Training is required for those who want to become a spiritual director. So how do you find the right training program for you?
Before searching for a program, ask yourself a few questions.
- Why do you want to become a spiritual director?
- What has been my experience so far? in Spiritual direction? (Traditionally, programs have required applicants to have extensive experience as a director).
- How much time can I spend training?
- How much money can I spend on training?
- What are my expectations for the program?
Spiritual Directors International (SDI Companions) recommends a program duration of at least nine months. Some are shorter term, but most are between nine months and two years. There’s nothing magical about nine months or two years. I recommend looking for it programmatically. As part of your practicum (also known as an internship), you will be required to perform spiritual direction with at least two clients for several months, and your practicum will include supervision of each of those spiritual direction sessions.. This is the best and perhaps only way to truly learn the art of spiritual direction. By doing.
Participating programs must include presentations, lectures, assigned readings, and discussions prior to beginning this lab. Find a program that not only teaches you the history and philosophy behind spiritual direction, but also practical skills such as:
- How to deeply listen to the spiritual aspects of what the director is saying.
- How to respond appropriately to what you hear or notice.
- How to deal with sticky ethical situations.
Once you have gathered information about what you need from the program, it’s time to start your search. Most people use internet searches to find out, but reviews from people who have gone through your training program can be invaluable.
Further questions to ask yourself:
- Do you need a program with friends to study with?
- Should you find online, in-person, or a hybrid?
- How much flexibility do I need? Is my life such that I can reasonably set aside certain days or weeks for the program to meet with my cohort (when live class presentations are taking place)? If you are unable to attend, it will be difficult to make up for lectures and discussions.)
- Does the program require a particular perspective?Some people want a Catholic program. Some people want something interfaith. Some seek an evangelical Christian perspective. You need to find what suits you. If we don’t, we often end up feeling uncomfortable with the language and philosophy.
In the world of spiritual direction training, many programs begin with formation (inner work and education to help you grow into the role of spiritual director) and then move to skills-based training. If you are just considering forming, you may be interested in enrolling in a program where you spend a year forming and only attend the first year.
However, if you have already done a lot of spiritual formation work over the years (this includes people who regularly attend or host retreats, people who are engaged in ministry) , which may include seminary graduates), may look for programs that engage them directly in practice. Part of skills training. [Full disclosure: the Apprentice Training Program I created and offer accepts applicants who have already done formation and spends the full 9 months in skills based training.]
One type of program is not better than another. That means you need to find what works for you.
The types of programs out there are (this list is not exhaustive)
- apprentice – Meet one-on-one with an experienced spiritual director and educator, usually live or online. This is the most flexible program as you can set meeting times that suit your convenience. Typically, this may involve no cohort, or just one or two other people.
- Residential – Travel to a place and study with other people in the same group the whole time. This is usually the least common program format due to the cost of lodging, meals, and transportation. But it also allows you to meet people from all over the world.
- By region – You meet in person with your local group once a month. This is a very popular model if your program allows you to adjust your schedule to accommodate the times when live in-person meetings occur.
- Online with your cohort – Find a program with online meetings and meet live at a time set by the program. You may then decide to join a breakout group for more personal work.
- hybrid – A program that meets online from time to time and holds retreat weeks or weekends at designated times for in-person cohort work. Right now, this is probably the most popular style of program since the pandemic.
Once you find a program that interests you, set up a meeting with the director to discuss your background, desire to become a spiritual director, and program details. Be sure to cover everything you are unsure about. Ask for the names of some of the people who have graduated from the program and see what they have to say.
Training to become a spiritual director is not cheap. Take your time and find the program that’s right for you. I hope your search goes well!
Directed by Teresa Brice Spiritual Director Apprenticeship Training Program at Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction. If your lifestyle requires a program that gives you the time you need to graduate and flexibility in meeting times, and if you’ve already done a fair amount of spiritual formation, check out this program. Please. We have three great trainers and lots of openings. Click the link above or email us at: [email protected].
Source: Spiritual Direction 101 – www.patheos.com
