Maison St-Jacques: from yesterday to tomorrow

In this article the author provides an historical overview of the various changes that have taken place at the Maison St-Jacques with respect to its therapeutic approach. The process by which the Maison St-Jacques consolidated the current psychoanalytic group approach is briefly outlined. The author questions the place the Maison St-Jacques currently occupies in the community sector, particularly in relation to recent developments within the autonomous community action (ACA) network, which undermine the identity of some of its member organizations. Although collective movements such as the ACA seek to strengthen the autonomy of practice of the organizations that adhere to its principles, the loss of individuality inherent in any collective movement is discussed. A forward-looking reflection on the Maison St-Jacques's identity and autonomy of intervention is offered in conclusion.