what is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is the ancient practice of sitting with others, while deeply listening and paying attention to the wisdom within. I listen to your words, feelings, thoughts, and silences and help you uncover what is already within you. You may be asking questions about meaning or purpose, God or faith, vocation or calling. Together we sit with your questions, seeking guidance from our own inner wisdom or the divine.
I believe the divine is present within and eager to be discovered. I believe the knowledge you seek is already present with you and ready to be uncovered.
Through conversation, contemplative practices, and silences, we listen for the voice of the divine within. My role as a spiritual companion is to hold a compassionate, sacred space for you, where you feel safe to explore, ask questions, wonder, and discern meaning for your life. I desire to accompany you on your journey.
Read more about how spiritual direction provides a path for personal healing and a way forward for the church in the article I wrote for Baptist News Global.
why spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is often sought out by someone who wants to deepen their spiritual life or practice. You may be in a time of discernment, or you may be looking to gain more self-awareness. You may want more understanding of your purpose in life or your concept of the divine. Perhaps you are seeking meaning in life, confronting spiritual trauma and desiring to heal, or navigating a transition and wanting insight. Maybe you are seeking a space to be seen and heard, maybe you are looking for a companion on the journey, or maybe you need someone to witness your life without judgment. All of these and more are reasons people seek out spiritual direction.
how is spiritual direction different from therapy?
Therapy or counseling involves a close look at your health symptoms and offers a diagnosis. It is typically goal-oriented—you and the practitioner develop a therapeutic plan of care to reduce your symptoms and improve your daily quality of life. Therapy focuses on helping you cope with life’s challenges and stresses.
In spiritual direction or companioning, we look to deepen your connection with the divine or inner wisdom. With the assumption that you already have the answers you need inside of you, I listen deeply and help you to uncover the wisdom within. I help you to discover your own unique meaning and purpose in life. This path is yours to discover and embody, not mine to prescribe or diagnose.
As one of my clients put it, “my experience with spiritual direction is different from therapy because the spiritual and religious facets of my life are understood and celebrated in all of their complexity.” Read what clients are saying.
how do I know if spiritual direction is right for me?
A free 30-minute introductory session is the best way to know if spiritual direction is right for you. In this intro session, I will share more about myself with you, and I will invite you to share more about yourself with me. I will share more about my approach to spiritual direction, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. We will explore together whether spiritual direction with me is the right fit for you. Schedule your free introductory session.