What exactly is shadow work? The term has come into regular use lately as a way to label the “dark” side of the personality. The dichotomy of light/dark has positive/negative connotations, however, and there is a growing belief that because we contain multitudes, we can embrace our shadow self as well as our persona, which is the side we present to others. The concept of the shadow self was first developed by Carl Jung in the early 1900s and serves as a counterpoint to Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis. For a more thorough overview, I recommend the article “What is Shadow Work” from Medical News Today. Jung developed the field of analytical psychology, which gave us terms like extrovert, introvert, complex (in the “this patient has a complex regarding X” sense), and collective unconscious. One could say he’s kind of a big deal. I’ve gathered here a list of books about shadow work. All the books here are, to the best of my knowledge and research, written by licensed mental health professionals. Again, take all of these with a grain of salt, and if you have any doubts about how they may apply to you, please consult with a mental health professional. In the last few years, there has been renewed interest in living a fully integrated and fulfilled life. Working with the shadow self can help us do that, and I hope this list of shadow work books provides you with a good starting place.
