Most folks I know who do this kind of work call themselves Spiritual Directors, and many people seek “spiritual direction.” For the most part, I think we mean the same thing. I prefer to use the word “accompaniment” because I think it better embodies the kind of relationship I hope to have with my clients. I use the term “accompaniment” because I deeply believe that it is my job to be with you on the journey to support you and challenge you as needed - but I do not pretend to be an expert on your life or your goals. Life Coaches are great, but do not often explicitly incorporate a spiritual dimension into their work.

Spirituality is, to me, a way of understanding our lives and our place in the universe not only by understanding ourselves but also by valuing and making intentional connection to that which is beyond ourselves. Call it energy, call it Love, call it God, call it manifestation, call it magic … spirituality suggests that there is a force at work both within and beyond ourselves. Being connected to this spiritual part of ourselves and to the world around us opens us up to new ways of understanding and of being in relationship with all that is. In my experience, connecting with my spiritual self has helped me to more fully integrate and align all of the parts of me that make me “me.”

Nope. Religions provide one avenue to help us connect with a higher power or Divine presence within and around us. Each religion has its own tools, language, and approach to how this is done. But our spirituality does not have to be defined by religion or religious beliefs. During Spiritual Accompaniment, you get to decide how you understand and express your spirituality and what intentions you have for your spiritual growth.

Ehhh … sometimes. I (Jill) grew up in the Christian tradition and still practice some aspects of Christianity today. However, I have very little allegiance to Christianity itself; it’s simply the stories I’m most familiar with. I have studied several different religions and have found great value and growth in all of them. I work to decolonize my faith and understanding of God and religion on a regular basis, and I actively seek and maintain relationships with people of diverse faith backgrounds.

This link provides one overview of how spiritual accompaniment (referred to as “spiritual direction”) compares to things like counseling and the kind of care you might receive from a pastor or other faith leader. In short, pastoral care is typically shorter-term and/or crisis management and often assumes your participation in a particular faith community. Spiritual Accompaniment, on the other hand, is typically longer-term and has no direct tie or connection to a particular church or faith community. It is not therapy, as I (and others) often lack the particular training and expertise that a licensed therapist would have, especially regarding treatment for mental health. As needed, we may discuss referrals to appropriately trained caregivers that may better support a client’s particular needs.

Perhaps you want to simply explore your relationship with your own expression and understanding of spirituality. Or maybe you have a more specific intention centered around something that will help you feel more grounded, integrated, or whole. The hope is that our work together will be deeply practical and apply to things you encounter in your everyday life, relationships, values, and beliefs. Some particular intentions I’ve had or encountered are:

To stay more centered in a feeling of Peace.

To spend less time in anger.

To explore self compassion as an alternative to perfectionism.

To value feelings and intuition as a source of wisdom that is just as powerful as the mind.

To notice where fear is guiding decision-making, beliefs, and actions rather than love.

To unpack unhealthy narratives connected to God and redefine a person’s own understanding of God.