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Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations
The New York Times bestselling author of the classic The Care of the Soul addresses the needs of those providing soul care to others—therapists, psychiatrists, ministers, spiritual directors, teachers, and even friends—sharing his insights for incorporating a spiritual or soulful dimension into their work and practices.
Soul Therapy is the culmination of Thomas Moore’s work. In his previous acclaimed books, he explored the soul in important areas of our lives—work, sex, marriage, family, religion, and aging. In this wise guide, he now returns to his core teaching practitioners—therapists, psychiatrists, ministers, spiritual directors, and others—how to offer soul care to those they assist. A training manual infused with a lifetime’s worth of wisdom, Soul Therapy is divided into five Profound yet practical, enlightened yet grounded in real-world experience, Soul Therapy will become a definitive resource for caregivers and practitioners for years to come.
Soul Therapy is the culmination of Thomas Moore’s work. In his previous acclaimed books, he explored the soul in important areas of our lives—work, sex, marriage, family, religion, and aging. In this wise guide, he now returns to his core teaching practitioners—therapists, psychiatrists, ministers, spiritual directors, and others—how to offer soul care to those they assist. A training manual infused with a lifetime’s worth of wisdom, Soul Therapy is divided into five Profound yet practical, enlightened yet grounded in real-world experience, Soul Therapy will become a definitive resource for caregivers and practitioners for years to come.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 25, 2021
82 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Moore
137 books592 followersThomas Moore is the author of the bestselling book, Care of the Soul, Ageless Soul, and fifteen other books on deepening spirituality and cultivating soul in every aspect of life. He has been a monk, a musician, a university professor, and a psychotherapist, and today he lectures widely on holistic medicine, spirituality, psychotherapy, and the arts. He lectures frequently in Ireland and has a special love of Irish culture. He has Ph.D. in religion from Syracuse University and has won several awards for his work, including an honorary doctorate from Lesley University and the Humanitarian Award from Einstein Medical School of Yeshiva University. He also has a B.A. in music from DePaul University, an M.A. in musicology from the University of Michigan, and an M.A. in theology from the University of Windsor. He also writes fiction and music and often works with his wife, artist and yoga instructor, Hari Kirin. He writes regular columns for Resurgence and Spirituality & Health.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 23, 2023
Therapy means care or service and not cure or fix. It is a matter of the heart....Soul is intimate depth; love is intimate connection. p282
Happiness is not the goal so much as vitality, to be saved from a dull existence. p211
Today was my mother's birthday. She would have been 102 years old if she wouldn't have died, almost 20 years ago. Reading this book, naturally enough, I thought of her. With his emphasis on active imagination, Thomas Moore offers a hope that it's never too late to make peace.
Imagination is in play everywhere and all the time....The air is full of people from the past and elsewhere and they are always getting involved in your life....One myth or another is always rumbling in the depths. p86
In the spirit of Jung and Hillman, TM draws on the archtypical and mythological as well as imagry from all over the creative map including the shadow to form the basis of the therepeutic encounter. This does not mean he is stuffy or overly obscure. Moores gift is to bring this esoterica alive in a fresh and immediate way.
As people, we are all clowns trying our best to make sense of our lives and do the right thing...everyone taking themselves way too seriously.
p235
Could it be that you are fine being the person you are...?
So don't change. Sit there, reflect, read poetry, and let your soul emerge. p107
And it may be that all we need is caring conversations to keep us feeling cared for. With mindfullness and a little practice, Moore assures us that this is something we all can do for each other. And he does offer some guidlines.
-Soul therapy is not life management p7
-focus on soul rather than behavior p213
-a story is more important than a diagnosis. p44
-never try to get rid of the shadow...deepen it p261
- Be alert lest you simplify in your mind what is actually a very complex layering of narratives. p61
- Be less analytical and more observant p4
-You're looking for depth of insight, not the solution to a puzzle. p20
Your job is not just to help manage everyday life but to see the greater arc of time and the deep narratives that shape every life. p43
It may very well be that this book would have facilitated a breakthough in the stalled communication between me and my mom. Whats more exciting than regretting it's too late is the idea that it's not too late, and that I can keep at doing the work of clearing a path to understanding and acceptance.
Serenity is not the suppression of conflict or emotions, but the acheivement of calm through a big enough vision of life that troubles don't take it away. p 70
Happiness is not the goal so much as vitality, to be saved from a dull existence. p211
Today was my mother's birthday. She would have been 102 years old if she wouldn't have died, almost 20 years ago. Reading this book, naturally enough, I thought of her. With his emphasis on active imagination, Thomas Moore offers a hope that it's never too late to make peace.
