Yes, it is indeed true that Willy Apollon completed his doctoral studies at the Sorbonne under the supervision of Gilles Deleuze. His dissertation, later published as Le Vaudou: un espace pour les voix (1976), delves into Haitian Vodou as a space for the expression of voices, linking cultural practices to psychoanalytic concepts of the unconscious.
This mentorship under Deleuze significantly influenced Apollon’s reading and application of Lacanian psychoanalysis. Deleuze’s philosophy, particularly his concepts of difference, repetition, and the critique of structuralism, provided Apollon with a framework to approach Lacanian theory beyond rigid structures.
Apollon’s work reflects a synthesis of Deleuzian and Lacanian thought, especially in his emphasis on the fluidity of the unconscious and the importance of cultural and symbolic structures in shaping subjectivity. His clinical practice, notably at the psychoanalytic center “The 388” in Québec, exemplifies this approach by focusing on enabling individuals to articulate their unique experiences and desires beyond conventional societal norms.
In summary, Deleuze’s supervision provided Apollon with a philosophical lens that enriched his interpretation of Lacanian psychoanalysis, allowing him to develop a nuanced approach that integrates cultural, symbolic, and clinical dimensions.
