Thomas Moore (born October 8, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan) is a psychotherapist, former monk, and writer of popular spiritual books, including the New York Times bestseller Care of the Soul (1992), a "guide to cultivating depth and sacredness in everyday life".^[1][2] He writes and lectures in the fields of archetypal psychology, mythology, and imagination.^[3] His work is influenced by the writings of Carl Jung and James Hillman.^[4]

Early life and education

Moore was born to an Irish Catholic family in Detroit, Michigan. At age 13, he joined the prep seminary of the Servites, a Roman Catholic lay order, where he studied philosophy and music. However, he left the order 13 years later, just before his ordination as a priest.^[5][3]

Moore earned a B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago, an M.A. in musicology from the University of Michigan, an M.A. in theology from the University of Windsor, Ontario, and in 1975, a Ph.D. in religion from Syracuse University.^[6] He taught at Glassboro State College and then Southern Methodist University.^[7] Denial of tenure at SMU launched Moore's next career.^{[citation needed]}

Career

From 1974 to 1990, Moore practiced as a psychotherapist, first in Dallas, Texas, and later in New England. After the success of Care of the Soul: Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life (1992) and its companion volume Soul Mates: Honoring the Mysteries of Love and Relationship (1994), he became a full-time writer who lectures internationally about spirituality, ecology, psychotherapy, and religion. He is also a columnist with The Huffington Post,^[8] and Spirituality & Health Magazine^[9] and Beliefnet.^[6]

Personal life

He lives in New Hampshire with his wife, the artist Hari Kirin (born Joan Hanley),^[10] whom he met at Lesley College, where she was a student in his art therapy class.^[11] They have two children.^[12]