Spiritual Direction

A key way to deepen our search for faith and to grow in our personal relationship with God is through spiritual direction. To facilitate this, the Portsmouth Diocese Spirituality Team oversees a network of trained spiritual directors across the diocese, who are available to meet with you on a one-to-one basis.

Spiritual direction gives you space to reflect - with someone outside your immediate situation - on your own life and experience of God. This may include questions around doubt, failure, confusion and loss, as well as hope, faith, spiritual growth and maturity. It offers you the opportunity to cultivate and deepen your relationship with God, in a safe, non-judgmental and encouraging environment.

How spiritual direction could help you:

• it provides a confidential, prayerful space where you can consider and talk about your ongoing experience of God and your life
• it offers help in discerning the activity and work of the Holy Spirit in your journey of faith
• you can start wherever you are in your spiritual experience, whether you are just starting to explore, or whether you have been a Christian for many years

Since the early days of the church, Christians have recognised their need to connect with someone who will accompany them on the road of faith. In fact, today it is often called ‘spiritual accompaniment’ or ‘spiritual companionship’, rather than ‘direction’. Thus, spiritual direction is not about being told what to do. Neither is it therapy or counselling. The role of a director is to listen, support and encourage.

Each meeting generally lasts around one hour, and may happen every 2-3 months depending on your preferences and needs. All our directors receive ongoing supervision and safeguarding training. If you are interested in finding a spiritual director or would like to find out more, please contact the Spirituality Team via Neil Smart.