Mitodrama – Common thread of a clinical case

Abstract

A patient who came from various psychiatric care complained of intense pain in the lower back that prevented him from working. In the psychotherapeutic care, the nuclear theme appeared through the symbol of “a great snake that surrounds, tightens and compresses”, which we decided to research using the concept of mitologema approached by Maciel. This theory led us to get to know the dynamics of the patient and to unveil his “emotional complexity” through the revealed myths. By role reversal, he could bring his former feelings of rejection, guilt, and fear. The follow-up of the sessions tracked the mythical plot between the lines of the complaint, which facilitated his experience of living the myth in a conscious and voluntary way.