Foreword by Vincenzo Bonaminio Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction 1 Psychic dualities 2 The receptive unconscious & psychic genera 3 Idiom 4 The unthought known 5 Self-relationships 6 Character and interrelating 7 Evocative objects 8 Unconscious complexity 9 Free association 10 The Freudian Pair 11 Worlds apart 12 An integrated theory Appendix Index

Sarah Nettleton’s excellent guide to the work of Christopher Bollas is written with accuracy, detail and brilliance. Her clear explanation of his central theories – including the receptive unconscious, psychic genera, idiom, character, and the unthought known - allows us to go deep into Bollas’s metapsychology. She shows us the depth and originality of his thinking, enabling even those who are approaching this for the first time to acquire a thorough synthesis of his ideas. It is a pleasure to recommend this book as a 'must read'! - Sergio Eduardo Nick, Vice President Elect, International Psychoanalytical AssociationSarah Nettleton takes us on a deep and fascinating tour through the metapsychology of Christopher Bollas, presenting his distinctive model of the structure and functioning of the mind as he has developed it over the course of many years. She emphasises his theoretical pluralism and his focus on unconscious expression, allowing us to understand his concept of "transformative self experiencing". Her book demonstrates how Bollas’s work awakens the reader’s own creativity, achieving a broader view of the relationship between the patient and analyst. - Silvia Flechner, Past President, Uruguayan Psychoanalytical AssociationThis wonderful book focuses on the theoretical thinking of an internationally admired and deeply inspiring master of contemporary psychoanalysis. Sarah Nettleton illuminates the richness, variety and conceptual coherence of Bollas’s many innovative ideas, providing us with both a clarifying exploration and an integrative reflection on his work. - Stefano Bolognini, President, International Psychoanalytical AssociationSarah Nettleton’s readers will encounter a double pleasure: both the enjoyment of this book and the encouragement to engage with the original works of Christopher Bollas. Those who already appreciate the extreme creativity of his writings will be delighted to discover in her penetrating study a fresh inspiration to re-read them. I highly recommend this book. - Haydée Faimberg, author of The Telescoping of Generations"Bollas throughout his work demonstrates a distinctive model of the mind and makes a powerful argument for taking a pluralistic approach in our clinical practice stating: ‘Seeing patient through a single lens will obscure the complexity of the mind and its communications"-Ann Hughes, BAPPS Supervision Review