Spiritual Direction FAQ
These questions are here to help clarify what spiritual direction is, how it differs from therapy, and what you can expect if you are interested in beginning.
What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a prayerful conversation that helps a person become more attentive to God’s presence and movement in their life. It is a space to reflect on prayer, discernment, struggles, desires, questions, and the realities of daily life in light of one’s relationship with God.
How is spiritual direction different from therapy?
Spiritual direction and therapy are not the same, though they can complement one another well. Spiritual direction focuses on your relationship with God, your prayer life, discernment, and spiritual growth. Therapy focuses on mental health treatment, emotional healing, patterns of behavior, relationships, and psychological well-being.
Is spiritual direction a licensed mental health service?
No. Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy, does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and is not governed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. It is a form of spiritual accompaniment, not clinical treatment.
Can spiritual direction and therapy work together?
Yes. Many people find that spiritual direction and therapy complement each other well. Spiritual direction can support your prayer life, discernment, and relationship with God, while therapy can support emotional healing, mental health, and deeper work around patterns, distress, or relationships.
Do I need to be Catholic to receive spiritual direction?
No. While my approach is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, especially the Jesuit and Ignatian tradition, spiritual direction may still be helpful for those who are sincerely seeking God, desiring deeper reflection, or wanting a space for faith-based accompaniment.
What is your approach to spiritual direction?
My approach to spiritual direction is shaped by the Jesuit and Ignatian tradition, especially its attention to discernment, prayerful reflection, and finding God in all things. My background in counseling also shapes the way I listen, so I try to offer a space that feels warm, attentive, honest, grounded, and deeply respectful of each person’s story.
What happens in a spiritual direction session?
A session may include prayer, reflection on your spiritual life, conversation about what you have been noticing in prayer or daily life, discernment around a decision or season, and honest discussion about where you may feel close to God or distant from Him. The goal is not to rush to answers, but to listen well and notice what God may be doing.
How long are sessions?
Spiritual direction sessions are typically about 50 minutes long.
How often do people usually meet?
Many people meet every two to four weeks, depending on their season of life, needs, and desired rhythm of accompaniment. Some people come for a short season of discernment or transition, while others continue on a more regular basis over time.
How long does spiritual direction last overall?
That depends on the person and their season of life. Some people seek spiritual direction for a few months during a time of discernment, transition, or struggle. Others continue longer term as an ongoing practice of prayerful reflection and spiritual growth.
How much does spiritual direction cost?
Spiritual direction is offered on a sliding scale, with sessions typically ranging from $50 to $100. We can discuss cost during the free consultation so that the rate, expectations, and rhythm of sessions feel clear and workable moving forward.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. I offer a free consultation so we can get to know each other, talk about what you are seeking, and see whether spiritual direction may be a good fit.
How do I know whether I need therapy, spiritual direction, or both?
That depends on what you are carrying and what kind of support you need. If you are primarily seeking prayerful reflection, discernment, and growth in your relationship with God, spiritual direction may be a good fit. If you are dealing with significant emotional distress, trauma-related symptoms, relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, therapy may be more appropriate. Some people benefit from both.
Is spiritual direction confidential?
Spiritual direction is intended to be a respectful, trustworthy, and private space for reflection and accompaniment. Specific expectations and boundaries around confidentiality can be discussed during the consultation and clarified before beginning.
How do I get started?
You can begin by reaching out for a free consultation. That gives us a chance to connect, talk about what you are seeking, and see whether spiritual direction may be a good fit.