“The beauty of listening is that those who are listened to start feeling accepted...Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends, to get to know their inner selves more fully, and even to dare to be silent with you."
Henri Nouwen
In spiritual direction, I seek to be an attentive presence, providing you with a safe space where you can share and process your stories.
I work from within the Christian tradition, but I am not tied to any specific stream inside that wide and deep river. I embrace the richness and fullness of the faith’s enduring wisdom across the years.
What is spiritual direction?
My simple answer:
Paying attention together, to what God is up to in and through the everyday stuff of our lives.
Forms of spiritual direction are found across religious traditions and spiritual directors vary in their perspectives and training. My own is rooted in the Christian faith, and the ministry is one that is ancient, going back to the early church. Spiritual direction does not focus on solutions, or try to “fix” you. Every now and then, suggestions are offered as invitations, to help awaken you to the presence and activity of God in your life.
Read on for more on the nature of this ministry.
What is Spiritual Direction?
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A Journey
Think of a Spiritual Director as a soul companion-guide, accompanying you as a traveler. At times, the way is straight, or turns sharply, or forks into multiple directions. The companion-guide walks faithfully alongside you. Periodically, there is silence, for presence is enough. On other occasions, your guide points out features of the landscape, making observations and connections that prompt reflection and curiosity. No pathway is off-limits for exploration.
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A Mirror
Imagine that a Spiritual Director acts as a mirror, helping you see hidden parts of yourself and your experiences. In this image, the director acts as a reflector, clarifying your thoughts and feelings. Shades of light and shadow are revealed. Your director does not problem-solve or give advice. Instead, through gentle prompts, you see what you did not see before. Slowly, you wake up to the answers and the beauty that has always been within you.
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The Process
Our first meeting is free and a get-to-know-one-another time. I go over my engagement form - a bit like a contract - that helps us to be on the same page. In a session, Through deep listening and asking questions, I help you to reflect on your relationship with yourself, others, and with God. Each session is different, depending on what you want to share. I start and end with silence and a prayer. Confidentiality is honored, unless there is danger of harm to yourself or others.
Why consider Spiritual Direction...
To become more aware of the sacred within your ordinary everyday life.
You want a space to express your doubts, questions, and fears.
You are wondering what you can offer in the service of others.
You need help discerning vocational pathways and life decisions.
To unravel an inner struggle with which you are grappling.
To illuminate God's love and care when circumstances are difficult.
Help you draw closer to God by examining your spiritual practices, such as your prayer life.
You have a general nudge towards exploring “something more” in your spiritual journey, but you can’t quite name it!
Session Fee
I want everyone to afford the gift of spiritual direction. I host one hour sessions on a sliding scale based on annual income (combined family or pension).
The suggested fee scale below is in CAD/USD - same amount regardless of exchange rates.
Below $30,000 / $40.00 per hour
30,000 – 40,000 / $50.00
40,000 – 50,000 / $60.00
50,000 – 60,000 / $70.00
60,000 - 70,000 / $80.00
70,000 –80,000 / $90.00
80,000++ / $100.00
Cost difficult? Please contact me and we will figure it out together.
Testimonials
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"Every time I would enter into a Spiritual Direction session with Witty I knew, through her value of silence and following the Spirit, we would journey to uncharted corners of my heart. Her humble yet bold nature creates a beautiful space of anchored trust and stability."
Martha
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"I expected spiritual direction to be more like mentorship or focused teaching, but I experienced the sessions as a sacred time carved out to hone in on where the Spirit was working and what God was speaking into my life. During a time of major life transition, Witty gently listened and gave space for questioning and processing my own listening and acted as a steady guide. She encouraged me to seek God’s voice and the work of the Spirit."
Jane
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"Spiritual direction with Witty felt like receiving a personalized gift. She offers me a safe, relaxed, intentional atmosphere that allows me to look deep into my heart and deep into God's. This gift has been transformative beyond words. Thank you Witty."
Elisa
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Confidentiality
The names of the above testimonials have been changed to honor confidentiality.
Ready to be accompanied in your sacred life?
I am happy to meet directees in person or via an online platform.
I am rooted in the Christian tradition but am open to providing a hospitable space for all to explore their own sacred journeys.
I trained through Portland Seminary, Oregon, (USA), gaining a Masters in Spiritual Formation & a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
I am a member of Spiritual Directors International and you can find my profile on their website.
I abide by their "Guidelines for Ethical Conduct."