Imagination is in play everywhere and all the time....The air is full of people from the past and elsewhere and they are always getting involved in your life....One myth or another is always rumbling in the depths. p86
In the spirit of Jung and Hillman, TM draws on the archtypical and mythological as well as imagry from all over the creative map including the shadow to form the basis of the therepeutic encounter. This does not mean he is stuffy or overly obscure. Moores gift is to bring this esoterica alive in a fresh and immediate way.
As people, we are all clowns trying our best to make sense of our lives and do the right thing...everyone taking themselves way too seriously.
p235
Could it be that you are fine being the person you are...?
So don't change. Sit there, reflect, read poetry, and let your soul emerge. p107
And it may be that all we need is caring conversations to keep us feeling cared for. With mindfullness and a little practice, Moore assures us that this is something we all can do for each other. And he does offer some guidlines.
-Soul therapy is not life management p7
-focus on soul rather than behavior p213
-a story is more important than a diagnosis. p44
-never try to get rid of the shadow...deepen it p261
- Be alert lest you simplify in your mind what is actually a very complex layering of narratives. p61
- Be less analytical and more observant p4
-You're looking for depth of insight, not the solution to a puzzle. p20
Your job is not just to help manage everyday life but to see the greater arc of time and the deep narratives that shape every life. p43
It may very well be that this book would have facilitated a breakthough in the stalled communication between me and my mom. Whats more exciting than regretting it's too late is the idea that it's not too late, and that I can keep at doing the work of clearing a path to understanding and acceptance.
Serenity is not the suppression of conflict or emotions, but the acheivement of calm through a big enough vision of life that troubles don't take it away. p 70
September 8, 2022
This is a fascinating read. Moore has such lovely approach to therapy and I admire his transpersonal focus. Though I didn't resonate with everything, I took a lot away from this book.
February 15, 2022
Extremely good book for those who want to offer emotional support to friends and loved ones. Walks you through many techniques and ways to understand your friend as well as how not to be judgemental but offer kind advice. I really liked this book.
July 26, 2021
True soul therapy
I chose 5 stars because this book made me feel differently in my daily life. After reading about therapeutic encounters, archetypes, meaningful life lessons (and more); you just are more present. It really reminds me why psychology is healing in its own right. It's because attention to the soulful dimension really does change you (and I don't mean metaphysically, I simply mean a more emotional and intuitive experience). This type of knowledge and reflection truly is medicine. Id say this book is for all levels but here's my own caring reflection of how this might go for others readers (without stringent guidelines): if you have experience with Jung, James Hillman, or Thomas Moore, then this book will effortlessly combine with your daily experience on first pass. If you are a beginner to this author or related subjects, then read this but keep going; perhaps read a book by James Hillman, or another Thomas Moore book, maybe even an introduction to Jung. It'll help you appreciate the beauty of the book because certain terms will become more alive, they'll move you even more when reading again (The book itself is for the lay person as well and will make sense regardless of prior knowledge.) Most importantly, read it or don't for whatever reasons are most important to you. I bet Thomas Moore would say let this find you when it's the right time, and if it's never the right time that's ok too. That's a piece of the insight in this book, if you are rigidly after something, it might be worth exploring that obsession itself rather than than specific content; so just do something with an open heart and soul will certainly be present along the way, that experience might make the original problem the solution 😊.
I chose 5 stars because this book made me feel differently in my daily life. After reading about therapeutic encounters, archetypes, meaningful life lessons (and more); you just are more present. It really reminds me why psychology is healing in its own right. It's because attention to the soulful dimension really does change you (and I don't mean metaphysically, I simply mean a more emotional and intuitive experience). This type of knowledge and reflection truly is medicine. Id say this book is for all levels but here's my own caring reflection of how this might go for others readers (without stringent guidelines): if you have experience with Jung, James Hillman, or Thomas Moore, then this book will effortlessly combine with your daily experience on first pass. If you are a beginner to this author or related subjects, then read this but keep going; perhaps read a book by James Hillman, or another Thomas Moore book, maybe even an introduction to Jung. It'll help you appreciate the beauty of the book because certain terms will become more alive, they'll move you even more when reading again (The book itself is for the lay person as well and will make sense regardless of prior knowledge.) Most importantly, read it or don't for whatever reasons are most important to you. I bet Thomas Moore would say let this find you when it's the right time, and if it's never the right time that's ok too. That's a piece of the insight in this book, if you are rigidly after something, it might be worth exploring that obsession itself rather than than specific content; so just do something with an open heart and soul will certainly be present along the way, that experience might make the original problem the solution 😊.
