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~Spiritual Care Services~

What Is Spiritual Direction? 

Simply put, spiritual direction is the process of accompanying and assisting someone on their spiritual journey. Spiritual direction exists in a context that emphasizes growing closer to God (the Source, the Holy, Higher Power, the Mystery, the Divine, or whatever language you are comfortable with). 

Spiritual direction explores a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspects of being human. Simply put, spiritual direction is helping people live and tell their sacred stories. 

"Spiritual direction has emerged in many contexts using language specific to particular cultural and spiritual traditions. Spiritual direction helps us learn how to live in peace, with compassion, promoting justice, as humble servants of that which lies beyond all names." (Liz Budd Ellmann, MDiv, Executive Director, Spiritual Directors International)

"Spiritual direction is the contemplative practice of helping another person or group to awaken to the mystery most often called God in all life experiences, and to respond to that discovery in a growing relationship of freedom and commitment."(James Keegan, SJ, Roman Catholic, USA, on behalf of the 2005 Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International)

Spiritual direction is a term for a conversation, ordinarily between two persons, in which one person consults with another spiritually experienced person about the ways in which God or Higher Power may be touching her or his life, directly or indirectly. It may also take the form of a group conversation in group spiritual direction. The formal term "spiritual direction" may sound like one person giving direction to another, but it does not mean this. It means centering the focus of our conversation on the underlying spiritual aspects of life experiences or of engaging in an exploration directed toward the spiritual dimension of human experience. 

Spiritual direction may include “mentoring” for the purpose of integrating spirituality into daily life through learning spiritual practices, developing discernment, and exploring problem solving strategies.

What we call it doesn't matter. The reality remains we hold sacred conversations about your life experiences in the light of your inner-faith, your inner-authority, and your awareness of the emerging Soul. 

What Spiritual Direction Is Not

  • Spiritual direction is not counseling.
  • Spiritual direction is not therapy.
  • Spiritual direction is not financial or legal advice.

 Is Spiritual Direction for You?

Spiritual direction incorporates God or Source -- a Higher Power -- a third partner in the process while exploring the spiritual dimension to life's issues and concerns.

Although it may be appropriate at times to discuss personal or relational struggles in the context of spiritual direction, a spiritual director, unless trained and licensed otherwise, is not a psycho-therapist or marriage and family counselor and does not provide such services. If such services are need to advance on your spiritual path, appropriate referrals will be offered. 

Similarly, although you may want to discuss financial or legal issues in a spiritual direction session, a spiritual director does not offer financial or legal advice. Any subsequent decisions and actions you may take are done without advice or recommendation, and are purely your own responsibility.

Credentials

I hold certificates in Spiritual Mentoring and Pastoral Counseling from Light of Christ Community Church as a part of my Doctor of Ministry training. 

In addition to receiving an initial Spiritual Practitioners certificate, I was also Ordained through LCCC, and after a lengthy period of study with Sancta Sophia Seminary, received a Doctor of Ministry degree and a Certificate in Spiritual Mentoring.

I also hold graduate degrees in Sociology (BA and MA) with emphasis in social psychology and family studies. I also hold an MA in Education with an emphasis in leadership, training and development. 

My Spiritual Care services includes Individual and Group Work.

Individual Work:

  • Spiritual Direction
  • Spiritual Practice Mentor
  • Pastoral Care: Prayer & Meditation Therapies, Vibrational Healing, Spiritual Healing, Life Transitions, and Bereavement Counseling

Group Work:

  • Compassionate Speaking & Listening
  • Group Spiritual Direction
  • Sunday Wisdom Circle
  • Sophia Circle

Rev. Dr. Patsy Walker Fine, Spiritual Director

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