What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is a deliberate spiritual practice where a person who desires to grow in faith and love meets periodically with an experienced spiritual guide for conversation. The practice has a long history and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and interest. The purpose of receiving direction is to grow in discernment and wisdom, to gain insights and understanding in terms of one’s spiritual path and expression.
The practice of spiritual direction is an investment in deepening one’s relationship with God and the larger mystery of life. Spiritual direction is always tailored to the story and setting of each individual as there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’. God’s approach to each person is unique. The practice of spiritual direction allows space for deep conversations of meaning and for absolute honesty about faith, doubts, questions, and the relationship (and perceived contradictions) between human experience and spiritual teachings. In other words, it creates a safe and confidential place to work things out and to think things through without fear of blame or judgement.
How often should I meet with my spiritual director?
How often a person meets with a spiritual director is negotiable and depends on the preference of the one receiving direction. However, it is common practice for people to meet with a director once a month. Sometimes, particularly at the beginning of receiving direction, some people feel the need to meet more often for the first few sessions, such as each fortnight, before spacing meetings out to monthly. Some people are happy to check in with a director more periodically, perhaps every six weeks or once a quarter (4 times a year).
How long should I continue to meet with my spiritual director?
As spiritual direction is a practice of accountability and growth, rather than a therapeutic contract, many people who begin spiritual direction find it helpful to continue the practice indefinitely. The choice about continuing or not is always one of discernment and preference, it really boils down to whether the person receiving direction believes there is sufficient value in the practice to continue. It is fine to arrive at a conclusion that one has received what one needs for a season and to cease the practice. Some people who do this find that further down the track they feel motivated to re-engage with spiritual direction, perhaps seeking a different director.
What does it cost to receive spiritual direction through fruitful mind?
I charge $75 for a one-hour session, this rate is the national standard encouraged by the institutional association to which I am aligned (JISA).
About my approach to spiritual direction and spiritual conversations
My approach to spiritual direction, group work and retreats is characterised by gentleness, invitation, observation, explorative questioning, and suggestion. I believe that each person is the primary expert on their own experience and holds responsibility for their own spiritual growth. I provide a forum for deep listening, for conversation about spiritual practices, rhythms, questions, dilemmas, opportunities, and problems. I assist people to find their own spiritual voice, to recognise and discern their natural spiritual rhythms and life choices, and to move forward in spiritual growth with assurance and courage.
I am comfortable working with people from any range of Christian backgrounds or none. I offer any insights from the Christian tradition that I believe to be helpful as a form of wisdom. I do not impose my own views, nor do I insist on a particular theological framework, rather I support each person to name and recognise their own pattern and structure of meaning.
About my qualifications, training, and accountability
I hold bachelors degrees in ministry and counselling and a PhD in spiritual theology. I have and am receiving training in Ignatian Spiritual Direction through Arrupe and offer spiritual direction services through Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia (JISA). I also serve on the spiritual direction team with the Sevenhill Retreat Centre in Clare Valley, SA. I meet regularly with an accredited supervisor and hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
About my experience in guiding spiritual conversations:
I have worked intentionally with individuals, groups, and larger gatherings to facilitate spiritual awareness and conversations for approximately 40 years, including 11 years working for the Uniting Church in Australia and 23 years working in Christian Higher education with Tabor College, Adelaide. I have been an active participant and contributor to two international networks for the study of spirituality and have written books and articles about the spiritual life.
