Intuition is an inner knowing that is not necessarily based on cold, hard facts. Some people are better at identifying and listening to intuition than others. I want to reflect on how you may use your intuition to find the right spiritual director. One reason experts suggest you make appointments with at least three spiritual directors when you begin your search is so that you have a chance to be with three practitioners for one hour each and then reflect... Read more

One of the advantages of having a lot of spiritual direction training programs around these days is that—at least in some areas of the country—you have a lot of spiritual directors to choose from.  Even with supply at its highest, it is important that you are comfortable with the person you choose. First, spend some time in prayer asking God to guide you to the right spiritual director. Do not skip this step! As a director, I spend time asking... Read more

There are two basic  styles of spiritual direction you can choose from, and it’s important to know which you prefer. These two styles are non-directive (also known as evocative) and directive. Non-Directive If you want a lot of spiritual directors to choose from and if you need someone trained primarily in non-judgmental listening, this is the style for you. As I’ve stated many times in this blog, most training programs teach this non-directive style, and as you know if you’ve... Read more

Although I have written a lot here about training programs for spiritual directors, it is important to note that not all spiritual directors have been through training.  You may find an excellent spiritual director who has been working as one for years but never went to Shalem, Mercy Center, Hesychia School or anywhere else. This may especially be true if you are outside the U.S. or Europe. If you find a spiritual director who hasn’t been doing it forever, it’s... Read more

Let’s say you are seriously considering the time and money commitment to a formation and training program that prepares you to become a spiritual director. What should you be looking for? While most spiritual direction training programs teach a method that is more evocative than directive, they do not all teach it in the same way. Here are some key elements to look for: A program that stresses the contemplative nature of spiritual direction. If it’s not rooted in the... Read more

Though the practice we call spiritual direction has its roots in the monastic desert movement of Christianity it has flowered prolifically in the last 60 years. When I first heard of spiritual direction in 1987, there were only a handful of spiritual directors in Tucson and most were Catholic priests, former priests or sisters. Thanks to Vatican II and its encouragement of ecumenical dialogue, Catholics and Protestants in the 70’s and 80’s were talking to one another—a lot—and were teaching... Read more

Since spiritual direction is a faith-oriented practice, there is no standard regulation or licensing available. So in a practical sense anyone can hang a shingle and start offering spiritual direction. But please don’t do that. It’s a really bad idea because if you don’t have some training—either by apprenticing or attending a formation and training program—you can do significant harm. I say that because having the word “direction” in our name implies to some that we actively move people along... Read more