Since the 1990’s spiritual direction has spread from Roman Catholic and Orthodox settings, where it had existed since the times of the early church, into mainline and some evangelical Protestant churches as well as Jewish and other faith traditions. At the same time, parishoners continue to discuss personal and faith issues with their clergy in the context of pastoral care. Therapy attracts millions of Americans as a fundamental wellness practice. Many persons are involved in a combination of one or more of these practices. What are the differences between them? What are the similarities? How do I know when I should seek spiritual direction or pastoral care or therapy? On October 15, 2017 an adult forum was held at the Episcopal Church of All Saints, Indianapolis, IN, to explore these questions. A panel of All Saints clergy and members discussed therapy, pastoral care and spiritual direction as viable and available options for all persons. The panel was composed of Mother Suzanne Wille, rector; Linda Ferreira, long-time Indianapolis therapist; and Dan Hoffman, spiritual director. Short presentations were followed by Q&A. In Dan's comments on spiritual direction he relied heavily on the work of well-known spiritual director, Maureen Conroy, RSM, D.Min., especially her important book: Growing in Love and Freedom: Personal Experiences of Counseling and Spiritual Direction (Order from Upper Room Spiritual Center, 3455 West Bangs Avenue, Bldg. 2, Neptune, New Jersey 07753, 732-922-0550, www.theupper-room.org). One listener to Dan's statement noted later that Dan spoke of spiritual direction as always having God as the hub or center and as the main actor alongside the directee. He noted that Dan's spiritual direction practice includes not just persons of Christian faith but others who are unsure of their religious affiliation but nonetheless sense the Mystical and Sacred or Holy in their lives. Some of these persons are compassionate humanists. Others consider their spirituality as "God-optional". Dan's comments were directed to a Christian faith community and he was reflecting his own Christian and Anglican identity. However, in his spiritual direction practice, all narratives and places of search and spiritual expansion are welcome. He suggests that for persons who have difficulty with the word "God" that the following terms be considered instead: "the Sacred", "the Holy", "the Source", "Being", "the Ground of Being", "the Mystery" . . . . . . . the word "God" and all of the above terms point to more than what we know right now and invite a person or seeker into the spaciousness of spiritual direction. Now you are invited to listen to a recording of this discussion. Several of the handouts that were distributed can be accessed through the attachments below. What comments and questions do you bring to this discussion? Add them in the comments box and expand the exchange of ideas and information. therapy_handout_all_saints.pdf differencebetweensdandcounseling.cowan.pdf comparison_of_helping_fields.pdf
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March 2023
AuthorDan Hoffman is an Indianapolis USA based spiritual director, supervisor of spiritual directors, and workshop/retreat leader. This occasional blog discusses things he is thinking about and wants to share. Comments are always welcome. |