An Examination of the origins and therapeutic significance of heterogeneity in institutional psychotherapy: Through the personal history of François Tosquelles

Abstract

This paper examines the history of the introduction of the concept of heterogeneity in institutional psychotherapy and its clinical implications, focusing on François Tosquelles’ personal history. Tosquelles was exiled to France during the Vichy regime, a period when French psychiatry was barely functioning, and many patients were dying of starvation. Under these circumstances, he attempted to transform the hospital with the slogan of ‘welcome’ to incorporate this heterogeneity into the therapeutic environment. This heterogeneity helped transform the hospital into a psychotherapeutic environment by 1) utilizing the unique qualities of each patient in treatment, 2) incorporating multiple perspectives in meetings, and 3) emphasizing the poetic function of language.