December 19, 2024
Heel veel woorden voor een, naar mijn idee, vrij eenvoudige boodschap. Heeft me niet erg geraakt of geholpen. Misschien ook doordat dit soort informatie eindeloos terugkwam op de UvH.
Wel wat dingetjes uit overgenomen
therapie gaat zien als zorg en hulp
Niet-therapeuten geven vaak adviezen die meer over henzelf gaan dan over degene die ze willen helpen
Als een niet-therapeut iemand in een lastige periode helpt, is hij – zoals de Ieren zeggen – een anam cara, een zielsvriend. Dit is geen doorsnee maar een speciale vriendschap, waarin de een de ander echt helpt en begeleidt
Je kunt je leven wel reorganiseren, maar dat is niet hetzelfde als je diepe ziel dat geven waaraan hij behoefte heeft en waarnaar hij verlangt.
Welke dingen verontrusten de ziel?
Een goede therapeut is deels ook filosoof en zelfs theoloog, maar wel een objectieve, omdat de ziel raakt aan de grote, onoplosbare mysteriën van het leven.
Wat is de onderliggende plot in het verhaal van mijn cliënt? Wat is de belangrijkste emotie? Waar probeert ze me over te halen haar beter te begrijpen? Wat is haar preoccupatie? De vragen die je jezelf stelt worden duisterder: Hoe hindert ze onbewust de therapie? Laat ze belangrijke onderdelen van het verhaal weg? Wat zijn haar vooroordelen?
Beschouw het leven van je vriendin niet als een probleem dat opgelost moet worden, maar als een ingewikkelde ervaring die ze aan het uitzoeken is en waarmee ze op een goede manier probeert om te gaan
Ik creëer een vat door aandachtig te luisteren, aantekeningen te maken, een warme en milde sfeer te creëren en zo nu en dan iets over mezelf te zeggen. Ik wil niet afstandelijk zijn en me verschuilen, maar evenmin wil ik dat het uur therapie uitloopt in een koffiebargesprek.
Denk aan je tennis- of golflessen. Je zwaait niet alleen met je armen en zegt niet zomaar alles wat er in je opkomt. Zielsgesprekken zijn kunstvormen die zorgvuldigheid en oordeelsvermogen vragen. De therapiesessie begint met het eerste ‘hallo’ en eindigt pas als je cliënt of vriend vertrokken is. De tijd hiertussen is, zo gezegd, een glazen vat. Let op wat je zegt.
Luister aandachtig.
2. Wees behoedzaam met adviezen.
3. Geef wat je op een diepere laag hoort aan iemand terug.
4. Bevestig de ander.
5. Help het verhaal te verdiepen.
Wel wat dingetjes uit overgenomen
therapie gaat zien als zorg en hulp
Niet-therapeuten geven vaak adviezen die meer over henzelf gaan dan over degene die ze willen helpen
Als een niet-therapeut iemand in een lastige periode helpt, is hij – zoals de Ieren zeggen – een anam cara, een zielsvriend. Dit is geen doorsnee maar een speciale vriendschap, waarin de een de ander echt helpt en begeleidt
Je kunt je leven wel reorganiseren, maar dat is niet hetzelfde als je diepe ziel dat geven waaraan hij behoefte heeft en waarnaar hij verlangt.
Welke dingen verontrusten de ziel?
Een goede therapeut is deels ook filosoof en zelfs theoloog, maar wel een objectieve, omdat de ziel raakt aan de grote, onoplosbare mysteriën van het leven.
Wat is de onderliggende plot in het verhaal van mijn cliënt? Wat is de belangrijkste emotie? Waar probeert ze me over te halen haar beter te begrijpen? Wat is haar preoccupatie? De vragen die je jezelf stelt worden duisterder: Hoe hindert ze onbewust de therapie? Laat ze belangrijke onderdelen van het verhaal weg? Wat zijn haar vooroordelen?
Beschouw het leven van je vriendin niet als een probleem dat opgelost moet worden, maar als een ingewikkelde ervaring die ze aan het uitzoeken is en waarmee ze op een goede manier probeert om te gaan
Ik creëer een vat door aandachtig te luisteren, aantekeningen te maken, een warme en milde sfeer te creëren en zo nu en dan iets over mezelf te zeggen. Ik wil niet afstandelijk zijn en me verschuilen, maar evenmin wil ik dat het uur therapie uitloopt in een koffiebargesprek.
