Unlike professional counseling that is often issue or problem-resolution focused, spiritual direction is focused on spiritual growth.  Over and over the new questions surface: “What is God doing now?  How can this pain, this open door, this unexpected loss, this insight, this undeveloped gift speak to my spiritual life, growth, and calling?”  Though some instruction and wisdom may be offered, often the most significant change points come as the client’s own voice is drawn forth and nurtured, revealing a surprising and previously unrecognized wisdom God has already sown within the individual.

A spiritual director is a “soul friend.”  It is sometimes said that just as soul injury almost always happens in the context of relationship, so, too, does healing.  Sometimes acting as midwife, sometimes hostess, sometimes teacher, sometimes companion and sometimes the director is simply a witness.  With her many years experience as a grief group leader and hospital chaplain, Janet has a particular specialty in grief work.  With a gentler pace and focus than counseling, many clients find meeting once a month to be most helpful.