Many definitions of this work exist. We offer some of them here.
Spiritual direction is the contemplative practice of accompanying (or joining with) a person or group as they awaken to the spiritual in everyday life.
Such a shared intention is a support for the directee in creating a deeper relationship with spirit through all phases of life.
Spiritual direction is not counseling since it avoids advice in favour of putting you on your own chosen path.
Spiritual direction is not therapy in the usual sense of that term.
Like psychotherapy, it is often offered as a one-to-one or group experience in private sessions with spiritual mentors who have most likely completed extensive formation for the ministry of spiritual direction – it is up to you to choose a spiritual director who has the training, formation and experience that suits your needs. Unlike therapy, it includes your deity or higher power as a third partner in the process.
While it may be appropriate at times to discuss personal and relational struggles in the context of spiritual direction, a spiritual director is not a psychotherapist, nor does the spiritual director provide such services.
Similarly, you may discuss financial issues in spiritual direction but a spiritual director does not offer financial advice and any decisions and actions you may take in that regard are done without advice or recommendation, and are purely your responsibility.
