What to Expect

Spiritual Direction sessions may include times of silence, prayer, listening, conversation, scripture reading, and other contemplative spiritual practices. Whatever the practice, the goal is to pay attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. 

Frequency and Duration

The typical Spiritual Direction session takes place monthly and lasts one hour. If needed sessions can be more or less frequent or for a longer time (scheduled in advance).

Setting

I offer spiritual direction via Skype/Zoom/Facetime and in person in Courtice or Kingston, Ontario. 

Confidentiality 

I will hold our conversations in strict confidence. Our time together is sacred. I will not reveal your identity as a Directee or the content of our conversations up to the limit of the law - that is, threatened harm to yourself or another. In some cases I may bring case material to supervision, this material will be kept as anonymous as possible. If you have any concerns about this policy and practice, please discuss this with me and your wishes will be respected. 

You, as a Directee, are free to share whatever you choose about our conversations with anyone. I may make occasional notes simply as personal reminders; these are kept in a locked filing cabinet in my office. You are welcome to view these notes at any time.

Expectations

We will begin and end our sessions on time. We both seek to keep all agreed-upon appointment times, regarding them as a sacred trust. If a change in appointment is needed, we try to give at least 24 hours in advance by email or text message. 

We understand that there are distinctions between Spiritual Direction and therapeutic counseling. In general, therapy and counseling deal primarily with problem-solving in an attempt to bring a healthy resolution to a particular issue/s. Spiritual Direction is primarily concerned with listening for God and freely responding to God in every-day life, both in joy and in pain. Over time, we may experience a deepening walk with God, strengthening of our person, and/or healing and freedom in Christ.

We periodically check in with one another in ongoing discernment of our relationship, each letting the other know what is going well and/or what is not going well.

Expectations of the Director

As your Spiritual Director, I commit to being present to your during our sessions. I commit to meet with my own Spiritual Director, meet with a supervisor and adhere to Spiritual Directors International's "Guidelines for Ethical Conduct." 

Expectations of the Directee

You, as a Directee, meet with me, Elizabeth, as your Spiritual Director because you want to pay attention to your spiritual life. You understand that it is a three-way relationship with God as the true Director. While we may at times discuss psychological or relational difficulties, you understand that, in this role, I am not acting as a therapist or a financial advisor, nor am I medically trained. You understand that any decisions or actions you take in these areas are done without my advice and are solely your responsibility.  

Fees

Fees are offered on a sliding scale of $30-70 per one-hour session, payable at the end of the session or by mutual arrangement. Please speak to Elizabeth if you have any concerns regarding fees.