Spiritual Direction
A Spiritual Director is a trusted companion who supports spiritual formation and transformation. For thousands of years, many names have described the role including spiritual guide, spiritual companion, mashpiah in Hebrew, and anam cara in Gaelic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I attend a spiritual direction session?
Most people meet monthly for an hour, but this is determined by you and your Spiritual Director.
What do I talk about?
Anything! You can talk about anything and everything – the good, bad and difficult stuff of life. You are encouraged to reflect on experiences where you noticed something happening within you – love, hate, anger, joy, frustration etc.
How long do I stay in spiritual direction?
It’s a gentle and slow process, though you may have several Spiritual Directors over the years. You can opt out or change Spiritual Directors when you feel the time is right. All sessions have a break over the summer, it’s a good time to reassess.
What sort of people are spiritual directors?
There are men and women, young and old. SD's can invest in formal training and further study, I hold formal tertiary qualifications with a major in Spiritual Direction. We receive Spiritual Direction ourselves so know what it is like to sit in the pilgrim’s chair. There are a vast number of spiritual and faith traditions who offer Spiritual Direction. I come from the Christian tradition and accompany a diverse range of people on individual spiritual journeys.
Is there a Code of Ethics?
Yes, Spiritual Directors adhere to the Code of Ethics, as outlined by the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction.
What does it cost?
Recommended honorariums are below, however don't allow finances to prohibit access to what is needed.
Contact us to discuss your situation.
$65 individual
$95 small group
24 hour cancellation fee applies see BOOKINGS for details
Where do we meet?
The outer east of Melbourne in the Dandenong Ranges or at the Wellspring Centre
Some Misconceptions
Spiritual companionship is only for the pious few (priests, rabbis, nuns, monks, saints).
All of us are seeking a deeper connection with the holy in our lives. The process of spiritual direction is for everyone who feels a longing for a more peaceful and hope-filled life. Spiritual direction helps us explore the spiritual aspect of being human.
Spiritual direction is only for Christians.
Some form of spiritual direction or spiritual companionship exists in all the major religions of the world.
Spiritual direction is a new practice.
The origins of spiritual direction date back thousands of years. The process of spiritual direction is an ancient and venerable tradition in every culture and region of the globe.
Spiritual directors are perfect and the spiritual path is about attaining perfection.
While it certainly helps to find a spiritual companion who is a “good fit,” God makes use of all of our experiences to help us grow in love and compassion. The spiritual direction tradition values humility and the journey. Spiritual direction or spiritual companionship is not about fixing things or doing something perfectly, because it is not about accomplishing or doing. It is about allowing things to be as they are, resting in awareness, and then, taking appropriate action when called for. Silence, deep listening, and non-doing are contemplative practices often explored in spiritual direction as a way to deepen relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. Fortunately, every day we are given new opportunities to learn how to live justly with an open heart, with compassion for ourselves, our neighbours, and all of creation