Thomas Moore’s holistic approach to mental health.
In an eye-opening interview, Thomas Moore—an acclaimed author, psychotherapist, theologian, and former monk—shared his unique perspective on therapy. Known for his bestselling book Care of the Soul, Moore advocates for a soul-centered approach that challenges traditional therapy methods, encouraging a deeper, more holistic practice.
The Soul’s Role in Therapy
Moore’s approach to therapy is based on the original Greek meaning of “therapy”—“to care for or attend to.” Unlike modern therapy, which often focuses on solving problems or fixing behaviors, Moore emphasizes the importance of caring for the soul, or psyche. He believes therapy should be about more than just helping people function better in life. Instead, it should focus on the soul’s deeper needs.
Moore listens carefully to his clients, searching for what their souls may be yearning for. He helps them recognize where they might be blocking their own natural growth. Rejecting the idea that therapists are “healers,” Moore sees their role as being present with clients through their struggles, offering support as clients gradually make deeper connections with their true selves.
Rethinking Modern Therapy
Moore’s views sharply contrast with many popular trends in psychotherapy, especially approaches that rely on structured, “evidence-based” methods. He is uninterested in these standardized techniques, choosing instead to focus on a more intuitive, holistic practice. He believes that modern therapy, and society in general, have become too focused on control and understanding, often neglecting the unknown and mysterious aspects of life.
Rather than adhering to rigid systems, Moore promotes a more spiritual approach to therapy. This doesn’t mean following a particular religion, but rather acknowledging and respecting the deeper, unpredictable elements of the human experience.
Embracing Individuality and Uniqueness
A central part of Moore’s philosophy is celebrating individuality. He argues that when we care for the soul, we naturally become more unique, reflecting Carl Jung’s idea of “individuation.” This often means moving away from societal norms and embracing what might be seen as eccentricity. Moore questions the idea of “normalcy” that dominates modern psychology and opposes the use of diagnostic tools like the DSM-5, which focus on fitting people into defined categories.
Instead, he encourages therapists to help clients connect with their authentic selves, even if this leads to behaviors that seem unusual to others.
Personal Spirituality: A Religion of One’s Own
In his book A Religion of One’s Own, Moore takes his philosophy beyond therapy and into personal spirituality. He supports the idea of an individualized approach to religion and spirituality, drawing from various traditions while avoiding strict adherence to any one belief system. This reflects Moore’s broad knowledge of Jungian psychology and different religious traditions, yet he chooses not to align himself with any single school of thought. His belief is that truly meaningful work, whether in therapy or any other field, comes from making it your own rather than following a preset system.
The Challenges of Moore’s Approach
Moore’s ideas can be challenging for both secular and religious perspectives. Some argue that in today’s secular world, religion isn’t necessary. Moore responds by suggesting that critics often miss the depth and wisdom within spiritual traditions, focusing instead on more simplistic or rigid interpretations of religion.
Many therapists are interested in incorporating spirituality into their practice but are unsure how to do so. Moore offers them guidance, explaining how spiritual traditions can enrich the therapeutic process without needing to defend or promote any specific belief system.
Differentiating Spirit and Soul
Moore distinguishes between spirit and soul. Spiritual practices, he explains, are those that encourage us to rise above our everyday lives, seeking answers to big existential questions. Soul work, on the other hand, focuses on the details of daily life—home, relationships, and the complexities of our personal experiences. While both are important, Moore emphasizes that the soul requires attention to the practical, grounded aspects of life, not just the larger spiritual questions.
Conclusion
Thomas Moore’s approach to psychotherapy offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream practices. By focusing on caring for the soul, embracing individuality, and weaving spiritual wisdom into therapy, Moore challenges practitioners to move beyond simply reducing symptoms or modifying behavior. His work encourages a deeper connection with clients, honoring the mystery of human experience and the unique path of each person’s soul. As psychotherapy continues to evolve, Moore’s insights offer valuable guidance for both therapists and clients seeking a more meaningful and soul-centered journey toward healing and personal growth.
