I am going to share what one of the professional organization I belong to says about this important question: “Spiritual direction differs from counseling ministries primarily in its focus: the intention in spiritual direction is not to help solve a problem, but rather to look for God’s activity within any problems and within the rest of the person’s life experience. This perspective invites you into deeper relationship with God in the midst of whatever you are experiencing. Spiritual direction is designed to complement rather than compete with these other vital ministries within the Body of Christ.”

I love what Teresa Blythe shares in her book Spiritual Direction 101: Spiritual direction is never about telling people what to do in any given situation. A good spiritual director invites a person to look inside themselves, to their own wisdom, for those answers. The spiritual director may help the person navigate their boat in the storm but cannot and will not steer the boat for the person. Spiritual directors expect that God, and the individual will weather the storm together. (The director) is there to help the individual notice how the Spirit is leading them amid the situation.

All kinds of people, in all life stages, and all circumstances of life – hardship or ease – can benefit from time spent in spiritual direction. Yes, a director is especially helpful during difficult times or when key decisions need to be made. But the time spent in direction awakens the directee to much that often goes unnoticed underneath the circumstance of daily life. Spiritual direction helps you learn to listen well to your own life.

Frequency of sessions is at the discretion of the directee. The most typical arrangement is once a month, however some directees want to meet every other week or twice a month. Or in other cases, directees prefer every other month or once a quarter. There is great freedom in this relationship; there is no contract for a certain number of sessions or the frequency.

I employ a sliding scale for fees based on the directees ability to pay. My priority is to ensure that all who desire to benefit from spiritual direction can do so. My sliding scale is $50 - $75. If finances are keeping you from spiritual direction, I am happy to work out a plan that works for you. Fees are paid via check, PayPal, or Venmo.