04407316 , version 1 (20-01-2024)

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  • HAL Id : hal-04407316 , version 1

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Silke Schauder, Odette Chesnot. Healing Collective Trauma through Clay: Evaluation and Treatment of Neurological Disorders in Beirut Explosion Survivors. Frontiers in Psychiatry, In press. ⟨hal-04407316⟩

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