You're a pilgrim on a journey

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION is a form of spiritual companioning, in which I join you in exploring how your experiences and thoughts create a spiritual tapestry that informs your choices, feelings, encounters, and relationships. Unlike psychotherapy, there is no clinical diagnosis, and there is no “treatment plan.” Rather, all that you are and all that you carry becomes fodder for understanding the lessons of the path you are on, the questions emerging from your journey, and the possible directions you may wish to go. For those who come from a particular religious orientation, we may use that unique language, the metaphors inherent in it, and its symbols to assist in your spiritual growth and work. For those who have left a particular religious orientation or who have never embraced one, we may spend some time looking for the language that resonates with your deepest self. 

The words Discernment and Illumination suggest what might be expected by engaging in Spiritual Direction. By entering this process, you orient your energy toward discerning what may have been hidden from you or that which you are just discovering. You experience moments of illumination that waken your mind and heart and deepen your capacity to love yourself, others, and the world. 

Spiritual Direction does not involve judgment or the “oughts” of life. Rather, Spiritual Direction is a process that assists you in reviewing, exploring, and discovering your reality. The process includes your dreams, hopes, sorrows, betrayals, loves, hates, creativity, and connection to the Divine Source. You may seek Spiritual Direction because you are at a crossroads. Or you may seek Spiritual Direction because you have had a life-altering event. Or you may seek Spiritual Direction because you understand you are a pilgrim on a journey, and it feels good to have someone walk beside you for a while. 

I offer Spiritual Direction through Zoom and can “meet” you anywhere you are in the world. Typically, a session is 50 minutes. During the first session, I will have background questions for you and ask you to share with me what has called you into Spiritual Direction, what you are hoping for and if there are any medical issues I should be aware of. If you are working with a psychiatrist or therapist, I may ask you to convey to your provider that you are including Spiritual Direction in your life as a support. All the services I provide are voluntary and do not include medical intervention at any level. This is purely an activity that is designed as a spiritual practice. 

I received my training in Spiritual Direction through Smith College of Social Work in the Contemplative Practices in a Clinical Setting graduate program while I was working as a pastoral counselor. I have engaged in contemplative practices for twenty years, practicing within groups and facilitating group Spiritual Direction.