It’s important to ask questions to get to know your prospective spiritual mentor. It can be hard to know where to start, so here’s a list of 12 questions that might be helpful to ask during your first session with a prospective spiritual director.

1. What kind of training did you undertake to become a credentialed spiritual director?

You may be more comfortable with a director who has gone through an accredited program, or at least a reputable formal training program. On the other hand, you may prefer to journey with someone who has been giving direction for a long time but may not have gone through a formal program, instead apprenticing or developing their skills in a specific cultural context.

2. How long have you been offering spiritual companioning?

Some directors may have been offering accompaniment for years, but have only had one or two seekers during that time. Others may not have been offering direction for as long, but have a number of seekers, meaning that they have a greater total hours of experience. While the numbers themselves may not be important to you, understanding the level of direct experience your mentor has in the practice of direction is helpful to know.

3. Do you have a spiritual director?

The answer to this question needs to be “yes”.

4. Do you have a supervisor or a peer group?

This is an extremely important question to ask. One of the ways that a spiritual tender cares for you and tends your soul is to actively seek accountability and supervision by a credentialed supervisor. This process helps your mentor stay present and able to accompany you without distraction from their own journey.

5. Are you part of any professional spiritual direction associations? Do you hold to a formal code of ethics from any of these?

There are numerous spiritual direction associations that have a formal code of ethics for spiritual direction. Sometimes mentors who are part of a religious order have enough accountability within their order that they feel other associations are unnecessary. 

6. What’s your guiding image of spiritual direction?

Each mentor holds one or more images of what the spiritual accompaniment relationship is to them. Whether this is as a companion, mentor, guide, friend or any other word for their role, knowing what guides them in their practice of direction will help you know if this guide fits well with your hopes for the spiritual mentoring relationship.

7. What has your journey with the divine/sacred been like?

Some people might feel that this is too personal a question to ask a spiritual companion; however, this is someone with whom you’ll be sharing one of the most intimate areas of your life—your spiritual journey. This is what the Get-to-Know-You appointment is for! This question also helps you to understand the spiritual perspective that your companion will be operating from.  It may be important that you and your spiritual mentor share a spiritual vocabulary.

8. What is your experience tending your relationship with what you hold holy? What spiritual practices nourish you?

Again, this seems like a deeply personal question, but it’s one that your mentor will be asking you on a regular basis. Learning more about their practices will help you understand if this person is a good match for you.

9. What kind of on-going education or enrichment in spiritual direction are you undertaking?

The spiritual journey is never static—neither is the practice of spiritual direction. It’s important to know what your spiritual director is doing to continue learning and growing.

10. What kind of covenant or agreement will we establish between us?

While some companions prefer an informal, spoken covenant (including, necessarily, confidentiality), many prefer a written agreement in order to establish roles, responsibilities and appropriate boundaries. This can sometimes seem like “just paperwork” but a formal agreement helps you to feel safe and protected.

11. How do you handle deciding how much to pay and how to pay?

Talking about money can be uncomfortable. This will be a good opportunity to practice self-trust and forthrightness, skills that we will nurture in spiritual mentoring.

12. How do you make this a place of growth, freedom and nurture for all people, especially those with marginalized identities or different ways of moving  through and experiencing the world?

We are all unique and almost all of us have tender places and identities that have brought us both joy and sorrow in our lives. Whether your identities are systemically marginalized and a source of challenge in your life or you are beginning to explore how your spirituality calls you into relationships of mutuality, respect, love, and justice with others, it matters how your spiritual mentor will support you.

How Spiritual Companions Can Offer Support

January. The holidays have passed, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste. The days are short, the nights are long, and the cold can settle not just in our bones, but in our hearts. For those in religious or caring professions, this is a time when the weight of care feels greater. An increase in deaths often coincides with the start of the year, adding another layer of emotional weight to an already challenging season.

If you’re a minister, priest(ess), rabbi, other religious leader, or someone who cares for others as a calling or profession, you’re likely the one offering comfort and guidance to those facing loss. But who offers comfort and guidance to you? The emotional toll of ministering to others during this time can be significant. It’s easy to feel depleted, overwhelmed, and even question your own source of spiritual sustenance in the face of so much grief.

Sharing the Burden: The Power of Spiritual Companionship

This is where spiritual direction, also known as spiritual companionship, can be a powerful resource. A spiritual companion is a trained guide who travels alongside you on your own spiritual journey. They offer a safe and confidential space to explore your feelings, doubts, and questions. They can help you to process the emotional weight you carry and reconnect with your own sense of purpose and meaning.

Why is this so important in January?

The long, dark days can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair. Having a spiritual companion provides a steady source of support during this challenging time. They can:

• Offer a listening ear: Sometimes, being heard without judgment can be incredibly healing.
• Help you process difficult emotions: Grief, anger, and doubt are normal responses to loss. A spiritual companion can help you navigate these emotions in a healthy way.
• Reconnect you with your spiritual core: January can leave us feeling disconnected from our spiritual tradition. A spiritual companion can help you rediscover the strength and solace your spiritual practice and tradition offers.
• Provide practical tools for self-care: Spiritual companions can offer guidance on self-care practices like meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature, which can help you replenish your emotional reserves.

Don’t Travel This Path Alone

If you’re a caring professional facing the weight of loss this January, remember, you are whole, holy, and beloved. A spiritual companion can be a source of invaluable support and guidance.

Take the first step towards your well-being. Visit the list of Cherry Hill Seminary Spiritual Direction Certificate graduates   or the Unitarian Universalist Spiritual Direction Network to find a spiritual companion.

