What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is an ancient Christian practice of meeting regularly with a trusted companion who walks alongside you as you seek to notice God's presence and movement in your everyday life. Together, we prayerfully listen and discern what God may be inviting you toward, creating space to receive God's loving guidance and transforming work. Spiritual direction fosters a deeper relationship with God, a clearer understanding of who you are, and greater awareness of God's activity in your life. To learn more, watch the introductory video on my Home page or visit my Spiritual Direction page.
How can I know if spiritual direction is right for me?
Do you long for a deeper relationship with God? Are you seeking guidance, healing or greater peace? Do you feel spiritually dry, overwhelmed, or simply hungry for more? Or are you longing to live with less striving and more abiding? If any of these resonate with you, spiritual direction may be a meaningful next step. Because every person's journey is unique—and the Holy Spirit is the true Director—each experience is deeply personal. I invite you to schedule a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation where you can ask questions, learn more about spiritual direction, and see whether we might be a good fit (you can schedule a session here).
Can spiritual direction be done online?
Yes. I offer spiritual direction both in person (Mt. Juliet, TN) and via Zoom. Many people are surprised by how meaningful online spiritual direction can be. Whether we meet in person or virtually, the heart of the experience remains the same: creating an attentive, prayerful space to notice God's presence and invitations in your life.
What happens in a spiritual direction session?
Every spiritual direction is unique because every person and every journey is unique. We usually begin with a few minutes of conversation, followed by prayer, Scripture, or silence—or we may simply begin with whatever is most present on your heart. Together we prayerfully listen, reflect, and discern God's presence and invitations in your life. Throughout the session we will follow the Spirit's leading as we talk, listen, reflect, and explore. I like to conclude by praying for you.
What can I hope to get from a spiritual direction session?
My hope is that spiritual direction will help you move toward deeper intimacy with God, resulting in healing and wholeness. As part of that process, you will have the opportunity to
How often should we meet for spiritual direction?
Most people meet once a month, though meeting twice a month or every other month may be helpful during certain seasons. Just as we benefit from caring for our physical health consistently, a regular rhythm of spiritual direction helps us attend to the health of our souls.
Is there a fee for spiritual direction?
My suggested fee is $75 per one-hour session, which is comparable to the fees charged by many other professionally trained spiritual directors. Some churches help cover the cost of one or more spiritual direction sessions because they recognize its value for spiritual growth. If you're a member of Providence Church, the church provides funding for two sessions (you may complete the interest form here). If cost is a barrier, please let me know. I never want finances to keep someone from receiving spiritual direction, and I'm happy to discuss my sliding scale.
What should I consider when choosing a spiritual director?
Choosing a spiritual director is much like choosing a counselor—you want someone who is a good fit for you. While trained spiritual directors share a common foundation in spiritual formation and discernment, each brings unique theological perspectives, life experiences, personality, and areas of specialization. That's why I encourage you to explore a director's website and schedule an introductory conversation before beginning. You can learn more about me on my About Sally page.
How long should I see a spiritual director?
Many people meet with the same spiritual director for at least six to twelve months before discerning together whether the relationship continues to be fruitful. Spiritual growth is often slow and subtle, so giving the relationship time is important. Some people continue for years, while others come for a particular season. If you ever sense that God is leading you elsewhere, it's perfectly appropriate to conclude your time together with gratitude and openness.
Do I have to attend church or meet any other “requirements” in order to begin spiritual direction?
No. Spiritual direction is for anyone who desires to grow in intimacy with God or care for their soul wherever they are on their spiritual journey. Whether you're deeply rooted in church, healing from difficult church experiences, returning after time away, or simply curious or seeking, you're welcome. My desire is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can come as you are and experience hospitality for your soul.
What is the difference between counseling and spiritual direction?
Counseling and spiritual direction share some common ground, but they have different primary focuses. Counseling primarily addresses emotional and psychological health, helping people understand, process, and work through life's challenges. Spiritual direction focuses on your relationship with God, creating space to notice and respond to the Holy Spirit's presence and work in your life. As God draws us closer to Himself, healing and transformation often become part of that journey. While the two are distinct, they often complement one another. At times I may recommend counseling in addition to—or before—spiritual direction, and I'm happy to provide referrals when appropriate.
Do you lead seminars, workshops, or retreats for groups and organizations?
Yes! I love creating retreats, workshops, and classes that help people slow down, listen for God's voice, and care for their souls. Topics include contemplative prayer, spiritual practices, inner healing, journaling, and other creative approaches to spiritual growth. I also partner with my husband, Neil Sharpe, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to offer workshops and retreats on marriage, relationships, and parenting. Along with my regular offerings, I'd be delighted to work with you to design a retreat, workshop, or class that best serves your church, group, or organization.
What if I have a question that’s not answered here?
I'd love to hear from you. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please reach out through my contact page. I'm always happy to answer questions or schedule a free consultation.
