Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Spiritual Direction for? It's for everyone who wants the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God.
What happens in a Spiritual Direction session? Your Director will create a relaxed and welcoming, safe space for you. Usually they will start with a practice to help you focus on God, for example, a short meditation, some music, a reading or a brief time of silence and prayer. Then you will have the opportunity to explore in conversation anything that is on your heart.
Does a Spiritual Director tell you what to do? Spiritual Directors may give ideas or suggestions but despite their name, their job is not to give specific advice or direction. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and the role of the Spiritual Director is simply to facilitate your own relationship with God.
How confidential is Spiritual Direction? Spiritual Direction is completely confidential. For this reason, it's usually best to choose a Director outside your friendship circle or church. The only extremely unlikely and rare exception to confidentiality is, as you might expect, only if there is a very significant safeguarding concern.
Who are Spiritual Directors accountable to? We meet regularly with a Supervisor to whom we are accountable and who helps us grow in our practice. We also have our own Spiritual Direction so that we continue to grow in our own faith.
Can I receive Spiritual Direction if I am not a Christian or having doubts? Yes, you are welcome. We will hold a supportive and unpressured space for you as you explore.
What if I have a different church background and theology to you? This does not matter as we will hold a supportive space for you to explore your own relationship with God. Each Spiritual Director will be open when you first meet about their own church background and tradition so you can ensure that you are comfortable with them accompanying you.
Where did you train? We qualified as Spiritual Directors through a two-year certificate programme with Sustainable Faith, a collective of Spiritual Directors and pastors working to create a spiritually healthy culture among leaders and their communities. We undergo monthly specialist training in far-ranging topics ranging from trauma to suffering.
How much does it cost? Each Director has their own fee scale, which may vary according to your circumstances. This helps cover our time and the various costs we incur to practice professionally. For example, the costs of providing a hospitable space, supervision, ongoing training, membership organisations and insurance.
