What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a form of holy listening and attending to the Spirit of God in daily life. It is an intentional relationship where a trained listener companions with another along the spiritual journey. It is a unique relationship between Director, Directee, and the Holy. The focus is on one’s experience and relationship with God, others, self and the world. In direction you deepen in your ability to pay attention and respond to God and yourself. Deeper intimacy with God and discernment are common experiences in this work.

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What happens in Spiritual Direction?

The content of spiritual direction stems from your experience in life or prayer. A spiritual director companions with you in listening. It is common for a director to offer reflective listening, helpful questions and gentle noticing to help the you discern where you may be invited into deeper freedom. 

Is this counseling?

Spiritual direction is a unique relationship. It is not therapy, discipleship, or a visit with a guru. In spiritual direction we do not diagnose or solve problems; we do not prescribe a certain way of living, nor do we tell you what to do. We listen with you in a curious posture with an open and compassionate heart always bringing you back to the your experience of God. 

Is there a cost?

The introduction meeting is always free. Each director has their own fee scale, which typically range from $50-150 per session, with the majority around $50-75 a session. A session typically happens once a month, and is about one hour long.

Who are these Spiritual Directors?

There is a wide range of range of ability, experience and training programs for spiritual directors. In the US there is no overarching certification or licensing board that oversees quality of care. This is one reason we exist at the CCSV, to provide a community of directors who practice an ethical standard of care. All of our directors have: 

• have graduated from a 2+ year reputable spiritual direction program 
• are committed to a practice of continued learning
• are currently in supervision and spiritual direction themselves
• have committed to abide by the Spiritual Directors International Guidelines for Ethical Conduct

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How do I find the right Spiritual Director for me?

When you buy a new pair of shoes, you know that it takes some effort to find a pair that fits just right, i.e., right for your foot, right for the occasion & right price point.  Finding the right spiritual director for you also has something to do with finding the right fit. By fit we mean the obvious of availability of meeting times, location of meetings, and the fee scale. However, by fit we also mean someone you feel safe and comfortable sharing your story with. If you are unsure who to meet with or how to choose a spiritual director, here is a suggested discernment process to use with our online bios of our directors: 

• Set aside at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time.
• Take a few moments to settle your body and mind. Possibly with a few deep breaths and setting an intention or connecting with your reason for seeking a director at this time. 
• Before you begin, notice if there are things like age, gender, race that you are looking for.
• Glance at the small tag lines under each image and/or the photos to see if anyone stands out to you.
• Pick a few to click on the "full profile" button and read through the longer bios.
• As you read, be open, present, and aware of what you notice within yourself.
• Whom would you like to meet? 
• After reading, pick one or two names to inquire about a free introduction session.

Some people like to interview one or two directors (or more) when choosing, while others find a fit with the first person they meet. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Once you've narrowed down the directors you would like to meet, contact each of them asking for a free introduction session. Here is Spiritual Directors International's list of questions for a prospective Spiritual Director.

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