Denk aan je tennis- of golflessen. Je zwaait niet alleen met je armen en zegt niet zomaar alles wat er in je opkomt. Zielsgesprekken zijn kunstvormen die zorgvuldigheid en oordeelsvermogen vragen. De therapiesessie begint met het eerste ‘hallo’ en eindigt pas als je cliënt of vriend vertrokken is. De tijd hiertussen is, zo gezegd, een glazen vat. Let op wat je zegt.
Luister aandachtig.
2. Wees behoedzaam met adviezen.
3. Geef wat je op een diepere laag hoort aan iemand terug.
4. Bevestig de ander.
5. Help het verhaal te verdiepen.
January 20, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from HarperOne in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
For one person who suffers a lot of emotional trauma and psychological impact being a caregiver or caring for a family member who is suffering a long term illness or is in poor physical condition. I also loved how informative Thomas Moore was in this book in describing psychological terms such as transference and how it impacts not only the relationship you have for your loved one or the person you are caring for but, the relationship you have for yourself. Inner peace and inner spirit were definitely well explained and I must say after reading this book, I am now more aware and in touch of my inner spirit and can't wait to get through my day.
We will consider adding this title to our Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
For one person who suffers a lot of emotional trauma and psychological impact being a caregiver or caring for a family member who is suffering a long term illness or is in poor physical condition. I also loved how informative Thomas Moore was in this book in describing psychological terms such as transference and how it impacts not only the relationship you have for your loved one or the person you are caring for but, the relationship you have for yourself. Inner peace and inner spirit were definitely well explained and I must say after reading this book, I am now more aware and in touch of my inner spirit and can't wait to get through my day.
We will consider adding this title to our Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
August 2, 2021
More Thomas Moore on soul.
How to be a true friend for and to humanity by serving through healing dialog. In this book you learn how to serve soul both yours and others by being therapy. The book uncovers the many dimensions only one soul can experience with another through Moore’s varied perspectives informed by myth, religion, psychotherapy, art and music.
How to be a true friend for and to humanity by serving through healing dialog. In this book you learn how to serve soul both yours and others by being therapy. The book uncovers the many dimensions only one soul can experience with another through Moore’s varied perspectives informed by myth, religion, psychotherapy, art and music.
April 5, 2022
I like the way he is so open and vulnerable. It's spiritual but he is so openminded about what spirituality is, it isn't wishywashy. Transferense, Yungian method, Dream analysis,... Everything is written with some flexibility in mind and without proclaiming it as gospel. I really got more out of it than expected.
May 13, 2023
Practical knowledge about therapy
Once again Moore delivers with his practical down to earth style how to be a more focused lay therapist. Outlines very reachable skills for those seeking to listen and care well for others. Working as a supervisor for corporate chaplains this is a resource of shareable skills and concepts for my team.
Once again Moore delivers with his practical down to earth style how to be a more focused lay therapist. Outlines very reachable skills for those seeking to listen and care well for others. Working as a supervisor for corporate chaplains this is a resource of shareable skills and concepts for my team.
December 23, 2023
Useful information in here that I can bring into my own work with clients! Though I didn’t agree with everything said, I agree with the overall message about the importance of working with people’s souls, whether it be a client or friend.
September 28, 2024
Grāmatas iesākumā man bija par daudz mitoloģijas, jau gribēju pārtraukt lasīt. Tomēr labi, ka to neizdarīju, jo vidusdaļā un beigu daļā guvu vairākas vērtīgas atziņas, ko pielietot gan personīgajā, gan profesionālajā dzīvē.
February 11, 2021
This book takes an empathetic approach and gives bite size approaches and allows you to have kindness and patience with yourself when dealing with life. This is so necessary for everyone to read in life. Highly recommend. Especially loved the reflection to true life to humanize my feelings and relate. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
January 17, 2022Meh.
February 21, 2022
Written for the professional as well as non-professional person who listens with their entire being to invite healing at the soul level.
April 28, 2022
A treasure.
Read
June 1, 2024Couldn’t handle this. Seemed like a lot of words and not what I wanted.
June 9, 2024
Audio. Well written but not for me.
March 6, 2025
There is something about Thomas Moore’s books that always connects so many dots for me. He writes in such a way that it really connects with me on a soul level. Love him and loved this book!
August 4, 2023
I did not support a lot of things in this book, but there were certain things I was able to take from it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews