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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions are a natural place to begin.
Whether you're new to spiritual direction or simply wondering what to expect, these answers can help you better understand the experience and decide what feels right for you.
About Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a form of spiritual accompaniment centered on your relationship with God. It offers a prayerful space to bring your life, questions, transitions, grief, discernment, and whatever may be unfolding within you.A spiritual director does not provide answers or tell you what decisions to make, but accompanies you with prayerful attention, thoughtful questions, and compassionate presence.
Spiritual direction is not therapy, counseling, or coaching.Therapy often focuses on emotional and psychological healing, while spiritual direction focuses specifically on your spiritual life and relationship with God. Spiritual direction can complement therapy, but it is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
No. My ministry is rooted in the Catholic faith and shaped by Franciscan and Ignatian spirituality, but people from different Christian traditions and spiritual backgrounds are welcome.You do not need to share my background to be welcomed, respected, and accompanied.
Your first session is an opportunity to begin getting to know one another, talk about what has drawn you to spiritual direction, and explore what you hope this space might offer.There is no agenda you need to prepare. You simply bring your life as it is, and together we begin to listen.
Spiritual direction is often most meaningful as an ongoing practice. Many people choose to meet approximately once a month, allowing time between sessions for prayer, reflection, and noticing what may be unfolding in everyday life.
Yes. Spiritual direction is a private and confidential relationship, and what you share is treated with care and discretion. I follow the ethical guidelines of Spiritual Directors International. Confidentiality may be limited in certain circumstances when disclosure is required by applicable law or necessary to address serious safety concerns. These boundaries will be discussed at the beginning of our spiritual direction relationship.
Yes. Spiritual direction is available virtually, making it possible to meet from wherever you are.In-person opportunities may also be available depending on the offering.
Other Ways to Go Deeper
Group Spiritual Direction brings a small group together in a confidential, prayerful environment for shared reflection, contemplative listening, and spiritual companionship.Rather than offering advice or trying to solve one another's concerns, participants accompany one another with prayerful attention and care.Groups may be offered in person or virtually.Learn About Group Spiritual Direction
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are a guided journey of prayer and discernment designed to deepen your relationship with God. Through Scripture, prayer, reflection, journaling, and spiritual accompaniment, the Exercises invite you to grow in friendship with Jesus and become more attentive to how God may be inviting you forward.
Yes. The Spiritual Exercises are currently offered virtually, so you do not need to live in Chicago to participate.
You do not need to wait for a particular semester or program date to express interest. Inquiries are welcome throughout the year.If you feel drawn toward the Spiritual Exercises, we can begin with a conversation about what is drawing you to the experience and whether this journey may be right for you.
Retreats and spiritual experiences offer intentional space to step away from the pace and noise of everyday life for prayer, silence, reflection, spiritual conversation, and renewed awareness of God's presence.Experiences may be designed for individuals, small groups, churches, organizations, and communities.Explore Retreats & Spiritual Experiences
A Spiritual Direction Walk creates space for prayerful conversation while walking outdoors. Movement, creation, silence, and conversation can help us experience discernment differently and become more attentive to God's presence around and within us.The simplicity of walking together reflects something deeply Franciscan: encountering God through creation, presence, and relationship.Learn About Spiritual Direction Walks
Getting Started
You don't need to know exactly what you're looking for before reaching out.If you're unsure whether Individual Spiritual Direction, Group Spiritual Direction, the Spiritual Exercises, or a retreat experience may be right for you, we can begin with a conversation about where you are and what is drawing you at this time.
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