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 vocation: 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 sections: 

1. What therapy or “soul care” is and how it works;
2. What soul work is required of the helper to be able to address the needs of others;
3. How to access and move forward the spiritual dimension;
4. How to apply this work to specific areas, such as work, marriage, parenting, or teaching;
5. How to deal with other issues that arise, such as developing a therapeutic style, dealing with one’s shadow, and the need for self-care. 

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. 

“Moore has done a great service by reinterpreting soul therapy as deep friendship—not only with others but also with the world. The genius of what he has done consists not only of revisioning therapy but revisioning friendship as well.” - Robert Sardello, Director of The School of Integral Spiritual Psychology

“With depth and wisdom, Thomas Moore makes plain the complicated business of how one soul helps another. Everyone could use this sage counsel.” - Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Road Back to You

"A profound book by a spiritual master, designed to help us care for others. Whether you're a professional therapist or simply a friend wanting to help, Soul Therapy will give you practical and proven advice on how to provide soul care. I've always hoped to find a book like this." - James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray

“In this timely book for troubled times, Moore guides us through the art of listening. As a musician, I know that performance involves responding sensitively to what we hear. It is illuminating to read that this is vital in all aspects of life. I will share this book with many.” - Simone Dinnerstein, classical pianist

“Thomas Moore is an authentic example of a new kind of therapist—a doctor of the soul—which in our century has been in short supply.”   - Larry Dossey, author of Healing Words