New Books Network Dominique: the Case of an Adolescent interview with Jamieson Webster
Oct 13, 2025
Psychoanalyst Jamieson Webster dives into Françoise Dolto's republished case study, Dominique, exploring its profound insights into adolescent psychology. She discusses Dolto's innovative approach, blending clinical intuition with theory, and her treatment's remarkable transformations in just twelve sessions. Key themes include the complexities of familial dynamics, the mother's role, and the importance of teaching children about boundaries. Webster also reflects on Dolto's lasting influence on parenting and child psychoanalysis in France, emphasizing the value of understanding children's desires and identities.
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Case Writing As Living Theory
- Françoise Dolto's case writing mixes session material and post-session theorizing, creating a dense, novel-like clinical narrative.
- Jamieson Webster values this as a productive method that uncovers layers you can return to repeatedly.
Theory Emerges From The Session
- Dolto unravels psychoanalytic theory as the case unfolds rather than imposing finished concepts during sessions.
- Webster argues this mirrors how development and theory emerge in the child and the analyst's moment-to-moment work.
Dominique: The Troubled 14-Year-Old
- Dominique arrives at 14 described as erratic, with a high-pitched voice and severe school struggles, especially in math.
- Dolto treats him in twelve sessions and Webster sees the outcome as remarkably transformative.
