Disclosure Statement

 What is Spiritual Direction? ​

Spiritual direction is time spent on the sacred ground of your soul with another person who is able to listen deeply, present both to you and to God with you—an anam cara, the Gaelic word for “soul friend.” A spiritual director simply holds space for your story, your emotions, your experience (or lack thereof) with God. In spiritual direction, you may simply find a much-needed listening ear for all things related to your spiritual life. You may discover new ways of being with God in silence or imaginative prayer or creative play. You may explore pieces of your story that have left you feeling “stuck” for so, so long. Your entire self is welcome in spiritual direction, and your body and soul and relationships may come into the process just as much as the things we might usually think of as “spiritual.”

I like to describe Spiritual Direction to learning to swim.   In Spiritual Direction, we allow ourselves to be surrounded by the ‘water’ of the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes you might take a large breath and dive down deep and other times, you may just float comfortably, allowing His Divine Love to buoy you and hold you. 

Some topics spiritual direction explores:

  • exploring the image of God in one’s life

  • exploring, wrestling with or deepening one’s life of prayer

  • practicing the presence of God

  • witnessing to grief or loss

  • increased self-awareness and insight

  • strengthening human relationships

  • honoring hurt from religious experience

  • exploring a deeper intimacy with Jesus

  • anything! (spiritual direction is not limited to those things we consider “spiritual”)

Some Preparatory Questions for Spiritual Direction

·      How would you express your sense of God in your life and prayer

·      Any prominent dreams, images, songs or scriptures or input from others

·      Where are you experiencing God’s grace, points of anxiety or strong emotion

·      What life circumstances are on your mind

·      Are you stuck, restless or wrestling

·      Decisions where you need guidance

·      Where are you noticing demonstrations of God’s common grace in your everyday life

·      Are you experiencing obstacle to realizing God’s grace

·      Search for grace offered in seasons of loss, grief, anger or fear

A typical spiritual direction session may include moments of silence, meditative Scripture reading,  guided prayer or journaling.  I am willing to enter the time however you choose as well as focus on any questions or issues for discernment that you bring.

In the midst of constant activity and noise, spiritual direction can provide space to tend to one’s soul, to enter into the quiet and discover what is there, to breathe and rest in God, to discern how God may be leading you.

Role of the Spiritual Director:

My role as your Spiritual Director is to act as a guide and listener, not a therapist or counselor.  My role is to gently help you access your own inner wisdom and discern God's will. 

Confidentiality:

Spiritual direction is treated with confidentiality. The time together is sacred. The spiritual director cannot divulge the content of a session without the expressed consent of the directee. (with the exception of reporting potential harm to yourself or others)

Expectations of the Directee:

You will gain the most benefit from Spiritual Direction if you:

·       Actively participation in sessions by sharing thoughts and feelings openly. 

·       Commit to personal reflection and prayer practices between sessions. 

·       Are open to exploring different spiritual practices and perspectives. 

Limitations of Spiritual Direction:

·       Spiritual Direction is not a substitute for therapy or professional counseling for mental health issues. 

·       Spiritual Direction may not always provide definitive answers or solutions to personal problems.  Spiritual Direction is more about a process and a journey, rather than a destination.

 My Training:

My formal training in Spiritual Direction began in 2022 with an 18-month cohort with Soul Formation (www.SoulFormation.org) followed by a nine-month cohort with the School of Spiritual Direction (Soul Formation).  I am also a trained PCC level coach with the International Coaching Federation and a certified Guided Autobiography facilitator.  I bring all of these skills + 20 years of pastoral ministry experience to this practice,

 Fees and Scheduling:  Sessions are monthly for 60-75 minutes. ($95 per session)  We can meet in my office (Santa Barbara) or through Zoom or on the phone.