Direction FAQ
How often should I receive direction?
A standard direction schedule is once or twice per month. However, this is variable, depending on a person’s need. If you think once or twice per month is too much or too little, we can talk about a schedule that would be best.
How much does it cost?
Sessions are $60.
What if the fee is too much for me right now?
No worries. I have a sliding scale for payment. I don’t want money to be a reason for folks to forego direction. I also have some generous donors who pay it forward and help offset the cost. Just drop me an email and we can chat about your individual circumstance.
Are you just going to tell me what to do?
No, I’m not here to tell anyone what to do. I’m not going to try to convert, convince, or control you at all. Your journey is your journey. I’m just here as a companion, helping you discern the voice and role of God in your life so you can make decisions and move through your story for yourself.
Is this the same thing as counseling?
This is super important. Spiritual Direction is NOT counseling or therapy. I am not a licensed clinical social worker, a trained counselor, nor do I have any medical expertise. Spiritual direction & its focus is to deepen your connection and intimacy with God.
Are you LGBTQ-affirming?
Yes!
Do I have to be local to receive direction?
No! All of my sessions are now virtual (on Zoom) thanks to COVID-19. When you schedule a session, you’ll receive a confirmation with a link to our meeting room.
Are you associated with a church or religious organization?
No. Formation Northwest is a nondenominational, ecumenical Spiritual Direction ministry. All are welcome.
Do I need to be a Christian to receive spiritual direction?
Nope! I have directees from multiple types of faith backgrounds. My personal religious tradition is Christian, if that makes a difference to you.
Is all spiritual direction the same?
Actually, no. Spiritual direction varies based on the faith tradition, training, length of practice, and more. In short, we all have our own “flair,” and way of practicing direction and there isn’t a standardized practice or method of direction. It may take some time to find a director that you think is a good fit for you, and that's okay!
Do you accompany folks through the Ignatian Exercises?
Yes, I do.
I’m not even sure I have faith anymore. Is spiritual direction right for me?
You bet. Spiritual direction is a safe, judgment-free environment to process through your spiritual and religious experiences, to be asked good questions, and discern what a spiritual life might look like for YOU. It’s a great place to sort out your own desires and thoughts about God, no matter where you are in your faith journey.
I’m not ready to read the Bible again. Do I have to read Scripture in direction?
Not at all, if you don’t want to.
Do I have to pray in spiritual direction?
In our first session together, we can talk about what you’re comfortable with and how the time can be meaningful and safe for you. If that means we just have silence together or even read a bit of poetry instead of prayer, that’s just fine with me. You have options!
Do I need to know my Enneagram number? And how do you incorporate the Enneagram into direction?
You do not need to know your Enneagram number. The Enneagram is just a tool that can be helpful for one to understand themselves & others better, and we can incorporate it as much or as little as you wish into your direction sessions. There is no expectation that you have a working knowledge of the Enneagram to receive direction.
Should I ask specific questions before getting started with Spiritual Direction?
You certainly don’t have to, but here’s a good list of questions to ask as you are choosing a director:
What is your training?
Do you have a spiritual director for yourself?
How long have you been offering direction?
How do you envision your practice of direction and what is your image of God?
Are you currently in supervision?
Do you adhere to a code of ethics? To what associations do you belong?
What is my commitment in a spiritual direction relationship as a directee?
What does your spiritual life look like in practice?