Les groupes thérapeutiques dans la prise en charge de la douleur chronique

The article concerns the benefit of group therapy as a treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain. It is based on a qualitative study in which semi-directive interviews are made with patients and nursing staff. The study is also founded on observations that were made. It shows that suffering patients, who participate in group therapy, see an improvement in the quality of their lives, even in cases of resistant pain. Feelings of guilt and self-depreciation, often associated with chronic pain, tend to diminish. A more positive outlook replaces these negative feelings and this allows for the marked improvement of the quality of social relations.