Here are some nuts and bolts related to my spiritual direction practice:
How often?
I recommend meeting monthly for an hour. Special sessions can be scheduled if a specific issue is being discerned, such as a new job, a move to another part of the country, etc.
Where?
My spiritual direction practice is based in Indianapolis, IN, USA, on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Myaamia and Kickapoo peoples. Depending on the client's preference, I offer spiritual direction at my home or virtually (Zoom, Facetime).
Clients meeting at my century-old house should know that accessibility to the front door is by two steps to the porch. The only bathroom in the house is up a flight of stairs. There are handrails inside and outside. If accessibility is an issue for a client, I can offer sessions in their home or another alternative location.
How to start?
Following an initial inquiry, I ask that we meet virtually or in person at a public location (coffee shop, library) for an exploratory conversation. In this conversation, I explain my adherence to the Revised Code of Ethics of Spiritual Directors International and make some standard professional disclaimers. I would like to know what is being sought in spiritual direction. The inquirer is invited to ask any relevant questions about her spiritual director search. I encourage reading John Mabry's excellent book Starting Spiritual Direction. There is no charge for this initial conversation. If continued exploration is desired, we set up a "test session" (no cost, no obligation) so that spiritual direction as I offer it can be experienced first-hand. If spiritual direction with me seems right after these first contacts, we both sign a simple agreement and launch our work together. It is at this point that financial contributions are requested for each session.
Confidentiality?
Absolute confidentiality is promised to all clients to foster safety and trust. However, the law requires that certain harmful acts be reported to authorities. To provide excellent spiritual direction, I am under supervision. In supervision, I describe interactions with clients, carefully masking the identity of each person. During exploratory sessions (see above), we discuss confidentiality. Even though I am not free to break the seal of confidentiality, the client may share anything from our sessions with others.
How much?
In Indianapolis, spiritual directors typically request between $45 and $75 per session. I ask each client to determine an amount for each session within that range, according to financial ability. All persons who desire spiritual direction should have access to it and so if you have unique financial considerations, let me know. I can offer a sliding scale. Payments should be made at or immediately following each session. I receive cash, all major credit cards, checks, and PayPal remittances. For unpaid sessions, I follow up with an invoice/friendly reminder.
Evaluations?
I invite clients to evaluate with me how things are going following the first few sessions and then periodically.
Digital communications?
To protect absolute confidentiality, I do not use any social media platforms. However, I do use email and texting to schedule sessions. Clients are welcome to talk with me between sessions using email or texting.
"We're all just walking each other home."--Ram Dass
How often?
I recommend meeting monthly for an hour. Special sessions can be scheduled if a specific issue is being discerned, such as a new job, a move to another part of the country, etc.
Where?
My spiritual direction practice is based in Indianapolis, IN, USA, on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Myaamia and Kickapoo peoples. Depending on the client's preference, I offer spiritual direction at my home or virtually (Zoom, Facetime).
Clients meeting at my century-old house should know that accessibility to the front door is by two steps to the porch. The only bathroom in the house is up a flight of stairs. There are handrails inside and outside. If accessibility is an issue for a client, I can offer sessions in their home or another alternative location.
How to start?
Following an initial inquiry, I ask that we meet virtually or in person at a public location (coffee shop, library) for an exploratory conversation. In this conversation, I explain my adherence to the Revised Code of Ethics of Spiritual Directors International and make some standard professional disclaimers. I would like to know what is being sought in spiritual direction. The inquirer is invited to ask any relevant questions about her spiritual director search. I encourage reading John Mabry's excellent book Starting Spiritual Direction. There is no charge for this initial conversation. If continued exploration is desired, we set up a "test session" (no cost, no obligation) so that spiritual direction as I offer it can be experienced first-hand. If spiritual direction with me seems right after these first contacts, we both sign a simple agreement and launch our work together. It is at this point that financial contributions are requested for each session.
Confidentiality?
Absolute confidentiality is promised to all clients to foster safety and trust. However, the law requires that certain harmful acts be reported to authorities. To provide excellent spiritual direction, I am under supervision. In supervision, I describe interactions with clients, carefully masking the identity of each person. During exploratory sessions (see above), we discuss confidentiality. Even though I am not free to break the seal of confidentiality, the client may share anything from our sessions with others.
How much?
In Indianapolis, spiritual directors typically request between $45 and $75 per session. I ask each client to determine an amount for each session within that range, according to financial ability. All persons who desire spiritual direction should have access to it and so if you have unique financial considerations, let me know. I can offer a sliding scale. Payments should be made at or immediately following each session. I receive cash, all major credit cards, checks, and PayPal remittances. For unpaid sessions, I follow up with an invoice/friendly reminder.
Evaluations?
I invite clients to evaluate with me how things are going following the first few sessions and then periodically.
Digital communications?
To protect absolute confidentiality, I do not use any social media platforms. However, I do use email and texting to schedule sessions. Clients are welcome to talk with me between sessions using email or texting.
"We're all just walking each other home."--Ram Dass