Also called Spiritual Direction, it’s when a trained, experienced person listens deeply to someone’s story with the intention to hear, feel, and attend to what is most authentic and sacred within them.

A companion listens in a non-judgmental way, asking questions of the person, drawing them out, reflecting back to them what they hear them saying. They can also teach practices such as prayer, meditation, relaxation, and discernment, all of which help the person become attuned to the inner movements of Spirit within them, or to God or the sacred speaking or nudging them toward something.

Although “Director” can mean a more directive style and “Companion” a more non-directive one, these terms are used interchangeably today.

For anyone seeking clarity and direction, a deeper relationship with a divine presence or greater attunement with the universe, or to understand the meaning of what’s happening in their life. Above all, a person seeking a “something more” both in this life and transcending it.

Although many people who seek a spiritual companion have a God of their understanding, I also work with people who are agnostic or have rejected traditional conceptions of God, yet seek a deeper, more honest and authentic life just the same.

While I am ordained in the United Church of Christ, a Christian denomination, I was trained in a program that was ecumenical, interfaith, and interspiritual, and am open and receptive to people of various religious backgrounds, as well as no religious background at all.

Yes! The longing and curiosity you bring to your search for a Spiritual Companion is what make you well suited to this work. The openness of your seeking is one reason you can benefit from it.

Ask how they approach spiritual companionship work, what their training was like, how they became interested in companioning, whether they have a religious background, whether they regularly see a spiritual companion, and what their confidentiality policy is like. Further guidance, plus other helpful questions to ask prospective spiritual companions, is available HERE.

I typically meet with people for one hour, once a month, though there are exceptions depending on circumstances.

What brought you to the session today. What’s happening in your life? Spiritual practices. What currently gives you joy? What are your anxious places? What your relationships and encounters with people are stirring within you. Anything true, whether it’s easy or a struggle. (Often the struggles help us grow the most!)

Therapy or counseling usually focuses more on pathology or diagnosis and is more aimed at treatment or problem-solving. Spiritual Companionship is purposely non-directive, not focused on solutions or fixing something that’s wrong, but on meaning-making, insight, and tapping into your inner wisdom, whether religious or otherwise.

Typically in a one- or two-year certificate program, with coursework and supervised experience doing companioning with clients during a practicum.

I will hold our conversations in strict confidence. Our time together is sacred. I will not reveal the content of our conversations unless I am required to do so by law or court order. On the other hand, you are free to share whatever you choose about our conversations with anyone.

Yes, and this is really one of the most important and helpful steps in finding a spiritual companion. You would make an appointment through the website.

Either through a scheduling link on my website, or by calling me.