Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is an ancient Christian practice of meeting

one-to-one with a trained person to discuss one's spiritual life.

Also called spiritual accompaniment, it is a supportive,

contemplative process that helps people attend to the presence

of the divine within the whole of their lives, to connect and

grow in relationship with that Source, and respond creatively

to that discovery. It explores a deeper relationship with the

spiritual aspect of being human. It is open to everyone -

those following a particular spiritual path and those seeking.

Spiritual direction may be for you if you are:

• Seeking a more contemplative approach to your life

• At a crossroads or in a time of transition 

• Longing for space to uncover your own answers about the divine

• Drifting or stuck in your spiritual path

• Struggling with disappointments along the way

• Wanting to explore new ways of praying

• Feeling on the margins, or wounded by your spiritual community

• Looking for a focussed means of growing your relationship with God.

Spiritual direction gives:

• A safe non-judgmental place to explore questions and difficulties

• Time for you

• Deepening insight

• Resources to help you on your way.

Spiritual direction helps you to tend intentionally to the soul, and grow in inner freedom from things that are hindering you as you deepen in intimacy with God, self, others and creation. Indeed, you may find or rediscover what brings you energy and life.

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For those experiencing deeper psychospiritual challenges, I also now offer Depth Spiritual Direction, a short-term and issue-focused form of accompaniment that integrates psychological and spiritual insight to support healing and clarity.

I have particular experience in working with those struggling in some way in their spiritual journey, perhaps because of painful experience with their spiritual community, or distressing life experience, or confusing and troubling questions. Some people carry harmful or difficult images of God, or feel spiritually wounded by past experiences and unsure how to move forward.

These are particular times when talking with someone both skilled and sympathetic can be very valuable to help you find a way forward. Spiritual direction helps make sense of our thoughts and feelings about our spiritual life, welcoming questioning, confusion and not knowing, recognising in these difficult emotional experiences something deeper trying to find expression. Perhaps you are someone who no longer attends any form of gathered spiritual community but still would like a space in which to nurture following your particular spiritual path. 

Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself, you will find a confidential and understanding space in which to authentically explore and deepen your journey to the One in whom you seek to live and move and have your being.

What typically happens in a spiritual direction session?

Our sessions together will last about an hour and happen at an interval to suit you - usually between every 1 to 3 months. They are a space for you to share and reflectively explore the movement of God in whatever of your life experience you bring. Mainly we talk, but sometimes people find helpful free art to express an intangible feeling or symbolism, or a meditation to explore something deep within. You simply come to a session as you are - it's the only real place to start. We may work with your day-to-day life, your night-time dreams, your fears, your longings, your struggles, your joys, your prayer. Life has many spiritual landscapes through which we journey. Wherever you find yourself, I seek to be present with you in your experience, and help you take stock to know what you really desire in your depths.

In our initial chat, I hope to understand more deeply what you are looking for from spiritual direction and for you to ask any questions you may have of me, so that you can see whether working with me feels right for you. I then offer an initial 3 sessions followed by a review. I work by donation, on a suggested income dependent sliding scale.

Whatever your religious tradition or background, if you feel spiritual direction would be helpful for you then do get in touch with me. 

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Resources on Spiritual Direction

As well as working in spiritual accompaniment, I write regular articles on my Reflections Blog on spiritual direction work, particularly the fruitful dialogue between psychology and spirituality.

Much of my writing explores the concerns people bring to spiritual direction — from working with shadow material in the spiritual life, to gently engaging with difficult or harmful images of God, to listening for the wisdom of dreams in the spiritual journey, and understanding why prayer can feel impossible at times. If you’re discerning whether spiritual direction may be right for you, my reflection on how to find a spiritual director may also be helpful.

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If you’d like a wider context for how spiritual direction has developed historically, you may find my reflection on The History of Spiritual Direction helpful.

You can read these and many other reflections on my blog.

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I also send out an occasional newsletter including links to recent articles I've written and other helpful resources for those working in spiritual direction. If you would like to subscribe, you are very welcome. There's a subscription button at the bottom of any of my blog pages. You can also find a LinkedIn button on my contact page or you are welcome to use the contact form, if you work in spiritual direction/accompaniment and would like to get in touch.

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I previously offered professional supervision for spiritual directors, but currently have no space to take on more supervisees. My work has also now evolved to focus exclusively on spiritual accompaniment and Depth Spiritual Direction.

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Two Chairs image consent & © ChrisWesselmanPhotography.com