What Flows Underneath the Disease

Abstract

This article aims to explore the potential of dance/movement therapy (DMT) and creativity in supporting patients with chronic pelvic pain. It investigates the impact of a non-judgmental environment on the development of coping and self-compassion strategies; the potential of using DMT’s tools and art in general to explore, in a safe and creative container, one’s relationship with the disease and the meaning it has taken on in one’s personal history and the rediscovery of one’s psycho-bodily resources to listen to and actively dialogue with one’s pain. This article is based on a study conducted in two therapeutic groups of four women each. As the project was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, the meetings were conducted online and lasted approximately 2 years.