Chimeras and other writings: Selected Papers of Sheldon Bach

From the foreword by Steven Ellman, PhD: The reader who has not read the papers in this volume is in for a rare treat: the discovery of new worlds revealed within what were thought to be familiar spaces. I believe that those who have already read some of the chapters in this volume will have the experience of rediscovering precious clinical and theoretical gems that have influenced many therapists and analysts. In fact, Bach's influence has quietly spread throughout the field often without various authors fully acknowledging or perhaps realizing his impact on their concepts. I feel certain that readers will share my excitement in reading the chapters in this current volume. Undoubtedly Bach is known for many other contributions to the analytic situation as compared to his statements about analytic trust. For example, he provides us with descriptions of several types of transference in the treatment of narcissistic patients. He features interventions to help bridge the various divides in narcissistic patients. He also points out that in the type of treatments he describes the "analyst's own narcissistic equilibrium is always strongly put to the test." Thus, while I have mentioned that in all of his papers he implicitly describes the therapeutic situation, one might more accurately that he is always looking at the transference-countertransference balance that oscillates in the treatment of narcissistic patients. Of course, it is not surprising that he describes both sides of the analytic couch in sensitive detail. I venture that most (perhaps all) analysts will find important aspects of various patients exquisitely described and understood in this volume. In addition, they will find strong elements of themselves pictured and empathically brought to life.