Spiritual Direction has been around for almost 2,000 years, with many sources tracing its origins to the 3rd-century monastics known as the "Desert Fathers" and "Desert Mothers." Yet prior to the late 20th century, spiritual direction was not widely practiced outside of Catholic circles, and even within Catholicism, it was most often engaged in by monks, nuns, and church clergy members. So it's no surprise that many of us are still trying to understand what spiritual direction is. Spiritual direction sessions are listening sessions, in which the spiritual director listens as the directee (client) processes any part of their life through a lens of spirituality or faith. Sessions are completely confidential, and spiritual directors aim to be welcoming and without judgment in what people share. Rather than giving advice or sharing from the director's own experience, the spiritual director gives people an opportunity to be heard (or have their story witnessed), and the director asks questions and encourages pauses to facilitate the directee's opportunity to be guided with insights from God. So the “direction” in spiritual direction comes from God rather than from the director. The spiritual director simply helps set up the space to facilitate lingering/contemplation, questioning, and deeper thinking.

From Sierra: When I host a spiritual direction session, I typically start by encouraging a moment of silence and/or by me reading a short passage from scripture, a poem, or a quote from a book. This is meant to help the directee (client) and me to settle our thoughts, slow down our breathing and heartrate from the hurry we might have been in to arrive, and to turn our awareness to God’s presence with us. Then I ask a very open-ended question like, “What has been standing out to you lately?” In response, my directee might bring up absolutely anything: something relating to their relationship with their partner, a frustration from work, an opportunity they’re trying to discern next steps on, a piece of global news, or something from their past experience, for example. And I’ll listen.I’m trained as an attentive, compassionate, and non-judgmental listener. I’m also trained to not give advice or share how my own experience is similar or different from the directee’s. Nor do I presume to know exactly how God is guiding my directee in the midst of their circumstances. So I’ll highlight what I’m hearing them say, ask clarifying questions, point out what I notice is stirring up strong emotion for them, and ask questions to encourage deeper thinking. I might invite us to take more silent pauses along the way. All of this is meant to help us listen together to our true “director,” which in Christ-centered spiritual direction we know to be God.At the end of a session we might take yet another moment to pause in silence, with the directee perhaps identifying some thoughts or questions they want to hold onto. I may also suggest some resources for them to look into, and/or practices to try. Some directees also request that I pray for them out loud as we conclude our session.

Sierra and her husband, Justin (a clinical psychologist), wrote a blog post in response to this question. Check it out here.

Anyone willing to take a close and honest look at their experience of God and faith/spirituality can benefit from spiritual direction.

No. Although Sierra specializes in Christ-centered spiritual direction, she is willing to meet with all spiritual seekers. That said, if you want to work with someone who can provide religious perspective in alignment with a specific tradition other than Christianity, Sierra encourages you to look for a spiritual director from within that specific tradition.

No problem! Sierra can help you explore what life is bringing up for you these days, or how God's Spirit is guiding you as you reflect on what's on your heart and mind. Alternatively, you might be interested in the more structured approach of a StoryCare session with Sierra.

A one-hour spiritual direction session with Sierra is $70, payable by credit card (invoiced at the end of the session).

Sierra believes in doing what she can to make Christ-centered spiritual growth opportunities accessible. Please contact Sierra if you'd like to request a scholarship or reduced fee.

Typically, no. But if you would like homework--perhaps a suggestion of something to read or a spiritual discipline to try--please ask!

Sierra usually meets with each directee about once per month, and might continue meeting with them for years. Many folks who engage in spiritual direction see this way of processing/listening together as an ongoing spiritual practice. That said, you are welcome to try spiritual direction for a shorter season if you would like to.

Sierra is currently holding all sessions by video conferencing (Zoom). In-person sessions are not available at this time.