Spiritual Direction 101: The Basics of Spiritual Guidance

by Teresa Blythe

Wondering what spiritual direction is all about?Looking for a guide that covers everything from finding a spiritual guide to becoming one?If so, this is your “how-to” book on the history, practice and ethics of spiritual guidance.

Teresa Blythe is an ideal guide. She is Director of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona. She is an experienced spiritual director, trainer of spiritual directors, and author.

Spiritual Direction 101 brings spiritual guidance down to earth, making it accessible to people from a variety of spiritual and religious traditions. This book gives you the nitty-gritty “here’s how it’s done” information, such as tips, tools, stories and descriptions to assist spiritual directors and build awareness in those seeking spiritual help.

In this book you’ll

• What spiritual direction is, and what it is not.

• How spiritual direction evolved throughout history.

• The most widely employed and respected method used by successful spiritual guides.

• Guidelines for offering spiritual direction in a multi-faith and highly diverse world.

• Your rights as a seeker of spiritual direction.

• Ethical guidelines all spiritual directors should uphold.

• Why all spiritual guides need training.

• How to create and market a spiritual direction practice.

Spiritual Direction 101 is all you need to demystify the art of spiritual guidance and prepare you for a meaningful encounter—whether as a seeker or a guide. If you want an easy-to-follow primer, written from practical experience and years of training new spiritual guides, this is the one book to add to your spiritual library.

Purchase Spiritual Direction 101 and feel the relief of finally understanding what excellent and ethical spiritual guidance is all about!

Genres: Spirituality

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2018

Reviews

[Drew Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible and practical introduction to spiritual direction.

[Levi Macallister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and Helpful

I really appreciated Teresa’s straightforward approach to Spiritual Direction, and the pragmatism included here. This is an all-inclusive book, straightforward and… directional. In particular, her introduction to “The Evocative Method” and examples given around Ignatian and Quaker models were helpful for me to read and gave me insight as to how to discern Spirit not only in-session with a client, but in my own life.

[Jeanne Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the business of spiritual direction

This is a great overview for someone interested in becoming and/or practicing spiritual direction. How's over everything from dual relationships and ethics to marketing and training.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had to read so many intro books on Spiritual Direction in the past two years for class, and this was by far my favorite. Very direct, informative, enjoyable, and quick to read. Excellent classroom book for those wanting to learn about Spiritual Direction in an accessible way.

[Adam Carnehl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compared to Maureen Conroy's two books on spiritual direction, I think this is, perhaps, more practical, but it does not engage the reader at any kind of contemplative 0r theological level. It is a primer, filled with examples and tips. I suppose some directors in training might prefer something like this, but I think it suffers from a lack of theological grounding and rootedness in a tradition (such as a Benedictine or Ignatian tradition).

[Steve Dos Santos CPPS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good overview of spiritual direction as a practice. The author speaks to the reader as an inquirer looking to enter the field. The chapters are jumping off points regarding skills good directors need.
I am a professed religious and a Catholic priest, so I rankled at the places where she spoke of spiritual direction as a business.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful. It covers the practical matters for spiritual directors.

[Boho Beannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

School book. Great reference.

[chinh Nguyen]

good

[Suellen Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to introduce someone to spiritual direction . . . what to expect kind of book to make you comfortable when you start.

[Nicole Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blythe offers a robust explanation of what spiritual direction is and various factors a potential director should consider.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource

[Bette]

helpful

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking to work in Spiritual Direction/Guidance, this is a great overview of the basics.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good overview of spiritual direction for anyone considering becoming a spiritual director. I particularly appreciated the discernment section.

[Jonn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the curriculum for my Spiritual Director training program. Good foundational concepts for those wishing to begin a career as an SD.