Spiritual Direction can be combined
with other therapies
Any of the pastoral counselors can offer you a combination of
psycho-therapy and spiritual direction if you desire it. In this
context, you can focus not only on psychotherapeutic issues but on your
spiritual experiences as well. You may have been awe struck by
something that you have never shared with anyone. In exploring these
experiences, you may begin to connect them to your search for the
meaning of your life.
Often journaling, meditation or spiritual reading can be a
support to this work. Using these exercises allows you to slow down and
reflect on what matters and what counts as your make your choices. You
may want to talk about your sense of a divine presence in your life. Or
you might want to simply slow down to reflect and recognize where new
possibilities for "Life" are opening up before you.
For many, this period brings a feeling of deep vulnerability.
When crustaceans emerge from their shell when have outgrown it, they
are quite vulnerable until a new shell develops around them. Similarly,
we human beings, as we let go of some of the visions that have guided
our choices, move into a phase of not knowing and experience a sense of
defenselessness. This lasts until a new vision emerges and you begin to
see a way to move toward it.
Many people come to the center for such reflection:
- When they lose their job.
- After they "make partner" and need to reflect on what they are striving for now.
- As the kids grow up and leave the nest.
- At the point where they move toward retirement.
- Following the loss of a parent.
- As they go through a divorce.
- As they face or emerge from a life-threatening illness.
Exploring the myriad of feelings with one of the counselors
offers you a place of security to examine the reflections of the new
self that are emerging. By talking aloud about these issues and
allowing your dreams to emerge, you can tease out more clearly what
life is asking of you just now.
You may come to The Counseling Center with a yearning to explore
the purpose of your life. If you are facing a transition from one stage
of your life to another, you are may feel a need to pause and reflect
on "what it's all about."
Searching for Meaning
Sometimes known as "Spiritual Direction"
At the center, you will find that some of the counselors are
ordained clergy.
These pastoral counselors are particularly open to your reflections on
how this period of your life represents a part of your spiritual
journey.
You might be interested specifically in Spiritual Direction. In
this modality, individuals explore their relationship to God and to
draw on the resources of their spiritual tradition. Others may have
suffered real conflicts with their childhood religious community and be
seeking healing.
