La sombra del objeto: Psicoanálisis de lo conocido no pensado

What is "The Shadow of the Object"?

In this foundational work, Christopher Bollas introduces the concept of the "unthought known," those experiences that reside in our unconscious without having been reflected upon. The book explores how the "shadow of the object"—the internalized presence of significant figures—shapes our psyche and our relationships. It is a key text in contemporary psychoanalysis that invites therapists and students to deepen their understanding of the mind.

How can this book help professionals and students?

For psychoanalysts in training and clinical psychologists, this reading offers theoretical tools to address non-verbalized aspects of the patient's experience. Bollas develops a framework that allows for the identification and work with psychic material that has not yet been symbolically processed. Readers have highlighted its expository clarity and the richness of the clinical cases presented, which illuminate complex concepts in an accessible way.

About the author: Christopher Bollas

Christopher Bollas is one of the most influential psychoanalysts today. With a career spanning decades of clinical practice and teaching, he has contributed significantly to psychoanalytic theory, especially in the area of self psychology and object relations theory. His style combines academic rigor with clinical sensitivity, making his works appreciated by both experts and beginners.

What will you find in its pages?

The book is structured into chapters that cover everything from theoretical foundations to concrete clinical applications. It includes detailed case analyses, reflections on the analytic process, and discussions on concepts such as projective identification, countertransference, and the unconscious. Each section invites a rethinking of the therapeutic encounter and the nature of psychic change.

Frequently asked questions

Is prior knowledge of psychoanalysis necessary?

Although the book is aimed at an audience familiar with psychoanalytic theory, its clear language and examples make it accessible to advanced students and mental health professionals interested in deepening their understanding.

How does it relate to other Bollas texts?

"The Shadow of the Object" is an early work that established the foundations of his later thought. Readers already familiar with titles such as "The Analyst's Mind" or "The Patient's World" will find here the fundamentals of his more developed ideas.