Numerous articles are reporting that Demi Moore is currently participating in spiritual counseling. (Many state that she’s “receiving” it – as if the process were a one-way flow.) Hopefully, at least some readers of these articles are asking themselves the following questions: What exactly is spiritual counseling? How does it differ from other types of counseling? Is it the same thing as spiritual direction?
Spiritual Directors International (SDI) describes itself as “a learning community committed to advancing spiritual direction around the world.” The number one frequently-asked question on its website is, not surprisingly, “What is spiritual direction?” Explanations from many different faith traditions are given. These include some of the following overall descriptions: the process of accompanying people on a spiritual journey… helping people tell their sacred stories everyday… the contemplative practice of helping another person or group to awaken to the mystery called God in all of life… it is really quite ancient…
The reader is then invited to explore definitions of spiritual direction from these specific faith perspectives: Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Taoist, and Yoga. For example, the Islamic section includes this quote from Rumi: Whoever travels without a guide needs two hundred years for a two-day journey. The Jewish section includes this quote from Rabbi Jacob Staub: The object of spiritual direction is to cultivate one’s ability to discern God’s presence in one’s life… The Buddhist section includes this quote from Karin Miles: Through empathy and wisdom, the director skillfully leads the directee to know his or her inherent goodness…
In order to discover the elephant that is hiding within a block of marble, a sculptor must first carve away all that is not the elephant. Similarly, SDI helps the reader to define spiritual direction by also explaining what it is not. The website states that the spiritual director is neither a psychotherapist nor a financial advisor. Although these roles might appear similar at times, spiritual direction is described as including “a deity or higher power as a third partner in the process.”
The terms “spiritual direction” and “spiritual counseling” are often used interchangeably. Other similar terms include “spiritual companionship” and “spiritual advisement.” When the Catholic Community Forum posed this question: What is the difference between a spiritual director, a spiritual advisor and a spiritual counselor? – no definitive answer was given. Instead, perspectives such as these were offered: There may
or may not be a difference… and …nothing a psychologist, psychotherapist, or my psychiatrist could tell me or no matter how many hours I spend with them talking – has the same effect as confession…
Resources
http://global.christianpost.com/news/demi-moore-receiving-spiritual-counseling-68269/
http://www.sdiworld.org/what_is_spiritual_direction2.html
http://www.catholicforum.com/forums/showthread.php?33279-Spiritual-Director-vs.-Spiritual-Advisor-vs.-Spiritual-Counselor
Copyright February 1, 2012 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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