Movement and Body Awareness-Based Group Therapy in Patients with Psychosomatic Symptoms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71350/jclp.29Keywords:
psychosomatic symptoms, body awareness, dance/movement therapy, group psychotherapy, somatizationAbstract
Objective
Psychosomatic symptoms represent the clinical manifestations of the bidirectional interaction between bodily complaints and emotional processes, and are frequently observed together with anxiety and depressive symptoms in consultation-liaison psychiatry practice. Body-oriented therapeutic approaches may facilitate the processing of emotional experiences at a somatic level, particularly in cases where verbal expression is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and measurable outcomes of a movement- and body-awareness–based group psychotherapy in patients with psychosomatic complaints.
Method
A semi-structured group psychotherapy was conducted with six participants presenting with psychosomatic and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. The sessions were held once a week for 60 minutes, totaling eight sessions.
Participants included individuals with musculoskeletal pain, rheumatoid arthritis and gastrointestinal complaints, widespread pain associated with complicated grief, attachment-related difficulties and anxiety symptoms, as well as body image disturbances following bariatric surgery.
Dance movement therapy techniques such as free movement, mirroring, rhythm-based expression, dyadic and group synchronization, and the use of transitional objects were applied during the sessions.
Somatic symptom burden was assessed using the PHQ-15, and anxiety and depression levels were measured with the HADS at baseline and post-intervention. Quantitative findings were interpreted together with the therapist’s qualitative clinical observations.
Results
Clinical observations and scale evaluations indicated a reduction in somatic symptom burden, as well as anxiety and depression levels, in all participants.
A decrease was observed in gastrointestinal complaints, widespread pain, and low energy levels, while the participant experiencing body image disturbances reported an improvement in body-related discomfort.
Additionally, increased interpersonal interaction, enhanced social engagement, and improved motivation and interest in life were observed throughout the group process.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that movement- and body-awareness–based group psychotherapy may positively influence the relationship between somatic symptoms and emotional regulation. These results are consistent with findings reported in dance/movement therapy research.
However, studies with larger samples and controlled designs are needed to generalize these findings.
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