Remember, even in the darkest of winters, you don’t have to go alone. By seeking support, you can find the strength to weather the storm and emerge renewed.

Are you approaching retirement or a crossroads in your career? Do you yearn for a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in your next chapter? Perhaps you’ve always felt drawn to spiritual exploration and supporting others on their journeys. If so, the Cherry Hill Seminary Spiritual Direction Certificate program might be the perfect path for you.

More Than Just a Career Change: A Spiritual Transformation

The SpiDir program isn’t just about acquiring new skills; it’s about embarking on a transformative journey. You’ll delve into the rich tapestry of earth-based spiritual traditions, fostering a deeper connection to the gifts of spiritual traditions from around the world and your own inner wisdom.

Why SpiDir is Unique:

• Experienced Teachers, Diverse Perspectives: Learn from a remarkable faculty representing Pagan, Indigenous, Catholic, Sufi, Animist, and other traditions. Gain insights from neuro-diverse and LGBTQ+ instructors, enriching your understanding and ability to serve a wider community.
• Grounded in Earth-Based Practices: Explore spiritual traditions that emphasize connection with nature, fostering a sense of belonging and an ethic of ecological connection.
• Affordable and Accessible: The SpiDir program is intentionally priced to be attainable, making it a viable option for those transitioning careers or seeking a meaningful second act.
• Supportive Virtual Community: Connect and learn alongside a dedicated cohort in a virtual setting, fostering lasting connections and shared experiences.

Is SpiDir Right for You?

If you find yourself drawn to spiritual conversations, have a natural ability to listen deeply, and possess a desire to support others on their journeys, then SpiDir could be a perfect fit. Whether you’re a seasoned care provider looking to expand your offerings or someone yearning for a fulfilling career change, this program can equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference.

Ready to Answer Your Calling?

Don’t wait any longer to pursue your passion. Apply now!

You are whole, holy, and worthy. Deepen and grow as a spiritual being, expand and clarify your faith formation, and level up as a care provider. The SpiDir program awaits!

In our fast-paced and often overwhelming world, many people are seeking deeper connections with themselves, their spirituality, and others. Spiritual direction offers a unique opportunity to explore these aspects of life in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking guidance on your own spiritual path or feeling called to share your insights with others as a spiritual director, there is a place for you in this transformative practice.

What is Spiritual Direction? 

Spiritual direction (or spiritual accompaniment) is a relational process that fosters deeper awareness of one’s spiritual journey. It involves a one-on-one relationship between an explorer and a trained spiritual companion, allowing individuals to reflect on their experiences, feelings, and beliefs. In these sessions, which can take place in person or virtually, the spiritual companion listens deeply, poses thoughtful questions, and offers a compassionate presence that helps the seeker to discern their own spiritual path. Spiritual direction is not about providing answers or directives; instead, it is about facilitating self-discovery and encouraging a deeper relationship with the holy, however one perceives that presence. It is a space to explore values, doubt, spiritual practice, and life’s complexities, ultimately leading to greater clarity and peace.

Who Can Benefit from Spiritual Accompaniment? 

Spiritual direction is accessible to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation or belief system. Whether you are exploring a particular faith or grappling with existential questions, spiritual direction can help you navigate your journey. Those who often find benefit include:

• Individuals seeking purpose and meaning in life
• People experiencing transitions or challenges
• Those pursuing a deeper connection to their inner self, or that which they hold holy
• Anyone wanting to enhance their spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or simply daily living

If you’re curious about your spiritual life or need a supportive guide during a life stage, spiritual direction might be the perfect path for you.

Why Become a Spiritual Director? 

For those who feel a calling to guide others, becoming a certified spiritual director can be a fulfilling vocation. It offers the chance to accompany fellow seekers on their journeys, offering encouragement and insights while cultivating your own spiritual depth.

Here are a few reasons why you might consider this path:

Serve Others
As a spiritual director, you’ll have the privilege of accompanying others on their spiritual journeys, helping them to uncover insights and wisdom that may be buried beneath the surface.

Deepen Your Own Spiritual Life
The practice of being a spiritual director encourages a deeper reflection on your own beliefs and experiences, fostering greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.

Build Community
Spiritual directors often find themselves part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals committed to growth and support. This sense of belonging can be enriching.

Lifelong Learning
The journey to becoming a spiritual director is one of continuous learning. Through training and practice, you will engage with various spiritual traditions, enhancing your understanding and broadening your perspective.

How to Begin Your Journey 
If you’re interested in exploring spiritual direction as a seeker or a potential director, here are a few steps to get started:

Seek a Spiritual Director
Start by looking for a local spiritual director or an online option. Many directories and websites can help you connect with someone who resonates with you. Graduates of the Cherry Hill Seminary Spiritual Direction Credentialing program are listed here.

Consider Training
If you feel called to become a spiritual companion, research programs that offer training. Many focus on developing your own spiritual identity and the skills and insights needed to accompany others in their spiritual journeys. Learn more about Cherry Hill Seminary’s program here.

Engage with Spiritual Practices
Deepening your own spiritual practices—whether through meditation, forest bathing, journaling, music, dance, or contemplation—will better equip you to guide others.

Spiritual direction offers a path of connection, understanding, and transformation. Whether you’re seeking guidance on your own journey or feeling called to help others navigate theirs, the world of spiritual direction is waiting for you. It invites you to explore, discover, and unfold in a space of compassion and community. Take action today, and see how your story blossoms.