Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is a professional service where trained guides, called Spiritual Directors, help people explore and deepen their spiritual life and relationship with the divine. Think of it like counseling, but focused specifically on spiritual and religious matters. These professionals meet one-on-one or in small groups with individuals seeking guidance in their faith journey. While similar to pastoral counseling or chaplaincy, Spiritual Direction is more focused on helping people notice and respond to spiritual experiences in their daily lives rather than solving specific problems or providing therapy.
Examples in Resumes
Provided Spiritual Direction to 20+ individuals monthly in both group and one-on-one settings
Completed 3-year certification program in Spiritual Direction at Catholic Theological Union
Facilitated Spiritual Direction retreats for clergy members and lay people
Offered online Spiritual Direction sessions during COVID-19 pandemic
Typical job title: "Spiritual Directors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Spiritual Directors
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Advanced Level Questions
Q: How do you handle complex spiritual crisis situations in your direction practice?
Expected Answer: A seasoned director should discuss their approach to crisis management, knowing when to refer to mental health professionals, and maintaining appropriate boundaries while supporting individuals through difficult spiritual experiences.
Q: Describe your approach to supervising other spiritual directors.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in mentoring newer directors, providing supervision, and helping others develop their direction practice while maintaining ethical standards and professional boundaries.
Intermediate Level Questions
Q: How do you work with directees from different faith traditions than your own?
Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to interfaith direction, respecting different beliefs while maintaining competency boundaries, and creating an inclusive environment.
Q: What is your process for spiritual assessment of a new directee?
Expected Answer: Should describe their initial meeting process, how they evaluate spiritual needs and goals, and methods for establishing a productive spiritual direction relationship.
Entry Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between spiritual direction and counseling?
Expected Answer: Should clearly explain that spiritual direction focuses on relationship with the divine and spiritual growth, while counseling addresses mental health and behavioral issues.
Q: How do you maintain professional boundaries in spiritual direction?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic ethical guidelines, confidentiality practices, and understanding the scope of spiritual direction versus other helping professions.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic listening and spiritual companioning skills
- Understanding of spiritual direction ethics
- Knowledge of one's own spiritual tradition
- Basic documentation and session planning
Mid (2-5 years)
- Working with diverse spiritual backgrounds
- Group spiritual direction facilitation
- Advanced listening and discernment skills
- Crisis recognition and referral
Senior (5+ years)
- Supervision of other spiritual directors
- Program development and retreat leading
- Complex spiritual crisis management
- Training and workshop facilitation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of formal spiritual direction training or certification
- Confusion between spiritual direction and psychological counseling roles
- No experience with spiritual direction supervision
- Poor understanding of professional boundaries
- Inability to work with diverse faith traditions
Related Terms
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