Abstract
PURPOSE: To shed a nuanced light on the experiences of taking part in a rehabilitation programme using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for people living with persistent pain and fatigue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ACT intervention, designed by the Pain Clinic of a University Hospital, consisted of six four-hour sessions, each for four groups of 6-8 participants, given over the course of four months. An interdisciplinary research team thematically analysed 13 post-programme individual interviews with people aged 21 to 54 with different symptoms and diagnoses using systematic text condensation. RESULTS: Participants reported that while illness had led to feelings of loneliness, loss and failure, participating in a safe and supportive group setting led to a nurturing sense of shared community, understanding and learning. Increased self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-compassion were valued outcomes of the programme. Most felt that they had acquired new tools, such as exercises, practices and altered ways of thinking. A few participants were uncomfortable with the sharing practices and felt that the programme brought few benefits for them. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates the value of a sense of community and experiencing illness as a shared human condition. Learning to see oneself as worthy of self-compassion, suggested in the literature as key to pain rehabilitation, was connected to group validation and ACT-specific sessions. Information, exercises and sharing practices could have been even better targeted and tailored to individual participants.