It’s not surprising various forms of spiritual counseling are on the rise. More than half of American adults say they seldom or never attend church1, yet 75 percent refer to themselves as spiritual2. You’ll hear different terms used for a spiritual coach, depending on the faith tradition, including spiritual director, spiritual companion, Anamcara (or soul friend), practitioner, or spiritual guide.
I like the phrase “spiritual coach” because many people have positive associations with coaching in one form or another. Coaches are more than a friend; they have experience and training to inform their insights and suggestions. Their tone is not directive, however, and spiritual coaches are themselves still growing spiritually.
Regardless of the faith tradition, spiritual coaching (or direction) typically encompasses several key practices:
- Holy listening is the foundation of spiritual coaching. A spiritual coach listens from the heart, is fully present and attentive.
- Honest, open questions are the primary tool spiritual coaches use. Such questions invite the coachee to go deeper. They are never leading questions, nor are they advice presented in question form. If the coach knows the answer, it’s not an honest, open question.
- Valuing silence is essential for meaningful reflection, for both the coach and the coachee.
- Coaches teach rather than instruct. The focus of teaching is self-knowledge, not expertise conveyed by the coach. The coachee’s truth is always found within.
- Coaches honor each person’s unique spiritual journey, refraining from judgment or criticism.
- Safety, respect, encouragement, support, patience—these are all essential aspects of a spiritual coaching session.
An additional resource I use is the Enneagram, a unique tool for psychological and spiritual growth. This ancient wisdom tradition offers clinical insight that explains why we behave in the way that we do by uncovering our unconscious motivations and deeply rooted influences3.
Some reasons to engage in spiritual coaching include these:
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· To have a greater appreciation of self in relation to the Divine |
· To clarify beliefs about God, life, self |
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· To fully forgive—self or others |
· To release limiting beliefs |
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· To create a meaningful spiritual practice |
· To alleviate spiritual pain |
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· To realize one’s full potential |
· To deepen prayer life |
The timing and format of spiritual coaching is flexible. Sessions are typically one hour long, and their frequency depends on the coachee’s needs. We can meet in person, by phone, or by video chat over Zoom. Contact me for more information or to get started: (805) 724-7709 or joanne@joannedeck.com.
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