Care of the Soul in Medicine: Healing Guidance for Patients, Families, and the People Who Care for Them

In his latest volume on everyday upkeep of the soul, psychotherapist/theologist and prolific author Moore (Care of the Soul, Soul Mates, Dark Knights of the Soul) looks at the ways that health care addresses the spirit and soul—with body, the three distinct aspects of the human condition—and the how it can do so better. Addressing providers and patients, Moore gives readers ways to tell if a doctor works with his soul, explaining why a good bedside manner—a sense of connection, a willingness to take off the mask—is a vital characteristic of an effective healer, but also addresses topics like a provider's sense of calling, spiritual meaning, the relevance of emotional and personality issues, and the physical environment itself. An understanding of often-unconscious factors he calls "emotional complexes" is key, and Moore takes readers through his concepts with an insightful and accessible voice, offering much reassurance and love as he goes. Citing his extensive scholarly background and his own experience with doctors, Moore challenges the modern notion of dispassionate and highly regimented health care, offering practical and conceptually simple ideas to incorporate awareness of "soul" into the health care equation. (Apr.)