Is spiritual direction the same as counseling, therapy, or life coaching?
Simply put, no.
Unlike these other modalities, spiritual direction’s focus isn’t primarily on problem-solving or a single life event. While you may be familiar with the question, “How does that make you feel?” from counseling, it can serve a different purpose in spiritual direction. My role as your director isn’t to help you solve a problem; rather, the question could be asked to help you see how God is present and working in your life.
In counseling, therapy, or life coaching, these professionals bring their expertise. In spiritual direction, we recognize that you’re the expert. You already know God. I’ll be a companion to help you notice and make a connection about what is already true for your life.
Spiritual direction isn’t tied to a specific outcome or goal. We’ll sit with the Holy Spirit and slowly discover what God’s direction is during this time of your life.
Can I only bring up very specific spiritual concerns during our session?
As we’ll come to discover together, everything is touched by God. You can bring anything to our session together: work, family, happiness, sadness, doubts. Nothing is off the table. We’ll explore together – Where is God in this?, or How is God inviting me to learn and grow during this season?
Do I need spiritual direction?
That’s a great question and one only you can answer. Spiritual direction is for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with God. Especially if you have been following Jesus for a while and feel like something may be missing from your relationship.
People often explore spiritual direction during times of discernment, grief, transition, or spiritual dryness. Often, they see a need when they want to deepen their relationship with God. Spiritual direction can be a place to root and ground yourself in God during all seasons of life.
How often will we meet?
Once established, we typically meet once per month. Should the need arise, we can meet more (or less) frequently. At the beginning of our relationship together, we may meet every two weeks to get to know one another. During our first session, we will discuss which schedule best meets your needs.
Will spiritual direction sessions be in-person?
I’d love to meet anyone in person in Demotte, Indiana. Knowing this isn’t always possible, I also offer Zoom sessions to anyone in the country.
What can I expect from my first spiritual direction session?
Our first session together will be a time to get to know one another. I’ll ask questions about your relationship with Jesus and how you’ve experienced God in the past. You, in turn, are welcome to ask me any questions you have about spiritual direction or me as a person. It’s important that we fit together and are comfortable with one another. After two or three sessions together, we’ll evaluate how we’re working and if you’d like to continue the journey together.
Is spiritual direction a safe place for me?
I hope so! Everything discussed during our session will be kept confidential.
(For your safety and per Indiana law, should you mention that you intend to harm yourself or someone else, or a child is being harmed, I would have to report that to the necessary authorities.)
Spiritual direction can be a safe place to unpack past wounds and find healing from God. Sometimes your life experiences could benefit from the guidance of a licensed counselor or therapist. We could talk about that together and explore what that would mean for you.