The Gifts of Spiritual Direction

Spiritual directors learn the art of deep listening and ways to invite their directees to try to find the answers to their questions within the center of whoever they are — that place of peace, justice, and wisdom that we all contain but often ignore. A typical session might start with prayer, silence, or a reading, followed by having the spiritual seeker share some of what is coming up for him or her in life. The Spiritual Director uses gentle questioning, focusing, framing, music, movement, art, and/or prayer to respond to the directee. A typical session lasts one hour and occurs once a month, unless someone is in crisis and needs to meet more often. This is an ongoing relationship usually lasting many years. Costs range from $35.00 to $75.00 per hour depending on the ability of the directee to pay and the experience of the Spiritual Director.

There are a number of certified Spiritual Directors who attend our church. If you don't know this person or barely know them, you could work with them in a spiritual direction setting. If you know them well, that would not be an appropriate relationship. It is always good to call and interview a Spiritual Director before beginning such a relationship. It is important to find a person with whom you feel a connection.

Spiritual Directors at UCUCC:

You can also find Certified Spiritual Directors through the Ignatian Spirituality Center located in the basement of St. Joseph Parish Center in Seattle (732 18th Avenue East). To be matched with a spiritual director through the Spirituality Center entails the following steps.

• Call the Center (206-329-4824, ext 2) or email carolyn@ignatiancenter.org to set up an appointment with Carolyn Hickman, connection coordinator.
  
  
• You will meet with the coordinator to discuss your needs and preferences based on your spirituality, prayer style, life issues and experiences.
  
  
• After the meeting you will be sent information about how to contact a spiritual director who meets your preferences and is available at this time.
  
  
• You can then set up a meeting with the director to meet for the first time and to mutually decide if you wish to begin a spiritual direction relationship.
  
  
• The suggested donation for this connection is $40.00 — $60.00 to the Ignatian Spirituality Center.
  
  
• The fee for spiritual direction is arranged with the spiritual director. The average fee is $40 — $70 for one hour of spiritual direction. Most directors offer sliding fee scale options.
  
  
• The pool of Spiritual Directors represents all mainline Christian faith traditions. Spiritual Directors International (http://www.sdiworld.org) also has a listing of spiritual directors.

  Clicking on the "Seek and Find button" will connect you to a list of spiritual directors and contact information.