A Handbook for Spiritual Directors: An Ignatian Guide for Accompanying Discernment of God’s Will

by Timothy M. Gallagher

This book offers spiritual directors a practical guide for accompanying persons who, when faced with choices, ask for help in discerning God’s will. In it, Fr. Gallagher explores the wisdom of St. Ignatius, gathers the insights of the best commentaries in the 500 years since, and shapes this material into a clear and usable guide for spiritual directors. When guiding others in discernment, spiritual directors will find this Handbook an invaluable tool. Based on Ignatian wisdom, it will show them how to proceed and will supply the means for the process.

Genres: Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2017

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendously helpful for Spiritual direction training. Fr. Gallagher is such a gift to the Church!

[Brian Hohmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gallagher's most recent volume is the clearest, most concise and generally most comprehensive basic outline I've read of Ignatius' entire system of discernment and how its different parts fit together in a single process. While I'd recommend his previous books on each set of Ignatius' twin rules of discernment as more readable and more helpful explanations in their own rights, I have no doubt I'll be returning to this monograph frequently. Either as a primer or as a reference to reinforce Ignatius' grammar of discernment, "A Handbook for Spiritual Directors" earns its highly practical, functional title and deserves its spot on any spiritual director's shelf.

[Griselda Puspa · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a long time, I thought about psychology, coaching, art therapist, and spiritual direction as career options. Each gives the opportunity to listen and to engage with a client, but each also has different requirements. At the same time, I explored Carmelite saints' writings, Ignatian spiritual exercises, and Franciscan saints' lives.

Through this book, Father Timothy explains extensively how spiritual directors can apply Ignatian rules of discernment. He gave multiple examples to illustrate his point, and practical checklist for directors in each phase. This book does not replace the Ignatian Spiritual Direction training, nor other spiritual direction courses and certificates. But it does help readers to see the landscape of spiritual direction: it is a journey.

I wouldn't say this book is an introductory book for Ignatian spirituality (you might want to start from daily examen, for example). This book is best for those discerning about spiritual direction, or simply wanting to know more about spiritual discernment.

[Jos Moons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very clear presentation of various aspects and phases, illustrated with concrete cases.
Disadvantages are its high-church and 'churchy' understanding of spirituality and its too schematic presentation. For example, it is enlightening that a disposition of freedom is required (chapter four), but it is simplistic to state that the discerner are ready to begin to discern once that disposition is acquired (page 52, beginning chapter 5). for it is never fully acquired, as indeed Ignatius of Loyola's repeated plea for freedom implies.

[Mike Jaques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing and clarity. He provides solid explanations and practical examples of discernment.

[Deb Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for spiritual directors who accompany others through the Ignatian Exercises or important times of discernment.