We are excited to collaborate with LaSaundra Gibson, certified Spiritual Director, to offer Spiritual Direction and other soul-care services to our clients and the surrounding community. Below is LaSaundra’s description of what Spiritual Direction entails. To learn more about LaSaundra, click here.
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is a formational practice of spiritually companioning another through deep listening, helping them listen for and discern God’s voice, as well as their inner voice–inner wisdom. Spiritual direction helps one notice God’s activity in their life. Ultimately, spiritual direction leads people into deeper awareness and authentic connection with themselves and God. Spiritual directors are also commonly referred to as spiritual companions and spiritual guides.
Why Spiritual Direction?
I’ll start by answering a question with a question. How often do you get the opportunity to share honestly from your soul and feel deeply heard and listened to by another? Probably not often, if ever. In spiritual direction, spiritual directors hold a safe space for you to share honestly from the depth of your being.
Is spiritual direction a new practice?
No, spiritual direction dates to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries when early Christians, known as Desert Mothers and Fathers, lived monastically in the deserts of Egypt and Syria. During the 4th century, Christianity had become the official religion in Rome. As Christianity became more institutionalized, the Desert Mothers and Fathers sought deeper devotion and lived an ascetic life of fasting and praying. People noticed their devotion and went to them for spiritual wisdom.
How is spiritual direction different from therapy?
Spiritual directors and therapists are similar in how they engage in deep listening of people’s stories. However, spiritual direction focuses more on deepening the vertical relationships between God and Self (which also enhances interpersonal relationships). Spiritual direction is a beautiful threefold practice between God, the directee, and the director (companion, guide).
- Spiritual direction is less goal-oriented and less directive; spiritual directors are not diagnosing or fixing behaviors.
- Spiritual direction has a spiritual context that focuses on mystery and the sacred.
- Spiritual directors are trained to recognize their roles as the third person in a session. The Spirit is the primary “director.” The goal of the spiritual director is to help the directee draw closer to God.
- Spiritual direction typically begins with a centering ritual like silence, meditation, breathing, or lighting of a candle.
How often do spiritual directors meet with directees?
Typically, sessions happen monthly or as needed by the directee.
Is spiritual direction only for Christians?
Some spiritual directors have a Christian-focused practice. However, many spiritual directors meet with people who identify as spiritual or non-religious. No matter their religious backgrounds, many people find spiritual direction to be a safe (non-judgmental!) space to explore their spirituality.
**Ethically, spiritual directors are discouraged from meeting with a directee who has a serious mental illness unless the director can confirm the directee regularly sees their therapist and or psychologist and is taking necessary prescribed medication. Spiritual direction is not a substitute for therapy.