FAQs about Spiritual Direction:
Spiritual Direction is a process that connects people who are curious about examining their spiritualities ("directees") with a trusted and compassionate figure ("the spiritual director") who can accompany them on their journey.
The goal of spiritual direction is to help individuals embrace an authentic spirituality that cultivates inner wisdom and groundedness, so they can face life's challenges.
What is spiritual direction?
I am open to working with anybody who is interested in examining their own spirituality, but I specialize in working with people who are undergoing religious deconstruction/reconstruction, namely from Christianity.
This group typically comprises:
(Current and former) church members, lay leaders, seminarians, and clergy
PhD students in religion and theology
People from historically minoritized communities within Christian spaces (ex: BIPOC, Q/TPOC, LGBTQ+, and Neurodiverse individuals)
Exvangelicals, religious "nones," and others who are navigating life post-Christianity
Who are my clients?
What makes These Sacred Pathways different?
I believe that being human means that various aspects of your life are always changing--including your spirituality!
I also believe, like St. Ignatius did, that "God [is] in all things," so even the most unlikely sources can be spiritually enriching.
Another distinctive aspect of my approach to spiritual direction is my recognition that many traditional spiritual practices don't work for everyone.
Is spiritual direction therapy?
Not exactly.
Although both are spaces where people can talk through their lived experiences with faith/religion/spirituality, connect with their innermost selves, or discern how to approach an aspect of their lives, spiritual direction is not a substitute for psychological care. Because spiritual directors have an ethical duty to only work within their scope of practice, they must acknowledge their limitations and refer clients to more specialized professionals when necessary.
Many people find spiritual direction to be a helpful complement to therapy.
What do these sessions look like?
Is spiritual direction only a Christian thing?
Not necessarily! Because every culture uses some kind of spiritual framework to understand life, the practice of spiritual direction isn't limited to any specific tradition.
While it's true that Catholic [ex: Ignatian (Jesuit), Franciscan, or Benedictine] spiritualities are the foundation for most Christian/West, there are many spiritual directors who work within non-Christian, interfaith, and non-religious frameworks. You can always ask potential directors about their backgrounds and approaches.
During individual and group spiritual direction sessions, I facilitate an open and compassionate space where we can:
reflect on your lived experiences with religion and spirituality
engage in the processes of discernment, theological deconstruction and/or reconstruction
recognize and embrace your inner wisdom and autonomy
receive support on your spiritual journey--no matter where it leads
We do this through conversation, creative exercises, movement, and being in tune with our emotions and our bodies.
Maybe stillness doesn't work for you because you have ADHD.
Maybe your way of praying is "with your feet" at demonstrations against injustices.
Maybe the holiest work you can do is to offer your inner child compassion.
Maybe allowing yourself to play, fail, fall in love, change your mind, or embrace your full self is how you will encounter the Divine.
These may not fit into traditional models of what is determined to be a spiritual practice, but they are powerful and they do count.
I believe that all these approaches (and more) can be spiritual practices, if we welcome them.
As a spiritual director, my aim is to offer space and curiosity to help you discover what you need for your spiritual journey.
*In the tradition of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Joshua Heschel.
Are these sessions confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is key to establishing rapport and trust between a client and a spiritual director. The only exceptions to this rule are if a client:
gives consent for the director to communicate with an outside person, like their therapist or ordaining body.
indicates that they are a danger to themselves or others
indicates that a minor or elder in their presence is being harmed
How much does spiritual direction cost?
I do not charge for initial consultations with potential clients--they're free!
As a service provider, I understand and value the diverse financial situations of my clients.
That said, I use a tiered pricing system that allows you to choose a pricing tier that aligns with your economic circumstances.
One (1) 60-minute Spiritual Direction session
Surplus rate*: $150
Standard rate: $75
Discounted rate: $25
Group sessions: Negotiable
Retreats: Negotiable
*25% of payments at the Surplus Rate will go towards helping me provide sliding scale and free services for those who cannot afford it. This helps make spiritual direction accessible to everyone. Please note, however, that if you are looking into spiritual direction with me and still find it cost-prohibitive, please let me know. I offer sliding scale and free services for a select number of clients.
(Photo credit: Jess Alapatt, Boston, MA, 2017)