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About Spiritual Direction UK
Spiritual Direction
Project information
There are a lot of answers, some of which contradict each other. Our simple answer is ... spiritual direction is a regular conversation that helps you notice and be attentive to what’s going on in your spiritual life, your sense of meaning and your relationship with what you call God (the Divine, Higher Power, Creator, Source of Life, Goddess, Divine Light etc).
The spiritual director is there to listen with wisdom and kindness and to respond with questions that enable you to develop your understanding, body, mind and spirit.
No. You might be rooted in a Christian tradition, or you might be unsure, sceptical, spiritually curious, or using different language or on different spiritual path altogether. You don’t need the right vocabulary to begin ... or continue for that matter.
No. Therapy tends to focus on mental health and clinical models; spiritual direction focuses on spiritual life, meaning, and discernment. Sometimes the topics overlap because… humans. Directors can help you notice what’s in-bounds for spiritual direction, and when it’s wiser to involve a therapist or other support.
Usually, you arrive with something on your heart or mind (a question, a stuck place, a grief, a desire, a confusion). The director listens, asks careful questions, and helps you pay attention to what’s happening under the surface. Sessions might end up with a small next step: a practice, a reflection, a question to live with, or simply clarity about what’s true.
Anything that touches meaning and direction: faith and doubt, prayer, vocation, loss, change, longing, shame, anger, numbness, relationships, decisions, work, rest, habits, and the quiet feeling that something is off.
You're equally welcome to come celebrating and effervescently full of some amazing experience of transcendence and awe you want to tell us about.
Common rhythms are monthly (or between 3 to 6 weeks), but it varies. You can agree on the rhythm with your director. Over the months or years ... some people come for a short season; others build a long-term rhythm.
A short first conversation to see if it feels like a good fit, ask practical questions, and get a sense of the director’s style. You’re not committing to ongoing sessions by booking one.
Choose
Read the profiles slowly. Look for a human sense of “I could talk to this person”. If you’re unsure, use the “Help me choose” option and we’ll point you towards someone suitable.
Change
Changing directors is usually up to you or can be explored with your current director.
Yes, within the normal professional limits. Directors work under supervision and ethical standards, and there are clear boundaries around safeguarding and serious risk.
Spiritual direction isn’t an emergency service. If you’re at immediate risk or need urgent mental health support, use emergency services or your local crisis routes first. If you’re unsure, book a “Help me choose” call and we’ll advise appropriately.
If you need specialist help regarding relationship problems, illness, finances, or legal issues, then as above, please find specialist professionals.
If you have a question that hasn't been answersed above, please ask us via the contact page
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