​​Spiritual Direction/Companionship at Pathways Retreat
Spiritual direction/companionship is a unique relationship that explores the spiritual aspect of being human. It provides space to notice and attend to the movements of God/Spirit, or the Divine in one's life. Spiritual directors/companions honor confidentiality, listen with compassion, and are witnesses to the spiritual unfolding of another person.

Similar to the ways that a physician is trained to diagnose physical ailments and a therapist to recognize mental health issues, spiritual directors/companions are trained to tend to spiritual health. A holistic wellness approach includes paying attention to health in all these areas of life.
 
Spiritual direction and companionship is offered at Pathways for individuals and groups.  Find out more information about group spiritual direction/companionship, 
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t spiritual direction/companionship for clergy?
​Spiritual direction has frequently been offered within the institutional church, primarily for pastors and or those who identify with Christianity. Increasingly, spiritual direction/companionship is sought out by all those seeking a connection with their Higher Power. This includes but is not limited to those who:
  • don't know fully what their beliefs are,
  • are shifting in their faith,
  • don't belong to a religious body
  • believe in other faith traditions outside of Christianity.
Why might I be interested?
People come to spiritual direction/companionship for a variety of reasons. Often they wish to:
  • Tend their spiritual health.
  • Heal from harmful religious experiences, figures and/or systems.
  • Wander with a companion through their faith deconstruction and shifting belief systems.
  • Increase awareness of God/Spirit’s presence in their daily life.
  • Find support during a difficult time.
  • Discern their path forward when making difficult life choices..
  • Explore new and different ways of praying.
  • Find healing, balance, wholeness, and transformation.
  • Consider some of the big questions in life, such as their identity, purpose, and meaning.
What happens during an individual session?
Each session is unique, depending on the directee and the director. Some directors/companions begin each session with a time of silence or a short spiritual practice. Others invite the directee to pay attention to their mind, body, spirit, as they arrive and choose how they would like to begin. The directee brings the agenda, sharing what is on their heart or mind or in their awareness. Directors/companions typically share observations and ask questions.
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​How much does it cost?
The cost for individual spiritual direction/companionship at Pathways Retreat averages $60-90 per session, however directors have varying rates.
 
Pathways has an Accessibility Fund* that makes spiritual direction /companionship available to all regardless of ability to pay. Currently, people who meet with Evan and Linda may receive assistance from this fund.
How often do sessions happen?
Most individual sessions happen monthly. Occasionally they may be every 2-3 weeks, depending on the support desired by the directee and the director’s availability.
How long does a session last?
Sessions are typically about an hour in length.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions happen in person at Pathways Retreat and virtually, depending on the directee’s geographical location and preference. During favorable weather, sessions may also happen in one of Pathways’ outdoor meeting spaces.
How do I find a spiritual director/companion?

To find a spiritual director/companion, please contact the person directly. Often, seekers meet with several directors/companions to ensure a good “fit.” It is customary for the first meeting to be an exploratory meeting, free of charge.
Spiritual Directors/Companions at Pathways Retreat
* We recognize that this fee is out of reach for many individuals and are committed to making this ministry available to everyone. In order to meet the gap between Pathways needs and an individual’s ability to pay, an Accessibility Fund was established in 2019.
If you’d like to use the Accessibility Fund, speak with your spiritual director. If you’d like to contribute to the fund, please designate your donation to the Accessibility Fund. Any amount given over $70 for a direction session will automatically go towards replenishing the Accessibility Fund and is a tax deductible contribution.
"A spiritual director is not a holy person but a person who sees the holy in others and holds it for them until they see it for themselves."
- James Finley

Online Payment for Spiritual Direction

  1. Please make arrangements with your spiritual director prior to making an online payment.
  2. Click on the Pay for Services button below.
  3. Select the amount ($60-80 is generally recommended unless otherwise agreed upon with your director).
  4. Select the name of your spiritual director from the dropdown menu and and enter the date of the session you are paying for in the notes. 
Please be aware that, though PayPal uses the word "donation" for this payment, payments for services are not tax-deductible