A Spiritual Director is a trusted companion who supports individual or group spiritual formation and transformation. Over many generations and traditions, many names have described this role including spiritual guide, spiritual companion, spiritual accompanier, and soul friend. Spiritual director is an umbrella term that describes a role of accompanying an individual while both participants listen for the true Director: God, Spirit or Ultimate Reality.

A metaphor or analogy might be helpful in getting a feel for spiritual direction: if moving from childhood to adulthood is ‘growing up,’ then spiritual direction can be considered ‘growing down,’ a means through which a seeker explores their inner life more deeply.

Maybe something like this fictional scenario:
Phyllis enters the side door of her church and walks into a small office. She meets her spiritual director, Joan, about every other month. In the room is a small table with 3 chairs placed around it. After a brief casual conversation between Phyllis and Joan, they sit down. Joan lights a candle and invites Phyllis into a brief time of silence.
“Take as much time in silence as you need today,” she says. “When you’re ready, just start talking. I’ll be interested to hear what’s going on for you and how you’ve experienced the Spirit since our last session.” After a few deep breaths – maybe 3 minutes go by – Phyllis begins talking about her upcoming decision about retiring from a job she loves.
Joan mostly just listens, but she occasionally asks a short question or repeats a word or phrase that Phyllis has used. The two women lapse into silence once or twice more as the hour ticks by. Sometimes as they talk, Phyllis comes to a realization or insight, but not always. After 50 minutes or so, Joan offers a prayer of blessing for Phyllis’ journey. She chooses words for God that are familiar to Phyllis. Phyllis leaves feeling affirmed and strengthened.