What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction is a relational process in which a person (the directee) meets with a trained and experienced spiritual guide (the spiritual director) to explore their spirituality in a confidential, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment.

Spiritual Direction does not mean the director tells the directee what to do or not to do. Rather, the term “direction” reflects a guided attentiveness to the inner impressions and motions (directions) of the directee.

Spiritual Direction is not counseling, mentoring, or coaching. It is a lived experience of mutual listening and discernment, guided by a skilled and trained director. The spiritual growth (depth) of the directee is the ultimate goal of spiritual direction, and many people find sustained and life-giving transformation through the practice.

Why should you try Spiritual Direction?

Healthy spiritual formation does not happen in isolation. It takes shape through relationships and lived experience. Spiritual Direction is an intentional relationship designed to be a safe space for discernment, discovery, and formation. If you’re seeking a way to nurture and deepen your spirituality and faith, consider Spiritual Direction.

If Spiritual Direction is new to you, visit Spiritual Directors International – an online hub for Spiritual Directors/Companions.

What is the timeframe for Spiritual Direction?

Typically a Spiritual Direction session lasts for about one hour. An ideal series of sessions includes meeting twice-monthly for the first month and then once a month for the remainder of a full year.

How much does it cost?

A typical donation for Spiritual Direction is $50–$75 per one-hour session. Contributions can be made securely through Venmo, PayPal (including card payments without a PayPal account), or by check (mailing address available upon request).

Accessible to All: Because Spiritual Direction is a ministry, I offer a donate-as-you-can option to ensure it remains accessible to anyone who seeks it. If cost is a concern, please reach out—we can discuss a way forward.

Sponsorships: If you’d like to help sponsor others in receiving the gift of Spiritual Direction, or give directly to my Spiritual Direction ministry, you may contribute through this PayPal link. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

Who should try Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction is for those who are seeking—a deeper encounter with the Sacred, clarity about life’s purpose or calling, guidance in discernment, or a (re)discovery of spirituality and faith. It invites a contemplative imagination, a willing spirit, a measure of self-awareness, and active participation.

Consider Spiritual Direction if you are:

Seeking a spiritual companion or a sacred friendship.
Deconstructing or reconstructing your faith narrative.
Longing for a deeper awareness of the Sacred.
Wanting to discover your True Self.
Experiencing a dark night of the soul.
Navigating a season of discernment or change.
Exploring your life’s purpose and meaning.

Where and when do we meet?

For those who live near Saranac Lake, New York, in-person meetings can be arranged. However, most sessions happen via video chat (FaceTime or Zoom). Directees schedule their own sessions using Shane’s online booking calendar.