Gentle. Deep. Sacred.
Spiritual companionship is holy work — an intimate practice of listening, noticing, and exploring questions that rarely have simple answers.
I was certified in spiritual direction through The Haden Institute in Asheville, NC, and I am currently continuing my formation through Haden's dreamwork program. My background draws on the Western Christian contemplative tradition, Jungian psychology, Celtic imagination, the enneagram, poetry, and the quiet wisdom of creative embodiment.
Alongside my work as a goldsmith — creating bespoke talismans for bespoke humans — I accompany others in their spiritual unfolding. This includes meeting with folks in person at Cedar Cross Retreat Center or virtually. My intention is to hold a space of presence, curiosity, and deep listening for those navigating transformation, longing, grief, or becoming.
On the Art and Practice of Spiritual Direction
(click to read an excerpt from one of Ginger's essays)
... The work of American artist Joseph Cornell comes to mind. His surreal assemblage sculptures employed an enigmatic precision leaving a visitor to his shadow boxes simultaneously unsure of exactly what is going on and yet also fully present in situ. Some are considered settings from Cornell’s dreams, and others are simply characterized as curiosities from a recluse. At any rate, they are excellent examples for me of a glimpse into someone else’s inner world without any kind of instruction manual or explanation being provided. Perhaps this is where spiritual direction begins?
I'm also reminded of a painting by Andrew Wyeth called "Wind from the Sea" (1947, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC). The viewer peers outside through an open window as a wispy white curtain is moved by the breeze. For me it's a painting of the wind. Describing spiritual direction is a bit like painting the wind.
There are often movements of Spirit in our lives that are beyond language, beyond mastery. Wyeth was an American master, and his rendering of that sheer fabric floating in the air is an example of his mastery. Some things in life can be mastered - painting, sourdough baking, goldsmithing, gardening.... Spiritual direction is not one of them.
The spiritual director must go into the box. The box is not the spiritual director’s home environment, and yet being at home is important. Being not only fully present but also fully willing to look for, witness, and point to the Divine at work in another’s human experience is at the heart of spiritual direction, for me. Deep listening, holding space, allowing Light — all of these are ways a spiritual companion clears space for the wind to blow through the sanctuary, through the box. In one of Cornell’s boxes, I have no idea what’s really going on, nor do I need to know. But I have to be willing to show up, stay present, and stay unattached to any particular outcome or perceived higher ideal.
FAQs
What is spiritual direction or spiritual companionship?
The term "spiritual direction/director" is a bit of a misnomer as the process is not highly directive. The art and practice of spiritual direction occupies a spectrum from a soul friendship to a clergy/laity, teacher/student dynamic. My style is one of deep listening and intuitive reflection better described as spiritual companionship. (I do use the terms director/direction as well as the terms companion/accompaniment.)
Whatever the moniker, spiritual direction is a sacred, contemplative conversation. It’s the practice of being accompanied as you listen for the deeper currents in your life — the questions, longings, patterns, griefs, and invitations that shape the inner landscape. It is not advice-giving or problem-solving. It is presence.
Is spiritual direction anything like therapy?
Both are private and personal. But beyond that, they are quite different. Spiritual direction can be therapeutic, but it is not psychotherapy.
While therapy focuses on mental and emotional health, spiritual direction focuses on meaning, interiority, and the movement of spirit in a person’s lived experience. These can complement each other beautifully.
As a spiritual companion, I don't diagnose or focus on treating for some kind of malady. The focus is on your spiritual experience and the movement of divine mystery in your life. Although at times it may be appropriate to discuss psychological and relational difficulties in the context of spiritual direction, I am not a licensed counselor, nor do I attempt to provide that service. My role is one of deep and sacred listening, holding space for you so that you may explore and inquire safely.
What happens in a session?
We sit together — in person or online — and explore what is stirring in your life. You speak at your own pace. I listen with attention, curiosity, and reverence. There may be silence. There may be tears. There may be laughter. There is always room for anything that arises within. Sessions generally last one hour and often begin with a period of silence as we ground and connect. Ritual is invited according to the client's comfort level. Sometimes we spend time in nature or with art materials as we explore. When I begin journeying in a new companionship, we discuss your needs and proceed from that understanding.
Is there a commitment to privacy?
Yes. I hold myself to the same ethical covenant that I held while I was training at The Haden Institute. I also establish an agreement with ongoing clients during our initial session to make sure all needs are considered. These two documents are provided to my ongoing clients.
Do I have to pick either virtual or in person, or can we do a mix of both?
We can certainly make arrangements for a combination.
How often do people meet with you?
For an ongoing relationship, I recommend meeting every two to four weeks. Some meet seasonally, especially during times of transition, grief, or discernment. Retreat-based accompaniment is also available.
What is your scheduling availability?
In person sessions are available on select Tuesdays or Wednesdays at Cedar Cross Retreat Center in Louisburg, NC. There is more flexibility with scheduling virtual sessions.
I've never had spiritual direction before. Can I try it out?
I welcome a conversation with you to get a sense of our compatibility. I don't ask for any long term commitments such as a minimum number of sessions. Send a message, and we can go from there.
What are your fees?
The suggested fee per session is $80-$100. Fees are accepted electronically, for whatever amount is appropriate for the client for an equitable exchange, with no questions asked.
Do I need to be religious?
No. Many who come to spiritual direction are not affiliated with a tradition. Some are shifting, healing, deconstructing, or beginning again. Others hold a steady faith but long for depth. All are welcome.
Are you religious?
My understanding of God is spacious and evolving.
I was formed in the Christian Protestant tradition and remain connected to progressive faith communities, yet I also feel at home in spaces that are spiritual but not religious — places where mystery is welcomed and deep questions are held with a reverent curiosity.
I hold great respect and affection for wisdom traditions beyond my own, and I am equally familiar with the wounds that religion can leave behind.
I meet the human experience with unconditional belonging. I believe consciousness is a divine gift, and that love — in all its forms — is the heart of the sacred.
Let's open a conversation
I welcome any questions you might have about about spiritual companionship. Use the form below to send me a message. ~Ginger