Frequently Asked Questions

What is spiritual direction?

Spiritual Direction is a shared process of listening for and identifying where God’s love intersects your life. In Spiritual Direction, the direction comes from the Spirit, not the Spiritual Director.  The director there to help the director and directee to  listen for and explore how God’s love intersects one’s life, affects one’s decisions, and shows up in one’s relationships with others.

Direction is based on the assumption that Spirit is present in all aspects of life. A director strives to create a safe, non-judgemental, open and inclusive environment for which to discern The Spirit.

What is NOT Spiritual Direction!

It is NOT dealing directly with mental health issues. (This is a therapist’s role).
It is NOT someone judging another and saying, this is how you fall short.
It is NOT someone condemning someone for any reason, beliefs, identity, or expression.
It is NOT pushing a particular denomination or creed or belief system.
It is NOT one person directing another person’s thoughts or actions.

What needs does Spiritual Direction Address?

Many initially seek spiritual direction during a time of personal challenge or crisis, and many of the questions revolve around wanting to find an answer, a direction, a sign that the crisis pass, or at least that one is not alone in the crisis.   Oftentimes questions and questioning comes up, and we find ourselves asking:

Where am I going in this life?
Am I doing God’s will?
I know God loves me, but I don’t feel it!
Where is God?  I don’t feel God anymore!
I have faith but nothing ever changes!
Why can’t I find peace?
Why, God, did you let this happen?

These are all legitimate questions that most of us ask at some time.  They are also perfect questions to explore during Spiritual Direction.  

What if you are spiritual, but not religious? Can you still benefit from Spiritual Direction?

Absolutely.  It does not matter if you go to church, have never gone to church, call God God, or any name you give the Transcendent (i.e. Spirit, Gaia, Energy, The Great Mother, The Ancestors, or any other name for something greater than ourselves.). Spiritual Direction is the process by which, together, we explore how the Transcendent intersects, affects, and can be incorporated into our lives.  You don’t have to be anything but curious and willing to explore your own spirituality.

How often do directors and directees meet?

Generally once a month for about an hour, though this may vary.

Do you do remote sessions?

Yes. Right now I only do ZOOM meetings, until I can secure a space to do them in person.

Can you do group Spiritual Direction?

Yes, I can do groups. The sessions are a bit different since the focus is on the goal of the group, rather than the individual, and group discernment rather than individual discernment.

Are you affirming and inclusive of LGBTQ+ and TGNB?  

Yes.  I have had both training in, and experience with LGBTQ+ and TGBN in both seminary and in Spiritual Direction training.  I know God (whatever you consider the Divine) loves and affirms you, cherishes and supports you. 

How much does spiritual direction cost?

Typically I charge $50 for a session.  However, I would never turn away a directee for financial reasons.