Spiritual Direction & Accompaniment

Welcome to Reflections on the Spiritual Life

Here you will find articles on spiritual direction, psychology and spirituality, contemplative practice, and the deeper movements of the spiritual life. Drawing on decades of experience in psychospiritual work and spiritual accompaniment, these reflections explore common themes such as shadow material, prayer struggles, images of God, dreamwork, and the emotional dynamics that shape our spiritual journey.

Whether you are seeking support in your own inner life or resources for spiritual direction practice,

I hope these writings offer clarity, depth, and encouragement.

Blue-green labyrinth artwork on textured paper, with a serene and mystical appearance. The edges are rough and worn. An ancient image from the history of spiritual practice.

The History of Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is often spoken of today as a contemporary practice, yet its roots reach deep into the history of spiritual life across centuries and traditions. This article traces the long and rich story of spiritual direction — from the wisdom of the desert, monastic and Celtic traditions, through to its contemporary rediscovery — and reflects on how spiritual accompaniment has always sought to support the deepening of a person’s relationship with God and their own inn

Rublev’s Trinity icon, an image of sacred companionship and contemplative presence, expressing the relational heart of spiritual direction.

Describing Spiritual Direction : Voices from a Living Tradition

A sacred conversation held within the life of God. Spiritual direction is often described today in careful, well-established ways — as a contemplative, supportive accompaniment that helps a person attend to God’s presence in their life. These descriptions are not wrong. Yet they are not the whole story. Across Christian history, spiritual direction has been understood, practised, and named in many different ways, shaped by context, temperament, theology, and human need. Rath