Spiritual Direction
One-on-one companionship for seasons of change, grief, discernment, spiritual questioning, and reimagining.
For a more honest and spacious spiritual life
There are seasons when life has changed and we have changed with it—
when the ways we've learned to make sense of the world no longer fit,
the questions we ask have no easy answers,
and the things we’ve relied on have fallen apart.
In a world that rushes to certainty and answers, I believe we need more spaces where we can slow down, listen deeply, tell the truth, and be witnessed. Spiritual direction is one of those sacred spaces.
What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a process through which one person (the director) accompanies another (the directee) in listening to and discerning the sacred/God’s* invitations. Spiritual direction is a form of companionship, and it does not seek to “fix” anyone or anything; rather, it seeks to host non-judgmental space that invites wonder, discernment, and connection with the Self and God/the sacred.
*I welcome the multiple ways in which we know/name divine presence
Is Spiritual Direction for you?
Spiritual direction might be for you if you are…
Feeling spiritually stuck 𑇐𑇐 Seeking spiritual care outside of a traditional church setting 𑇐𑇐 Desiring a deeper life with God/the sacred 𑇐𑇐 Experiencing grief or loss 𑇐𑇐 Healing from trauma 𑇐𑇐 Navigating a season of change or transition 𑇐𑇐 Approaching a threshold 𑇐𑇐 Needing discernment 𑇐𑇐 Working through questions around identity or vocation 𑇐𑇐 Experiencing burnout 𑇐𑇐 Feeling disoriented or “no longer knowing” 𑇐𑇐 Wanting more support as a leader 𑇐𑇐
Why I Love Spiritual Direction
The first time I encountered spiritual direction, I felt uncertain about it. It stretched me outside of my (evangelical) tradition, and I wasn’t sure if I liked it!
BUT over time, my feelings about it changed especially as the container for my faith started to crack, break, and take on a different form. (Read more about my story here)
As I grew and evolved, spiritual direction became one of the most spiritually liberative spaces I felt safe to exist in. It became a place I could bring the FULLNESS of what I held— questions, doubts, griefs, and ALL.
My Training
Given the impact spiritual direction has had on my life (as a directee), especially in seasons of spiritual upheaval, I decided to enroll in Liberated Together's School of Spiritual Direction, a school focused on empowering women and non-binary folks of color to be healers in the world.
My training at that school taught me how to hold expansive, spiritually nourishing space for others– especially for folks of marginalized communities or experiences.
Values That Guide Me
Liberation
I approach spiritual direction with a liberative lens (asking who or what is hurting or missing, and how we can create more expansive, healing space).
Multiple Ways of Knowing
I hold a posture of spiritual openness (drawing from my Christian heritage but not feeling limited to working within it). I also hold an understanding that there are multiple ways of knowing God/the sacred.
Spiritual Agency
I value folks and their spiritual agency/autonomy (affirming their inner-knowing to determine what is right for them).
Wonder & Creativity
I move toward wonder and creativity (because I believe curiosity and imagination are spiritual practices that hold transformative potential).
I’d love to accompany you and your unique journey.
Areas of Interest
I love working with folks navigating the following identities/experiences:
⚈ women & non-binary folks ⚈ BIPOC/people of color ⚈ creatives ⚈ spiritual care providers ⚈ helping professionals ⚈ deconstruction/reconstruction ⚈ spiritual, religious, racial, and gender-based trauma ⚈ grief or loss ⚈ ethnic/racial identity ⚈ intersectional identities ⚈ justice/activism ⚈ creative & contemplative spiritual practices ⚈
Commonly Asked Questions
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Because spiritual direction is like a three-way conversation (between you, me, and God*), we make intentional space for both talking and deep listening.
As a way of supporting deep listening, I will often invite silence, ask deepening questions, offer words or images, and/or incorporate a guided practice that engages your imagination, emotions, body, and/or thoughts.
*I welcome the multiple ways in which we know/name divine presence
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Although you may bring up the same sort of issues you would with a therapist or life coach, as a spiritual director, I will mostly respond by facilitating a space for accessing your own knowings and resources.
Solving particular problems or handling specific crises is not the goal of spiritual direction. And because spiritual direction is not counseling or life coaching, I will refrain from offering advice or counsel.
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I offer FREE 30-minute intro sessions to help us determine whether we are a good fit! During this time we get acquainted with each other and discuss any questions you may have.
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One-on-one spiritual direction sessions are typically 55 minutes, about every 2-4 weeks— as determined by the directee.
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At this time, I offer spiritual direction both online via Zoom and in-person for those that live in Chicago. Let’s connect to discuss which format is best for you.
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My current rate is $75-100/session (sliding scale). I encourage folks to use the Green Bottle Sliding Scale Method to help them determine what their per session contribution should be.
“I'd describe spiritual direction sessions with Ruth like co-creating a painting together—a little mysterious and fun, irreplaceable and timely.
Her ability to attune to my emotional, spiritual needs and desires and provide creative supports and practices was truly a gift.”
— HAPSHIBA, DIRECTEE