How much does spiritual direction cost?

I charge a sliding-scale fee between $30 and $50. I trust you to know what is the right price for you.

What if I can't afford spiritual direction?

I believe money should never stand as a barrier between someone and spiritual direction. If need be, my fees can be waived. We might also be able to work out a bartering agreement.

I live in a different area code. Will I need to call you long distance?

No. I will call you at the time of our scheduled meeting.

Who uses spiritual direction?

Spiritual direction is for anyone who wants to be more intentional about her or his faith walk. It is particularly useful for people who find that talking helps them sort through things, or who feel they want companionship on the journey. If you're unsure about whether spiritual direction is right for you, feel free to call me and we can explore the subject further.

Is spiritual direction a form of therapy?

No. Although many spiritual directors use listening skills and other tools first developed by psychologists, the focus of spiritual direction is very different. Therapy and counseling are oriented toward psychological healing. Spiritual direction is focused on your spiritual journey. If you seek spiritual direction when you really want therapy, you will probably be disappointed.

What does a spiritual direction session look like?

Usually, I begin a session with a period of centering silence that allows the directee and myself to leave aside the cares of the day and become fully present to one another and to the Divine. The directee determines the length of the silence. We then move into a period of me listening and the directee talking. I will ask clarifying questions, and may offer metaphors or images that come to me. Occasionally, I may offer suggestions of ideas or practices that have been helpful to others. I may also draw attention to aspects of what a directee says that seem important, or that seem to carry particular energy. Sessions often end with prayer or centering silence, depending on the needs of the individual.

How long does a session last?

Sessions usually last about an hour.

How often should we meet?

Usually people meet with a spiritual director about once a month. Depending on the circumstances, it may feel comfortable to meet more or less often than that. There is no prescribed interval between sessions.

How many times will we meet?

The answer to this question depends on you and your needs. Some people meet with a spiritual director only once, or a few times, during a period of spiritual transition. Others find that regular meetings with a spiritual director are a useful continual practice. I have been meeting monthly with a spiritual director for several years, and intend to do so for the rest of my life.

Are you licensed or certified?

There is no national or international licensing or certification process for spiritual directors. As a result, choosing a spiritual director can sometimes feel like taking a leap of faith. If you have any concerns or questions about my training, qualifications, or code of ethics, feel free to call me, and I will be happy to discuss them. I would also recommend asking the opinions of people in the community who know me.

What sort of training have you had?

My education has been a combination of formal schooling and personal study. I have a Master of Arts in Religion from Earlham School of Religion, and am also a voracious reader of religious texts. I am in my final year of working toward a Master of Divinity at Earlham School of religion, and have sought mentoring from spiritual leaders whose way of being present I admire. I have myself been in spiritual direction for several years, and I continually seek out opportunities to further my training through workshops and seminars.

Is what we talk about confidential?

Yes. Spiritual direction sessions are always confidential. What you share with me is between the two of us and God.

I'm not a Christian. Can we still meet?

Yes. Although I myself am Christian and have found great nourishment within that faith tradition, I believe that each individual must find a spiritual path that works for him or her. I will not try to convert you or coerce you into a particular path. I promise, instead, to walk with you as you seek the path that's best for you.