Spiritual Direction
What the heck is spiritual direction? I’ve never heard of it…
Then you’re in the right place, and no worries! Spiritual Direction is a sort of misunderstood profession. For years, it was mostly offered by Priests or Rabbis. But today, a wide variety of people offer spiritual direction. I’m in the process of getting certified as a Spiritual Director through The Chaplaincy Institute (CHI), an interfaith program based in California.
I am trained and offer a non-directive approach, which means that I take the view that you are your own greatest teacher and that the Divine is working through you in the best way for you! It also means I’m not here to put my views or beliefs on you, but to sit as a spiritual companion, someone also on the spiritual path, and offer guidance, advice, assistance, prompts, comfort (or even sometimes, discomfort) as you need. I let the Divine work through me, as the best hollow bone I can be. Through that, I support you as simply another being on this spiritual journey that is life.
I’ve personally been on a deep (and long) spiritual journey (what I would consider my entire life) and know all the twists and turns you can take, the intellectual questions you might have, and the highs and lows of transformation. I source myself as the open heart to help you navigate. I know how important this support can be, because I wish I had it when I first started out! Today, I am very grateful for the spiritual directors (formal and informal) who support me.
Why would I need spiritual direction?
There are many reasons you might want a spiritual director. To have someone in your corner while you go through a major life transition. To be with someone who’s been on the spiritual path a little longer. To have someone to reflect your worth back to you or to hold the center of the Divine in your life with you. We all need a spiritual director in one way or another, especially when our lives are distracted by modern life and the Divine can feel quiet while we’re consumed with other things.
A spiritual director simply helps hold the pillar of the Divine in your life and offers support for your spiritual life and growth—and I think everyone needs that!
How often do people see spiritual directors?
Folks see spiritual directors as often as they need and want! Depending on what’s going on in your life. I personally see my spiritual director twice a month and oftentimes see additional spiritual directors less frequently (I like the spiritual path, and I like a lot of different perspectives). If you’re just starting out, I would recommend working with someone twice a month, every 2 weeks. That way, you have regular touchpoints and a spiritual director can really be there in your life. But it’s all up to you and a personal journey!
And, whenever you feel like your time with a spiritual director is over, you just let them go and go on your way. If you’re working with me, just let me know you’re going in a different direction. There are no hard feelings! This is all about supporting you on your path.
Is there a code of conduct for spiritual directors? What if I don’t like something you do?
Absolutely. I follow the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct created by the Spiritual Directors International. You can find that here.
I, like all people, make mistakes. But my intention, as a non-directive approach, is to listen to you and the Divine to help in your spiritual life and growth. Everything you say to me is confidential. If I feel there is an issue I can’t support you with, I will always refer you to the appropriate professional, and I have a wide variety of trusted professionals and practitioners in my network. And, if there is ever something I say that you don’t like, you just let me know.
Additionally, I see our time together as a covenant with God. Entrusting another individual on the path to live a life closer to the Divine—I take that as sacred. If you want to see an example of how our working agreement supports that, see this document.
What does this cost?
At this time, I hold 55-minute sessions for FREE. Yes, you read that right. Why am I doing this? Because it is my gift to the world. While I am still a student, I believe this is the best option for both of us.
If I haven’t answered the questions you might have, please send me a note by filling out the form below, or shoot me a note at valerieaspina@gmail.com.
Other things to note…
Unlike other spiritual directors, I maintain my status as a mandatory reporter through my work as a CASA Volunteer. I note this here because although everything you say to me remains in confidence, I am required to report if there is ever a threat, danger, or violence to a child. I will always speak with you first if I feel there is a need to report something. For more information about mandatory reporting, see here.