‘Getting a little tripped-up by the term “spiritual direction?” There is very little “direction” involved! And that is just one difference between therapy and spiritual direction…
The biggest difference between therapy and spiritual direction (in pictures!)
When people give us the blank stare of, “What did you say you do for a living?”, we often offer a mash-up: “We’re kind of like a therapist meets a chaplain…” ‘Not entirely accurate. But close! One might offer that the difference between therapy and spiritual direction is that spiritual direction is therapeutic but not therapy. If you are looking to explore the difference between therapy and spiritual direction, the following breakouts may be helpful for you. As you explore each category, notice what feels like the right fit for you:
Now that I know the difference between therapy and spiritual direction, what next?
You know yourself well. Even if you are in the grip of vulnerabilities or old wounds, you have a sense of how you want to be with your own resilience, healing, and growth.
You might ask yourself, “Is what I am facing into an issue of mental health? Would I benefit from strategies for coping, and possibly even medical intervention?” If yes, do resource yourself through your doctor, crisis lines, and mental health support systems. Sometimes the shortest path to getting immediate care can be via your local distress centre, or distress call line.
‘Not sure just where you’re at with all of that? One thing that a spiritual director will do for you is gently point you toward other professions if the scope of care is not within their qualifications.
Many of our participants are engaged in more than one caring modality. It is not unusual for a directee to meet with a spiritual director and a therapist or counsellor. If you are engaged in a 12 Step program, or seeing a psychiatrist, having the companionship of a spiritual director may offer another arm of support to your process.
What does Still Lake Listening offer?
Wherever you find yourself in this disruptive and wonder-filled journey of Self/God exploration, Still Lake can come alongside you. You can engage one-on-one, in small groups, or in neutral spaces (like a contemplative walk, or a coffee shop conversation). Wander through our Serves page, or Journal for more on this.
Courage for your own journey
As you hold the difference between therapy and spiritual direction with ongoing wonder (Could this be for me?), trust what arises. Could that be The Knowing you need to point you in the way that will serve you well — body, mind, heart, soul?
There is something a bit mysterious and at-just-the-right-time about this kind of listening care. There’s the readiness of your own Soul and self to get down into it; the crossing of paths — ideas and people who all seem to be saying the same things. It’s like your life is speaking to you — giving you messages all pointing to tackling your own Way of Being just a bit differently. As you explore the difference between therapy and spiritual direction…and counselling and pastoral care and (who knows!) maybe finding a shaman, may you find just the right Thing for you!
Maybe this is less about requiring transformation, and more about deeply exploring the Who of You? Being spaciously non-judgmental and a bit wonder-struck about who you have been all along, and who you are now discovering yourself to be new ways?
The Map You Make Yourself (By Jan L. Richardson)
You have looked at
so many doors
with longing,
wondering if your life
lay on the other side.
For today,
choose the door
that opens
to the inside.
Travel the most ancient way
of all:
the path that leads you
to the center
of your life.
No map
but the one
you make yourself.
No provision
but what you already carry
and the grace that comes
to those who walk
the pilgrim’s way.
Speak this blessing
as you set out
and watch how
your rhythm slows,
the cadence of the road
drawing you into the pace
that is your own.
Eat when hungry.
Rest when tired.
Listen to your dreaming.
Welcome detours
at doors deeper in.
Pray for protection.
Ask for the guidance you need.
Offer gladness
for the gifts that come
and then
Let them go.
Do not expect
to return
by the same road.
Home is always
by another way
and you will know it
not by the ligh
tthat waits for you
but by the star
that blazes inside you,
telling you
where you are
is holy
and you are welcome
here.