Frequently asked questions

Whether our monthly session is in-person or by Zoom, we begin with some quiet time. I will offer to lead a brief guided meditation, or just give some space for silence so we can both escape the busyness of daily life. When you are ready, you are invited to speak on any part of your life story that you would like. It doesn’t have to be specifically faith-oriented unless you want it to be. Every moment of life has a spiritual component, and every part of your life story is welcome in session.

I will listen in order to truly hear you, and give plenty of time and space for you to hear yourself. You might notice that I leave time for silence between our turns to speak.

I may offer noticings, reflective questions, or seek clarification. I might offer a suggestion from time to time, but far less often will I teach or instruct — it is my belief that any answers you seek will be found in the quiet of your own soul rather than in my voice or opinions. Ultimately, Spiritual Direction is a space to help you become open to hearing the Divine Spirit in and for your life.

When our hour is nearly complete, I will offer to conclude with a blessing or some quiet time.

The most important thing to bring is an open and invested heart. This is for you, and I want you to have the best experience possible.

It often helps to have a topic ready to discuss, though this is optional; some people just like to see where the Spirit moves them in the moment.

Many people find keeping a dedicated Spiritual Direction journal to be profitable, and you are welcome to jot notes during a session. I also encourage you to write reflectively afterwards, while the session is still fresh in your mind.

There is nothing wrong with sitting quietly in the presence of the Divine for a while. That may be just the nourishment you need in your life at that moment.

In our culture, we tend to fill every moment with noise, so much so that we’ve lost the ability to embrace and enjoy quiet. It is in quiet that many people hear the stirrings of the Divine inside themselves for the first time. Often, after a bit of quiet, just the right part of your life story will arise in your heart.

If some time goes by and you want a little help, I will be happy to offer one or two open-ended questions to get you started.

Please be assured that Spiritual Direction is a loving, judgment-free zone. These sessions are for you to find wholeness and know you are loved as you are. I will do my best to help you know and feel that you are in a safe space, and I will do everything I can to create a comfortable atmosphere for you to share any part of your story.

It may take time to build up the courage to share something heavy — that’s ok. There is no rush, and you will know when it’s the right moment. In the meantime, you are building strength and trust in yourself.

If you find that you are frequently self-censoring, I can help you consider further options and possibilities. Finding healing and spiritual growth for yourself is the most important part of this process.

I believe everyone has a spiritual dimension to themselves. Many people who are agnostic or searching (or fleeing!) still have spiritual wants and longings and curiosities. Spiritual Direction can be a life-giving process for you on your spiritual journey, distinct from any theology or definition of God you may or may not have. If you want to explore your spiritual side, Spiritual Direction is for you.

Never. I will keep all our sessions confidential, except under very specific and rare circumstances required by law. In addition, I will not even tell anyone that you are seeing me for Spiritual Direction — that information is yours to share, not mine. You own the content of your sessions, and are free to discuss whatever you wish with whomever you wish; I will not.

Absolutely! I take my moral, professional, and ethical obligations seriously because I take your well-being, safety, and spiritual journey seriously. Three key components to these standards are:

• I have been trained, certified, and commissioned as a Spiritual Director by Christos Center for Spiritual Formation.

• I ascribe to and follow the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct of Spiritual Directors International.

• I am a co-founder and member of Kyrie Collective of Certified Spiritual Directors which provides ongoing supervision, support, and accountability for its members.

Scheduling is easy! Just click the Book Appointment button in the menu at the top of the page to access my appointment calendar, and choose any available time.

Your first session will be about 30 minutes by Zoom, and is free. This free consultation is a relaxed way to:

• Provide an orientation of Spiritual Direction

• Discuss any questions you may have

• Get to know each other a bit before we begin our actual sessions

• Discern if I am a good match for you

Schedule as needed, up to once a month. A monthly pace is optimal for your spiritual growth (I would be happy to discuss why!), but you may schedule less often if desired.

In the end, there’s not really a should — you do you. The Spiritual Direction relationship can be as short as a single session; it can go on for years; or it can happen intermittently (eg. 4 monthly sessions followed by a break, and then resume for 3 more, etc.).