FAQ
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is a set apart time to attend to what is hidden and sacred in life with a skilled practitioner. It is a non-judgmental and discerning space to grow capacity to hold ourselves, others, and all of life. It is an opportunity to be supported in growing spiritual connection and freedom in spiritual practice.
A couple other words I use to refer to what I do are “spiritual companioning” and “spiritual accompaniment”.
You can find more on Spiritual Direction, here.
How is Spiritual Direction different than therapy?
Spiritual Direction focuses on the spiritual life of a person or group and incorporates spiritual practice. While all of life is connected and therefore is present and welcome in Spiritual Direction, it is intentional about turning its eye toward a person or group’s spiritual world.
Spiritual Directors also avoid giving advice and or solutions to issues, though they do support a person or group in discerning their path and can offer resources as they desire. They cannot treat mental health issues and should be trained in discerning when an issue that someone is facing is appropriate for therapy. Often times, people can work with both a therapist and spiritual director at the same time.
What can I expect in a session?
In a one-on-one session, you can expect to be listened to without judgement. You can expect to be invited to contemplation or practice based on what is helpful to you. You can expect someone to listen with you and support your discernment. You can expect that everything will be an invitation. And you can expect to grow in spiritual confidence over time. Sessions are generally one-hour long monthly.
In a group session, you can expect me to facilitate space for people to listen and support one another, discern with one another, or stretch their spiritual connection, freedom, and practice together. It depends on the make-up and focus of your group.
What is your spiritual or faith background?
For my story and background, please see my About Me page.
Where were you trained?
I was trained at Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies.
For more on my education, experience, and accountability, please see my About Me page.
Who do you work with?
I am open to working with anyone who is willing to work with me. However, I prioritize women, femmes, and gender non-conforming people of color with my time.
I work best with people who are open to discomfort, curiosity, deepening their understanding of themselves, and waiting expectantly in the Spirit. I work best with people looking for support, NOT a spiritual expert or master.
I am gifted at supporting people during uncertainty, long processes of transition, rediscovery, and healing from church hurt. I am gifted at supporting people who are reassessing their relationship to spirituality & the systems that have defined it.
The people I work with express their faith and spirituality in diverse and dynamic ways.
If you’re wondering if I’m right for you, schedule a free intro and let’s talk!
Why do you use the language you use (the Spirit/Spirit/ spirituality)? What do you mean?
When I'm working with other people, I try as much as possible to use or reference the language that makes sense to them.
Otherwise, I try to use language that is most honest to my experience. Here are some frequent words you’ll see on this website and in resources + what I mean when I use them:
The Spirit/ Spirit of Life - giver/ source of life, the “What is this?”
spirit - the force(s) that move(s) life
spirituality - how we engage with spirit & The Spirit in everyday life
sacred - that which is set apart to add to, recognize, or express the potency of life
divine - personified expressions of the force of life
Why do you call yourself a mystic?
I started to use this as an easy way to talk about my relationship with Spirit once I found that relationship was unique to many people around me (which was a surprise to me!). The more I learn its meaning, history, and significance, the more it resonates.
If I have to give a definition it would be: one whose life is characterized by heightened sensitivity to and a supernatural relationship to the ineffable Spirit of Life.
This can include either transcendent or potently tangible feelings/ senses marked by goodness, love, and clarity of being (though not necessarily comfortable or “feel-good”), as well as visions and dreams. In my opinion, this is different than charisma, or gifts of performing signs and wonders... though I don't know if I can properly explain that here. I can say that it is not meant to draw people to you or to the Spirit through your person. Instead, it seems meant to draw a person to the Spirit in a disarming, mostly private, and unraveling way. And even when these messages or experiences are shared they are often elusive to the mind, but provocative to the heart and spirit. They can bring clarity of action. But there is no a + b = c.
I should add that these experiences seem to increase courage, humility, and awe in the life of a mystic as opposed to megalomania and hubris. A mystic is still a human with faults and flaws, but the relationship and its experiences often lead to more questions than answers, while increasing a willingness to venture into unknown territory. From what I have experienced so far, the mystic call is to embrace the mystery of Life.
Where are you located?
I’m currently located in Richmond, TX, outside of Houston.
Are sessions in-person or virtual?
Since 2020, I have done most sessions virtually.
However, if you are located near me, you can choose to have sessions in-person… when I’m in town. I travel often these days!