What is Spiritual Direction?
What is Spiritual Direction?
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Spiritual Direction an ancient practice many religions observe. It is focused on being a companion for someone while they explore life, spirituality, and prayer. It's a spiritual conversation, a format where a person meets with their director and the director helps identify the movements of God in a person's life. Spiritual Directors do not diagnose problems. Rather, they listen, observe, ask thoughtful questions, and journey with the person through their questions and uncertainty: particularly when someone is in a season of loss, transition, hungry for something more from God, or frustrated and confused that old spiritual pathways aren't working for them anymore.
What is a Spiritual Director?
What is a Spiritual Director?
God invites each of us on a unique journey. As we follow him, there are times when we sense a clear path forward and at other times the trail is hard to find. Spiritual directors are trained to walk with individuals as they look for God at work in their life. They meet one-on-one with individuals to listen, offer observations, and ask questions. While spiritual direction is a listening ministry, it is different from counseling or therapy. Spiritual directors do not attempt to analyze, fix or problem solve. They listen and offer support and encouragement as you look for God and listen for his voice.
What happens in a Spiritual Direction appointment?
What happens in a Spiritual Direction appointment?
When you arrive for your appointment (or we connect online) I will welcome you, make a bit of conversation and pray for you. Often, I will also offer you a few moments of quiet. This is a good time to take some deep breaths, connect with God and allow thoughts and feelings to surface. When you are ready, you will begin the conversation by sharing something that you’ve been thinking or feeling. I will listen without interrupting and ask a question or make an observation when it feels appropriate. A session lasts around 50 minutes and usually ends with prayer. Spiritual direction conversations happen at a slower pace than normal conversation, include pauses for thought and prayer, and invite what we might be tempted to call rambling or making a short story long. If we are meeting online, I ask that you identify a private place in which to have our conversations. This will allow both of us to focus on listening and being open to the Spirit’s movements.
How do I make an appointment for Spiritual Direction?
How do I make an appointment for Spiritual Direction?
I can be reached at (email address) or by text at (phone number). Feel free to list some times and days that you have available in the coming weeks or it may be easier to list what doesn’t work. I will let you know what matches up with my availability. I am available to meet during the day, some evenings and occasionally on the weekend.
I understand that life throws curve balls at times. If your appointment needs to be canceled or rescheduled, please let me know as soon as possible and I will do the same for you.
What should I talk about in Spiritual Direction?
What should I talk about in Spiritual Direction?
I believe that God is working in every part of your life – school, work, family life, relationships with friends, hobbies – everything. So, you are encouraged to talk about anything and everything in spiritual direction. You may want to talk about a strong feeling you’ve experienced recently, a question you are wrestling with, what’s happening (or not happening) in your devotional life, or even something from your past that keeps popping up. If you aren’t sure where to start, let me know and I will ask a question designed to get the conversation started. Don’t worry! You can’t do it wrong.
Do I have to consider myself a Christian to receive Spiritual Direction?
Do I have to consider myself a Christian to receive Spiritual Direction?
No- you don't! I believe that the Christian God of the Bible is actively inviting every single person in the world into relationship. if you are open to me coming to sessions from that perspective, I'm glad to meet with you, whether or not you consider yourself a Christian.
What does Spiritual Direction cost?
What does Spiritual Direction cost?
Your first session is free! After that, I charge $50.00 for a session and accept personal checks or payment through Venmo or Zelle. Payment may be made on the day of your appointment. If I have not received your payment by the next day, I will send an invoice or request for funds as a reminder.
How often should I meet with a Spiritual Director?
How often should I meet with a Spiritual Director?
I encourage everyone (including myself) to meet with a spiritual director once a month. You may not have a big thing every month that you want to talk about, but it is helpful to have someone to talk to about the littler things as well. Sometimes the movements of God are subtle, and it helps to have someone to help you notice. Sometimes life moves so quickly that we need a monthly excuse to take a moment to pause and listen. A monthly appointment provides the structure we need for stopping to notice. I will ask at the end of the appointment if you’d like to make an appointment for the following month. Or you can check back in when you are ready to schedule an appointment.
Is Spiritual Direction confidential?
Is Spiritual Direction confidential?
Yes. What you share with me remains confidential. You, however, are free to share your experience with others. The only exception to this is if you share information that would lead me to believe you have, or are in danger of, hurting yourself or someone else. On occasion, I meet with a supervisor to discuss a specific question or concern. In those instances, your name and other identifying information is omitted or changed to protect your privacy.
How are Spiritual Directors trained?
How are Spiritual Directors trained?
Many people are good listeners, but Spiritual Directors have also participated in a two-year training program designed to hone their skills and provide a strong theological foundation for ministry. In addition, spiritual directors are committed to journeying with God through spiritual practices and engagement in a community of faith. They also commit to receiving regular spiritual direction as well as supervision. I have gone through the organization Sustainable Faith to receive my training and certification as a Spiritual Director, and I participate in an ongoing supervision group. I also receive regular Spiritual Direction from my own Director.
How is Spiritual Direction different from counseling, coaching, etc.?
How is Spiritual Direction different from counseling, coaching, etc.?
Below is a table that helps to clarify the similarities and differences of Spiritual Direction to Counseling, Coaching, Consulting, and Mentorship/Discipleship.
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