Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling
Spiritual Direction
In spiritual direction, a “director” companions you over the course of time (usually meeting monthly) to help discover how God is present and working in your life. This relationship helps you (the “directee”) enhance connection with God and engagement with the world. The focus is on your relationship with God and how to nurture that through prayer and inner work. The director does not have all the answers. Instead, this relationship of companionship and trust seeks to help you experience God in very personal ways. The goal is to be available to what God uniquely offers you.
Pastoral Counseling and Care
Pastoral counseling offers support during a challenging time. It helps you name, accept, and explore. It helps you sit and be, while receiving care that honors your spiritual and emotional needs. It provides space to open to another who can help you be more present to self and God. In pastoral counseling, the emphasis is on care - not cure. You are encouraged to discover more about yourself, your needs and your faith, but presence and support are emphasized above doing and change. Pastoral counseling offers the chance to pause and go deeper until you are ready to move on.
Consultation and Connection
If you are unsure of your spiritual needs, we are happy to meet and determine if we can help, or offer ideas for other resources. This might include conversation about the differences between pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, coaching, etc. The goal would be to help you discern what kind of help you need and how to pursue people and places offering such support.
"Spiritual direction has changed the way I live and think about my life in God's great design. I have been able to set spiritual practices in place that have both encouraged me and challenged me to grow deeper in my faith. It's helped me have a greater realization that God is actively working in my life and has helped me see my own potential and greatness."
- Carpenter's House guest