Spiritual direction is an ancient Christian practice of meeting regularly with a trusted companion who walks alongside you as you seek to notice God's presence and movement in your everyday life. Together, we prayerfully listen and discern what God may be inviting you toward, creating space to receive God's loving guidance and transforming work. Spiritual direction fosters a deeper relationship with God, a clearer understanding of who you are, and greater awareness of God's activity in your life. To learn more, watch the introductory video on my Home page or visit my Spiritual Direction page.
How can I know if spiritual direction is right for me?
Do you long for a deeper relationship with God? Are you seeking guidance, healing or greater peace? Do you feel spiritually dry, overwhelmed, or simply hungry for more? Or are you longing to live with less striving and more abiding? If any of these resonate with you, spiritual direction may be a meaningful next step. Because every person's journey is unique—and the Holy Spirit is the true Director—each experience is deeply personal. I invite you to schedule a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation where you can ask questions, learn more about spiritual direction, and see whether we might be a good fit (you can schedule a session here).
Can spiritual direction be done online?
Yes. I offer spiritual direction both in person (Mt. Juliet, TN) and via Zoom. Many people are surprised by how meaningful online spiritual direction can be. Whether we meet in person or virtually, the heart of the experience remains the same: creating an attentive, prayerful space to notice God's presence and invitations in your life.
What happens in a spiritual direction session?
Every spiritual direction is unique because every person and every journey is unique. We usually begin with a few minutes of conversation, followed by prayer, Scripture, or silence—or we may simply begin with whatever is most present on your heart. Together we prayerfully listen, reflect, and discern God's presence and invitations in your life. Throughout the session we will follow the Spirit's leading as we talk, listen, reflect, and explore. I like to conclude by praying for you.
What can I hope to get from a spiritual direction session?
My hope is that spiritual direction will help you move toward deeper intimacy with God, resulting in healing and wholeness. As part of that process, you will have the opportunity to
- Experience being seen, known, and loved
- Grow in awareness of God's presence, love, and ways of speaking and working in your life
- Deepen your relationship with God
- Learn to rest in God's love rather than strive
- Discern God's wisdom and guidance
- Explore spiritual practices that nurture your soul
- Discover your true identity in Christ
- Experience greater healing, freedom, and wholeness
How often should we meet for spiritual direction?
Most people meet once a month, though meeting twice a month or every other month may be helpful during certain seasons. Just as we benefit from caring for our physical health consistently, a regular rhythm of spiritual direction helps us attend to the health of our souls.
Is there a fee for spiritual direction?
My suggested fee is $75 per one-hour session, which is comparable to the fees charged by many other professionally trained spiritual directors. Some churches help cover the cost of one or more spiritual direction sessions because they recognize its value for spiritual growth. If you're a member of Providence Church, the church provides funding for two sessions (you may complete the interest form here). If cost is a barrier, please let me know. I never want finances to keep someone from receiving spiritual direction, and I'm happy to discuss my sliding scale.
What should I consider when choosing a spiritual director?
Choosing a spiritual director is much like choosing a counselor—you want someone who is a good fit for you. While trained spiritual directors share a common foundation in spiritual formation and discernment, each brings unique theological perspectives, life experiences, personality, and areas of specialization. That's why I encourage you to explore a director's website and schedule an introductory conversation before beginning. You can learn more about me on my About Sally page.
How long should I see a spiritual director?
Many people meet with the same spiritual director for at least six to twelve months before discerning together whether the relationship continues to be fruitful. Spiritual growth is often slow and subtle, so giving the relationship time is important. Some people continue for years, while others come for a particular season. If you ever sense that God is leading you elsewhere, it's perfectly appropriate to conclude your time together with gratitude and openness.
Do I have to attend church or meet any other “requirements” in order to begin spiritual direction?
No. Spiritual direction is for anyone who desires to grow in intimacy with God or care for their soul wherever they are on their spiritual journey. Whether you're deeply rooted in church, healing from difficult church experiences, returning after time away, or simply curious or seeking, you're welcome. My desire is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can come as you are and experience hospitality for your soul.
What is the difference between counseling and spiritual direction?
Counseling and spiritual direction share some common ground, but they have different primary focuses. Counseling primarily addresses emotional and psychological health, helping people understand, process, and work through life's challenges. Spiritual direction focuses on your relationship with God, creating space to notice and respond to the Holy Spirit's presence and work in your life. As God draws us closer to Himself, healing and transformation often become part of that journey. While the two are distinct, they often complement one another. At times I may recommend counseling in addition to—or before—spiritual direction, and I'm happy to provide referrals when appropriate.
Do you lead seminars, workshops, or retreats for groups and organizations?
Yes! I love creating retreats, workshops, and classes that help people slow down, listen for God's voice, and care for their souls. Topics include contemplative prayer, spiritual practices, inner healing, journaling, and other creative approaches to spiritual growth. I also partner with my husband, Neil Sharpe, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to offer workshops and retreats on marriage, relationships, and parenting. Along with my regular offerings, I'd be delighted to work with you to design a retreat, workshop, or class that best serves your church, group, or organization.
What if I have a question that’s not answered here?
I'd love to hear from you. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please reach out through my contact page. I'm always happy to answer questions or schedule a free consultation.
