What Is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction helps one become aware of God’s action in one’s life.  This is done in a loving, open manner, with a spiritual director who gives support and feedback by being a listener and companion for your life’s journey.   It is not counseling.  Rather than asking, “What is wrong?” the director asks, “Where are you being led?” and “How is the love of God present in your life?”

Why is Spiritual Direction needed today?

Today more than ever the world is demanding our attention. The stress of living is high. It is often difficult to hear the gentle, loving voice of the Holy Spirit through the noise of the world. As Christians, we need help to tune in and amplify the voice of God.  Spiritual direction is an excellent way to do this.

What are the advantages of Spiritual Direction?

• Spiritual Direction gives support in understanding how God is working in one’s life.
• Spiritual Direction encourages that which is spiritual in a person and discourages that which is not.
• Spiritual Direction helps a person to become more integrated and whole as a person.
• Spiritual Direction leads to a deeper self-knowledge

How often does one meet?

Frequencies of visits vary with who you are and what is happening at any given time in your life. Some people come once a week, some every other week during the first visits. Later, once a month is the usual frequency.

What is the usual time frame for each session?

Most Spiritual Direction sessions are one hour but could be more or less, depending on the matters the individual  wishes to share.

What is my role in the Spiritual Direction session?

• To spend time each day in personal prayer.
• To reflect on that prayer and to be open to sharing one’s prayer and faith journey.
• To meet regularly with your director for the time indicated.

What are some concerns and issues I should bring to Spiritual Direction?

• A desire to grow in one’s relationship with God or to understand that relationship in a new way.
• A need to discern the best choice for your life.
• A sense of a call from God to some form of prayer or service.
• A crisis of faith in which the old answers no longer work.

Is there a fee for Spiritual Direction?

Most professionally trained spiritual directors charge a fee.  The fee may range from $50.00 to $100.00 per hour, depending on the spiritual director.  Most spiritual directors will waive or adjust the fee according to a person’s ability to pay.

How can I find a Spiritual Director?

Professionally trained spiritual directors are available at most retreat centers and in some parishes.  
Professionally trained spiritual directors are often members of vowed religious communities and may be contacted through the headquarters of the religious community of men or women.
Some professionally trained spiritual directors operate independently and are not associated with a retreat center, parish or religious community.
> Click here for information about local retreat centers.
> Click here for a list of spiritual directors in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
> Click here for a national directory of spiritual directors by zip code.

When choosing a Catholic spiritual director, choose one who has been professionally trained in the Ignatian method at a Jesuit institution like Creighton University, Loyola University or the University of St. Louis; or one who as been professionally trained in the Franciscan method at an institution like the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

Some information on this page was adapted from a brochure published by the Campus Ministry Office at
Saint Xavier University and is used with permission.

Learn More:
> What Is Spiritual Direction? (Pathways to God)
> What Is Spiritual Direction? Fr. James Martin (America)
> What Might Draw You to Spiritual Direction? Becky Eldredge (God In All Things)
> Why A Spiritual Director Just Might Be What You Need. Sarah Morris (Grotto Network)
> Spiritual Direction As Encounter. Stephanie Clouatre Davis (God In All Things)
> Is Spiritual Direction on Your New Year's List? (Aleteia)
> How to Choose a Spiritual Director. Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension Press)
> Choosing a Spiritual Director. PDF (Catholic Parishes in Waterloo)

[Last Update 05.10.21]