Spiritual Direction

Trusting ancient wisdoms
to navigate modern life

Our culture is in a meaning and spiritual crisis.

But modernity has faded our intuition for spiritual formation.

So how do you navigate life’s issues with spiritual depth?

How can you find and apply ancient wisdoms and spiritual practices in a personal, trusting way?

This is the role of a Spiritual Director and its 2,000 years of applied experience.

“The practice of spiritual direction invites a person into the sacred work of becoming who they truly are.”

James Finlay, Trappist Monk

“Spiritual direction invites you to see your life as a journey of meaning, to discover purpose, and to find your own path.”

Sue Pickering, Spiritual Director

What is a Spiritual Director?

If you aren’t familiar with spiritual direction, think of it as akin to a personal trainer but for your spiritual health and formation.

The primary difference being our spiritual life is less about what we want to achieve and more about who we are called to be.

It is a role with 2,000 years of pedigree. It helped birth and develop the Christian monastic, mystical and contemplative traditions.

And whilst Spiritual Directors are, traditionally, spiritual companions for monks and priests, we support people from all walks of life.

I specialise in supporting individuals navigating lives of high responsibility and pressure given its unique set of challenges, the lack of empathy for people with success and the nature of my other professional expertise.

What would a flourishing spiritual life look like to you?

Some benefits of a Spiritual Director

Spiritual Direction is a space to navigate the types of issues you might address if you were on retreat:

  • Relations with the sacred and divine

  • Purpose, vocation and calling

  • Transition, crisis or doubt

  • Rhythms and ritual

  • Spiritual dryness and disconnection

  • Self awareness and inner peace

  • Disappointment and lament

  • Forgiveness and reconciliation

  • Faith led or religious questions

  • Personal character and virtues

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, it is a chargeable services.

    Aside from the value of the time I provide at my end, I find it creates skin in the game for the Spiritual Directee in terms of commitment; particularly when the Directee is not working in a priestly role so having a Director is more outside of their normal routine.

    But traditionally, yes, in the sense that Spritual Directors are historically monks or priests trained to help other monks and priests deepen their spiritual lives.

  • For many reasons but at its core it is most frequently rooted in a questioning about how the divine is at work in, through and around them and what that means for their life journey. Perhaps a sense that there is more going on than they can put their finger on and they want to help to identify, align with or pursue it.

    Sometimes it is is triggered by a specific crossroads, thought process, crisis or event but not always.

    It helps wherever you are at in life.

  • It works on a rolling basis with a monthly commitment. It can be done in person or online, depending on geography and pricing.

  • In a typical session, the Directee shares their spiritual experiences, challenges, and questions. I listen carefully and then use a range of wisdom traditions, questions and practices to help you clarify, process or move forward. It’s a time of prayerful conversation and reflection.

  • No, you don’t need to have a faith. If you do you have a faith, it doesn’t need to be a particular type or denomination.

    However, whatever your situation, you do need to be comfortable with me using the practices and insights of the Christian tradition as that is what it is all based in and what I am trained in.


    If you are Western and considering the use of a tradition from another part of the world (eg Buddism, Sufism etc), I encourage you to look around. However, I would not overlook the potential reality that the Christian tradition is likely to be the most culturally familiar once you enter into it just because it is so deeply embedded in our cultural values, rhythms and rituals. So, it may well feel more familiar more quickly - and be more readily applicable - than others.

  • Spiritual Direction is not counselling or therapy. They are focused on psychological healing and emotional health. SD is instead focused on deepening one's relationship with the divine and spiritual growth: to explore your spiritual life, discern God's will, and reflect on your experiences in the context of spirituality.

  • A safe, non-judgmental space to share your spiritual life and struggles. An SD is there to guide, not to give advice or tell you what to do, but to help you uncover the wisdom God is offering you through your own experiences.

  • Yes, by default it is confidential. However, if something shared indicates immediate harm or danger, confidentiality may need to be breached in line with ethical guidelines or legal requirements.

  • There are no formal SD qualifications but there are courses. SD has mostly been performed by known, credible individuals within faith communities so SD courses act more like professional development that hones a specialist skill for an individual who is already well established in their spiritual journey. The most important qualities are a deep understanding of the Christian spiritual tradition, an ability to listen attentively, and a deep commitment to personal prayer and discernment.