What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction is an intentional relationship in which a person (the directee) meets with another person (the spiritual director) to explore their spirituality in a confidential, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment.

Spiritual Direction does not imply that the director tells the directee what to do or not to do. The term “direction” implies an guided attentiveness regarding how spirituality is at work within the directee’s life.

Spiritual Direction is not counseling, therapy, or attempting to diagnosis a person. It is a specific, trained skill of listening and alliance. People often find lasting personal transformation through Spiritual Direction.

Why should you try Spiritual Direction?

Healthy spiritual formation does not happen in isolation. Formation happens in the context of relationships and experience. Spiritual Direction is an intentional kind of relationship, led by a skilled and experienced practitioner, and designed to be a safe place to discern, discover, and experience formation. If you are looking for a way to nurture and develop your spirituality, consider Spiritual Direction.

If Spiritual Direction is new to you, check out Spiritual Directors International – the 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 two months and then once a month for the remainder of a full year.

Additionally, a session usually includes brief pre- and post-meeting email/text communication and reflection assignments.

How much does it cost?

A typical fee for Spiritual Direction is $75 for a one hour session. Donations and payments can made conveniently and securely through PayPal (even if you don’t have a PayPal account), or via check.

NOTE: Spiritual Direction sessions with Shane are currently being sponsored by benefactors who want to make Spiritual Direction available for all. Therefore, currently there is no fee for Spiritual Direction for the directee. To discuss…or for any additional questions, Contact Shane.

If you would like to donate and sponsor the work of Spiritual Direction, you may use this PayPal link. Thank you.

Who should try Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction is for those who are seeking…seeking deeper awareness about life’s purpose, seeking clarity about a calling, discerning a decision, or (re)discovering spirituality or faith. Spiritual Direction requires an active imagination, a willing spirit, and mutual participation. Consider trying Spiritual Direction if you are:

Seeking a spiritual companion or a holy friendship.
De/Reconstructing your faith narrative.
Seeking a deeper awareness of the Sacred.
Wanting to discover your True Self.
Experiencing a dark night of the soul.
In a season of discernment or change.
Wanting to explore your life 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 Google Meet). Directees schedule their own session using Shane’s online booking calendar.

What is spirituality?

Kenneth Pargament succinctly defines spirituality as “the search for the sacred.” I agree that healthy spirituality is an ongoing process of curiosity and the awe of discovery. And I think there is more to spirituality than searching! While faith traditions have long celebrated the spiritual dimension of personhood, spirituality is increasingly being understood within the social science fields an inherent dimension of personhood and a major contributor to our overall health and well-being. Spirituality is the part of personhood that connects with the body and mind and is known to largely influences one’s meaning, motivation, and sense of belonging. Practicing spirituality increases your perspective, purpose, motivation, and sense of belonging in life.