Spiritual Direction

To orientate oneself means, 'to face east'; the direction of the rising sun, the source of illumination and new life.  In our lives, we can easily become 'dis-orientated', losing our direction and thereby our sense of purpose.  Perhaps you are facing challenges in faith which need to be explored and addressed. Or perhaps you have become distant in your relationship with God. 

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The first port of call for spiritual direction should be your parish priest, however, from time-to-time, it can be helpful to dialogue on questions of faith in a separate environment from your parish. This may due to be scheduling challenges, accessibility or needing a space outwith your current parish setting. Having said that, I always suggest that directees speak to their parish priest prior to commencing as their prioirty is your spiritual development. 

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Spiritual Direction and Counselling are simlar in many ways such as the dyadic, confidential relationship and the sanctity and trust of that space. Nevertheless, it should be stated that although there is an overlap, Spiritual Direction is an altogether different process. 

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In Spiritual Direction, I will not be unpacking complex unconscious processes or specifically focusing on areas of mental wellbeing - unless mutually agreed.  The process, as the name suggests, is more directive and therefore more prescriptive.  For disclosure, I should state that I am Catholic and that although Spiritual Direction is open to all, it will be ordered towards facilitating a relationship with the Triune God of Christianity and therefore drawing on Christian Scripture.  For clarity, my Counselling practice is strictly secular unless the client requests that faith be brought into the session. 

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Often directees will start fortnightly and move to monthly sessions depending on requirements. 

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Approach

Much like counselling, my approach will depend on the directee and their requirements.  I may draw on Ignatian Excercises of spiritual Direction, alternatively we may explore devotionals such as Divine Intimacy.  For questions of faith, we may look at Thomistic and other scholarly writings to help deepen understanding.