Book review: Adventures in Soulmaking by Troy Caldwell, MD

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.

Book Review: Ohashi’s Beyond Shiatsu

Book Review:  Ohashi, W. Beyond Shiatsu:  Ohashi’s Bodywork Method.  New York: Kodansha America, Inc., 1996.  (ISBN 1-56836-351-6)

If you are interested in shiatsu, this is a great reader-friendly book.  If you are new to shiatsu and want a clear, step-by-step explanation with descriptive photos this is a great book.  If you want to learn about shiatsu from a true pioneer and leader in the field, this is the book for you.  If you are an experienced practitioner, this book is even better.  For as Ohashi writes in part I: “Always consider yourself an amateur.” 

It is this kind of Zen frame of reference that infuses Ohashi’s writing.  Yes, this is a practice manual for Ohashiatsu, which would be of interest to massage and bodywork professionals as well as to occupational and physical therapists.  Having an understanding of the meridians and their relation to the different systems of the body can bring a new dimension to your therapy practice.  Yet, it is the principles of Ohashiatsu that appear on page 18 that are applicable to any manual therapist: 

1. Just be there; don’t press. 

2. Use both hands. 

3. Be continuous.

4. Be natural

Ohashi also pays particular attention to body mechanics and instructs practitioners on what to do, but also what to avoid when performing certain techniques.  Ohashi’s writings are as much about how to give your client a good treatment, as they are about how to maintain professional longevity and enthusiasm.  In addition, Ohashi encourages readers to have an awareness of their own health and to practice self-care to avoid burnout and fatigue.  Again, this book is as much about therapy for the therapist as it is for the recipient.  Ohashi offers words of wisdom for all professionals:  “Your receiver is your teacher.  Your receiver is your examiner.  Your receiver is your assessor.  Every session, every person, every day, is your own board of examiners.  With this kind of attitude, you’re always excited, you never get bored” (p. 4).   The title of this book is truly insightful, for the information covered is beyond shiatsu.  Check it out.

Occupational Therapy and Integrative Health: A Meeting of the Minds

This blog is about occupational therapy and integrative health and where these distinct yet similar fields intersect.  “Integrative health” is an increasingly popular term.  According to the Oxford dictionary, the word “integrative” is an adjective meaning “serving or intending to unify separate things.”   Type the word “integrative” into your Google search bar and you will see a graph that shows that the use of the word “integrative” has increased over time.  I would speculate that some of this relates to its usage related to healthcare.

Dr. Andrew Weil is a leading physician in the field of Integrative Medicine.  According to Dr. Weil’s website, “Integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle.  It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.”  Substitute occupational therapy for medicine in this definition and it makes sense.  As occupational therapists we address the whole person and lifestyle factors.  The therapeutic relationship is essential to the success of our interventions.   I would go so far as to say that using the term “integrative occupational therapy” is redundant, for the heart of occupational therapy is truly integrative in nature.

The objective of occupational therapy is “to support health and participation in life through engagement in occupations” (AOTA, 2008, p. 626).  Occupations  refer to the activities in which one engages.  How does participation in occupation influence a person’s health and quality of life?  How do we as occupational therapists support people in this process?  When I was in graduate school, my final research project was about the self-perception of health of community dwelling older adults.  Part of the study involved interviewing participants and asking them their definitions of health.  I will never forget the definition that one man gave.  He smiled and said, “I have made it to this age and I am here.”  At first glance, it may not seem like much of a definition of health and more a commentary on age.  A neater definition might be something more like that of the World Health Organization which defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”  However, the verbs used by our research participant “I have made it,” imply activity, creativity, and meaningful occupation.  These are the comments of a person who has made a journey and arrived.  What an interesting way to look at health!  That is what this blog is about:  supporting people in their lives through occupational therapy and creating integrative health — health of body, mind, and spirit through meaningful activities individually and in community.

References

Integrative. (2013). In Oxford dictionary. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/integrative

Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.

Lemley, Brad.  (October 2013).  What is Integrative Medicine? Balanced Living.  Retrieved from http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02054/Andrew-Weil-Integrative-Medicine.html

American Occupational Therapy Association.  (2008).  Occupational therapy practice framework:  domain and process (2nd Ed.).  American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62, 625-683.