Treating Body and Soul

Reviews / Votes

Academic research is making the case that good spiritual care can and does have positive health benefits. In this book, Peter Wells allows clinicians to explain, from their direct clinical experience, what they think spiritual care is and why they believe it matters. This is a rare opportunity that will inform practice and debate. -- Revd Dr Steve Nolan, Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, and The University of Winchester An exciting book with emphasis on listening to patients' stories and an active concern for the well-being of patients. -- Marian Carter, author of Helping Children and Adolescents Think about Death, Dying and Bereavement Deserves to be read widely by all those, practitioners and students alike, who wish to develop and enhance their professional practice in informed, compassionate and integrated ways. -- The Rev Dr Jonathan Pye, Honorary Research Fellow, Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol How ought clinicians support the physical, mental and spiritual needs of their patients? I found this book extremely helpful in answering the question. A variety of different disciplines are presented including old age medicine, paediatrics and gynaecology....This proved an interesting read with many things to think about. -- Dr Pravin Thevathasan, Consultant Psychiatrist * Catholic Medical Quarterly * Peter Wells has assembled a very thoughtful collection of pieces in this book. Practitioners across the field of health care offer some fascinating and richly personal insights into the outworking of spirituality at times of crisis and uncertainty. The clarity, compassion, and sheer humanity of the contributors make this a great resource for students and professionals alike. -- The Revd Canon Dr Margaret Whipp, practical and pastoral theological educator, former consultant oncologist and Lead Chaplain at Oxford University Hospitals Peter Wells has captured through this great book the importance of connecting body and soul in spiritual care as an integral part of healthcare. He has brought together the rich and diverse experience of healthcare professionals. The book offers direct and immediate insights. All draw from a deep passion to care for the patient as a whole person and how that has impacted directly on their practice. This book will encourage other professionals to make similar connections and reading this book will give confidence to do so. -- Alister Bull, author of Assessing and Communicating the Spiritual Needs of Children in Hospital These fascinating and practical accounts from clinicians working in varied contexts will re-energise anyone working in healthcare. Whether you are with or without faith, this book will inspire those wanting to take seriously spiritual life as a dimension of, and a resource for, recovery and wholeness. The evident commitment and compassion of the contributors makes it a joy to read. -- Kathryn Darby, Chaplain at Birmingham Children's Hospital and co-author of Spiritual Care with Sick Children and Young People