Françoise Dolto

Who was Françoise Dolto?

Françoise Dolto, was a French doctor and psychoanalyst, famous for her research on babies and childhood. Dolto revolutionized the field of psycho-therapeutic work with babies, with the mother-baby dyad, and with a more positive observation and understanding of communcation means used by children in educative or social difficulties.

She worked with Jacques Lacan, and said that children have a language before the language. She has contributed to the question of the unconscious body image, and influenced among others the work of Maud Mannoni.

As a recognized feminist, she also worked on reconciling women with their sexuality; she also analyzed the attitude of children when their parents are separating or divorcing.

Françoise Dolto was the mother of Carlos, a singer; and the sister of Jacques Marette, a minister.