Listening to the Body in the Search for Meaning: Group Work with Adolescents with Cerebral Lesions
Type de matériel :
32
Based on an experience with a group of hospitalized adolescents with cerebral lesions (severe cranial trauma, cerebral tumors, vascular cerebral strokes), the author analyzed metaphorical expression of the subject’s body in the context of the group body, and discussed issues arising in the clinical work. Between five and eight adolescents aged 15 to 20 years old took part in a one hour weekly group, which alternated between a photography workshop (supportive activity) and a discussion group. The way the body was mobilized in the group was a first attempt to show others what the « I » was living. Presenting one’s damaged body and exhibiting one’s bodily marks to others open the way to representation of what will later be offered to the group to be worked out. The subject needs to link biological body, erogenous body, and relational events, creating links between the Ego-body and the group body, between affect and representation. However, the particular context of these young people (vital issues, handicap, drastic treatment, hospitalization) which act upon the clinician, make the question of moderating the distance between the group and himself/herself all the more delicate. Thus the clinician risks overemphasizing the too-visible signs of the threat posed by the cerebral injury, or denying the effects of lack of connection brought about by the traumatic experience.
Réseaux sociaux