Spiritual Direction
Each of us has the inner resources we need, and there are times we need support to access those resources, especially during trying times.
We all can benefit from support at various points on life’s journey.
While there are times when therapy and/or medication is necessary, often what we human beings need is the gift of being listened to — really listened to — within a nonjudgmental space to discern our purpose, priorities and wider perspective on the the life challenges that we are navigating.
Alan has 25 years experience of accompanying or “companioning” people through challenges of each stage of life.
What is Spiritual direction?
- Being present to another’s pain, not about taking away the pain
- Accompanying; it is not about leading
- Going into the wilderness of the soul with another human being; it is not about thinking you are responsible for finding the way out
- Listening with the heart, not analyzing with the head
- Cultivating compassionate curiosity and letting go of the need for certainty
(adapted from Alan Wolfelt’s Companioning the Bereaved)
Are you wondering if Spiritual Direction is for you?
- Are you at a point in life where you would benefit from talking with someone without shame or blame?
- Are you struggling with grief, regret, anger or a relationship or set of relationships?
- Do you seek greater meaning in your life?
- Are you considering a transition or beginning a new chapter in your life?
- Do you desire talking with someone confidentially, who will hold you in their heart?
You don’t have to journey alone.
Convenient online sessions are available
In-person sessions available in Oak Park on Thursday mornings, afternoons, and evenings at Empower Family Therapy, located at 137 N Oak Park Avenue
What you can look forward to in your Spiritual Direction Sessions:
- A 50 minute session, beginning with a centering, where you may share whatever challenges, learnings, struggles, joys you’re experiencing and we listen for the stirring of the spirit
- A supportive space to be genuinely seen and heard
- A confidential witness to your convictions, hopes and current challenges
- Someone to sit with you and help you recognize the wisdom you have but may not see
- Very little “direction” but instead a genuine human response to your honest sharing
Alan meets with individuals for spiritual direction on Zoom and in person. In person sessions are available in Oak Park on Thursday mornings, afternoons, and evenings at Empower Family Therapy, located at 137 N Oak Park Avenue.
Alan also meets with people in groups.
Group Spiritual Direction
A unique opportunity of sharing and deep listening
Testimonials
Alan has this incredible gift – he listens with his heart wide open, always present. I never doubt that I’m being heard and seen when with him. His passion, compassion, and curiosity drives him to seek heart connections with people, creating sacred spaces, to face together whatever brought you across his path.
Rachelle Z