Continuing on the theme of spirituality please see the following book review.
Review:
In his book Adventures in Soulmaking: Stories and principles of Spiritual Formation and Depth Psychology, Dr. Troy Caldwell uses theory and story to address the process of Soulmaking which he describes as “what happens when we live life deeply and learn by heart the lessons intended from all the conflicts and struggles we encounter” (p. 7). While this book is geared toward a Christian audience, some of the theoretical explanations, case examples, and concepts addressed may be of interest to people from a variety of spiritual traditions. Caldwell writes that a main reason for this book is “to provide a map of a land of indistinct landmarks and mystery that one never fully knows” (p. 148). As this is a lofty undertaking, the content is at times complex. The book covers a great deal of material. Caldwell’s reflections and anecdotes are interspersed along with references to cases from his practice and from scripture. Some of the diagrams are also quite complex and would be easier to understand if they were in color and possibly broken down into smaller components illustrating the multiple layers of the patterns and processes the author describes.
This book might be of particular interest to spiritual directors, chaplains, social workers, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, and other clinicians working in mental health settings. Some parts of the book are a smooth read, while others are heavier. At times it seems that the information might better be conveyed by creating a series of smaller volumes rather than one large text. Caldwell’s knowledge and passion for this work clearly comes across in his words. Overall, the book is an interesting read and conveys the sense that the reader is in the hands of an experienced guide. There is a great deal of material and clinical experience in these pages — possibly even more than a single volume can hold.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
References:
Caldwell, Troy. Adventures in Soulmaking: Stories and Principles of Spiritual Formation and Depth Psychology. Self-published. Printed by CreateSpace, Richardson, Texas, 2015.
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