Question 1

What is spiritual direction?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual direction is a process that focuses on the relationship you have with God and how that sacred relationship intersects with your life.

Question 2

Who goes to a spiritual director?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with God by meeting with one who is willing to walk the journey with them, listen to them, pray for and with them.

Question 3

How often does one go for spiritual direction?

Accepted Answer

This decision should be made at your initial meeting with a spiritual director. Many have found once-a-month to be ideal.

Question 4

How long does a session usually last?

Accepted Answer

Your initial meeting could last 90 minutes. A regular spiritual direction session usually lasts one hour.

Question 5

Where do we meet?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual direction sessions take place in person at a mutually agreed upon location or via video conferencing.  In some instances, when necessary, spiritual direction is done over the phone.

Question 6

Who can be a spiritual director?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual Directors individuals who have been called by God to walk with another person on their journey of faith.  They have obtained appropriate academic degrees, training and supervision, engage in ongoing specialized formation, keep to a spiritual directors code of ethics and maintain a personal relationship with God.

Question 7

How are spiritual directors trained?

Accepted Answer

Some universities and various organizations around the country offer education for spiritual directors. At your initial meeting with a potential spiritual director, it is appropriate to ask how he/she felt called to this ministry, what formal degrees they hold, and from what school.  Currently, licensing and supervision requirements are not in place for spiritual directors.  As with anyone you go to for assistance, check into their credentials to see if they are legitimate.

Question 8

How are spiritual directors supervised and held accountable?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual directors are encouraged by Spiritual Directors International to maintain personal supervision and spiritual direction relationships with qualified individuals. At your initial meeting with a potential spiritual director, it is appropriate to ask if he/she is engaged in their own supervision and spiritual direction.

Question 9

Where do I find a spiritual director?

Accepted Answer

Prayerful friends may provide a good recommendation, Spiritual Directors International, local retreat centers, diocese and parishes often have a list of spiritual directors.  Most importantly, ask God to guide you to a spiritual director with whom you feel comfortable.

Question 10

Are spiritual directors paid?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Spiritual direction is a growing field requiring academic degrees, extensive training and professional supervision.  All of which requires an individual to make a substantial financial commitment to the profession.  Therefore, it is appropriate to pay a spiritual director.  Arrangements regarding the appropriate amount and timing of payments should be discussed during an initial meeting before a commitment to on-going spiritual direction is made. Many spiritual directors offer a sliding scale when it comes to what they are paid.  Some offer spiritual direction at no cost because they are financially able to make this sacrifice.  Some directors are part of a religious order and prefer payment be made to their community.

Question 11

What if I don’t connect with my spiritual director?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual directors may offer an evaluation of the spiritual direction relationship after several sessions to facilitate an open conversation about the relationship. Talking openly and honestly with a spiritual director about the challenges and discomforts in the relationship can lead to mutual growth. If an agreement is come upon in which both feel they have come to the end of their relationship, gratitude to God is offered, a recommendation for another spiritual director may be given and each go their own way.

Question 12

Are all church pastoral leaders spiritual directors?

Accepted Answer

No. Spiritual direction is a specialized ministry into which one is called by God to walk in prayer with another person on their journey of faith. Pastoral leaders often have a different focus in their ministerial studies and training than those focusing on spiritual direction. While they nurture the spiritual lives of individuals and churches, only some church pastoral leaders are called to be spiritual directors and many spiritual directors are not church pastoral leaders.

Question 13

Should all church pastoral leaders have a spiritual director?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Church pastoral leaders are encouraged to maintain a healthy spiritual well-being by engaging in regular spiritual direction.  In doing so, they recognize a critical need for ongoing interior work and personal accountability while working in ministry.

Question 14

Are spiritual direction and supervision for church pastoral leaders the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No, but both are important. Spiritual direction is designed for personal growth. Supervision is designed for accountability in the relationships a pastoral leader has with the individuals to whom they minister.

Question 15

What is the difference between spiritual direction and therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy focuses on psychological illness or challenges that keep someone from living as a healthy human being with a goal to cure or provide the patient with proper life skills to manage their illness.  Spiritual direction provides ongoing accompaniment for someone wishing to deepen their relationship with God through prayer.

Question 16

Is it possible to do therapy and spiritual direction at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Many spiritual directors work in conjunction with licensed counselors.  A spiritual director often has a list of counselors to whom they refer their directees, if the need arises.  Counseling may be necessary to address specific challenges in the life of the directee. The process of discovering these needs is often a normal part of the spiritual direction relationship.  When the focus is more about mental health than it is about a relationship with God, the director may suggest therapy.

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