In the certification program that we offer at Perkins one of the questions we explore are the differences between therapy and spiritual direction. The distinctions are important — both as a means of defining the boundaries between the two endeavors and as a means of further defining the nature of direction. If you are a spiritual director, or you are a directee, I invite your thoughts about the following comparisons and your own thoughts on the subject:
- Therapy is specific in its focus.
- Spiritual direction is comprehensive.
- Therapy is problem-centered.
- Spiritual direction is growth centered.
- Therapy is devoted to managing and coping with life’s problems.
- Spiritual direction is devoted to intimacy with God.
- Therapy can cure.
- Spiritual direction begins the process of healing.
- Therapy is preoccupied with this world.
- Spiritual direction is preoccupied with life in this world and life in the next.
- Therapy can be done effectively without attending to the spiritual.
- Spiritual direction cannot be done without attending to both the emotional and the spiritual.
- Therapy can be done effectively without asking why we are here.
- Spiritual direction begins with asking why we are here.
- In therapy the practitioner listens to the client.
- In spiritual direction, the director and directee both listen to God.
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