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Spiritual direction, also called spiritual companioning, is a traditional ministry within the Church where someone trained in theology and spiritual direction skills companions another on his/her faith journey. Spiritual direction provides a safe setting to talk about our relationship with God and search for meaning and purpose in life.
It is not always possible to look at what is happening in our life objectively or to be as sensitive as one would like to God’s Spirit. One needs a guide, a companion, to act as a mirror. Spiritual direction offers someone to accompany us on this adventure.
Although spiritual direction uses some of the same techniques as counseling (active listening, self-disclosure), spiritual direction is not counseling nor therapy. In counseling , the focus is on the counselor/client relationship and concerned primarily with problem-solving. In spiritual direction, the focus is on the relationship between God and the directee , and is concerned primarily with the process of spiritual growth and prayer.
The director or companion acts as a listening, supportive person who creates an atmosphere where one can look honestly at one’s relationship with God as it is lived out in everyday life. She/he will ask questions—for clarification or to invite one to look more deeply. Suggested reading, forms of prayer, or spiritual practices may be offered.
Individuals come to spiritual direction with different needs or questions in their hearts.
Spiritual direction is usually held once a month in 50-60 minute sessions, by individual appointment. Sessions are usually held in churches, homes and retreat centers locally on the Monterey Peninsula, and are also available at St. Francis Retreat Center.
Depending on the individual situation, you may agree to meet once every two, three or four weeks. For the sake of continuity, and for the building of trust, allowing more than a month to pass between meetings, especially in the earlier stages of direction, can be a deterrent to the process.
The subject matter is anything occurring in your life. Since spiritual direction deals primarily with your relationship with God, you might want to begin by speaking about your times of prayer. Some find keeping a journal and referring to it during the session helpful.
There is a sliding scale of $20-$60. However, cost should not be a deterrent for anyone. There is no fee for an introductory session.