spiritual direction?

[WhiteDove359]

is it counseling? how much does it cost? where do you go? i need to know everything about it.

 

[baltobetsy]

Here’s a great blog all about the subject. Hope you like it.

Betsy

 

[Joannm]

is it counseling? how much does it cost? where do you go? i need to know everything about it.

First, it is not counseling. If you need counseling a good director will let you know that.

Cost depends on who and where. Some do it for free but those who make their livelihood out of it usually charge on a sliding scale. Most retreat houses ask for a donation in lieu of a set fee.

You can ask your parish priest to recommend one. Most parish priests do not do ongoing spiritual direction but would be happy to talk with you and help you to find one. Are there retreat houses in your area? Where I live there are several that offer direction. Also you can contact the diocese and they may have a listing of director. The best way is to go by personal recommendation. Also do you know any sisters? They can often recommend people and some sisters offer direction themselves. There are also lay directors who have been trained.

Also you must know that it is a commitment. Once you find a good director you establish a relationship of trust…on both sides. While you are not obligated to follow direction, if you want to grow in your spiritual life and really believe that the HOly Spirit is guiding your and your director, then obedience to direction is important. But it involves dialogue. You both, together, come to decisions about your spiritual life. You just don’t do what he or she says without prayer and discernment. A good director will tell you this. Also if you feel that you and the director are not working out, a good director will not feel bad if you tell him or her that it is not working out.

Good luck. Pray to the HS to help you find a director and if you happen to get a really good one, don’t let him or her go. I have been with mine for 13 years.

 

[Joannm]

is it counseling? how much does it cost? where do you go? i need to know everything about it.

First, it is not counseling. If you need counseling a good director will let you know that.

Cost depends on who and where. Some do it for free but those who make their livelihood out of it usually charge on a sliding scale. Most retreat houses ask for a donation in lieu of a set fee.

You can ask your parish priest to recommend one. Most parish priests do not do ongoing spiritual direction but would be happy to talk with you and help you to find one. Are there retreat houses in your area? Where I live there are several that offer direction. Also you can contact the diocese and they may have a listing of director. The best way is to go by personal recommendation. Also do you know any sisters? They can often recommend people and some sisters offer direction themselves. There are also lay directors who have been trained.

Also you must know that it is a commitment. Once you find a good director you establish a relationship of trust…on both sides. While you are not obligated to follow direction, if you want to grow in your spiritual life and really believe that the HOly Spirit is guiding your and your director, then obedience to direction is important. But it involves dialogue. You both, together, come to decisions about your spiritual life. You just don’t do what he or she says without prayer and discernment. A good director will tell you this. Also if you feel that you and the director are not working out, a good director will not feel bad if you tell him or her that it is not working out.

Good luck. Pray to the HS to help you find a director and if you happen to get a really good one, don’t let him or her go. I have been with mine for 13 years.