***Currently Accepting Applications for 2021 Fall Cohort until August 30th!***
1-Hour Orientation on Zoom: September 20th, 9am-10am Central Time
2-Hour Zoom Gathering: Every 3rd Monday from 9am-11am Central Time, beginning October 18th
1-Hour Orientation on Zoom: September 20th, 9am-10am Central Time
2-Hour Zoom Gathering: Every 3rd Monday from 9am-11am Central Time, beginning October 18th
Online Wisdom-based Certificate in Spiritual Direction
For those who desire to become certified Spiritual Directors, companioning others with compassion and wisdom on their spiritual journeys.
Rooted in the contemplative Christian tradition of inner experience of God's healing, guiding love,
cultivated through silence and solitude, listening and discernment.
Grown and enriched by collective wisdom arising through all of Creation--
at all times, in all places, through all people and traditions.
For those who desire to become certified Spiritual Directors, companioning others with compassion and wisdom on their spiritual journeys.
Rooted in the contemplative Christian tradition of inner experience of God's healing, guiding love,
cultivated through silence and solitude, listening and discernment.
Grown and enriched by collective wisdom arising through all of Creation--
at all times, in all places, through all people and traditions.
COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Who would benefit from a Certificate in Spiritual Direction?
Counselors, clergy, nurses, hair stylists, bartenders, teachers, coaches...anyone seeking Wisdom, a deeper connection to their Creator, and a desire to companion others as they seek Wisdom and a deeper connection to Creator...and of course, those who are called to the ministry of Spiritual Direction!
How do you know you are called to the ministry of Spiritual Direction?--people like to talk to you about spiritual issues and approach you for wisdom and help with discernment.
How do you know you are called to the ministry of Spiritual Direction?--people like to talk to you about spiritual issues and approach you for wisdom and help with discernment.
What is a Wisdom-based Certificate in Spiritual Direction?
Every Spiritual Direction training program has its own focus, such as Ignatian Spiritual Direction or training within a particular religious tradition. Being Wisdom-based means we're focusing on the vast ways Wisdom manifests in and around us, which includes all of life. From nighttime dreams to poetry, from the physical body to the soul wounds in our stories, from Jesus to Lao Tzu, we listen for ways of Wisdom (Divine Love) arising in, for, through, and on behalf of a person, group, and our planet.
Wisdom is more than good decision-making. Yes, it is a way of wisely moving through life, but Wisdom is also the Source of all Life (and all wisdom). So in this program, we cultivate our relationship with and follow the way of Wisdom.
Wisdom is more than good decision-making. Yes, it is a way of wisely moving through life, but Wisdom is also the Source of all Life (and all wisdom). So in this program, we cultivate our relationship with and follow the way of Wisdom.
How can this Certificate help me in my current job in the business world? in the medical field? in my church? As an Educator? as a parent?
Have you ever had a teacher, coach, doctor, pastor, friend, or co-worker who was a really good listener? How did their listening ear impact you? Learning to listen without giving advice is a skill most of us need to cultivate in our culture! Diving under appearances and listening at soul-level is a gift that helps us move through life and make decisions from a deeper, more authentic place. It leads us to shalom--wholeness and peace. As we become people who listen and look for Wisdom, we help others get in touch with the Wisdom within and surrounding them. When tending to Wisdom, all grow and flourish, for as the writer of Proverbs (3:18) says, "Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly." And what is the way of Wisdom?--the way of Life, the path of Love.
What is the minimum and maximum age to apply to this program?
While Wisdom is often associated with those who are older, there are many examples of Wisdom being found in the young (& foolishness being found in the old)! We invite anyone who is stirred to apply, to fill out the application. We will take your application and references into our discernment process.
Who are you affiliated with?
We come from a Christian background having grown up and/or worked in the United Methodist, Episcopalian, Catholic, and Southern Baptist traditions. Many of us have stepped outside of or are found at "the edge of the inside" of institutional religion. Believing all authentic spirituality and wisdom to be universal, we appreciate and incorporate authentic spirituality and wisdom wherever it is found, including in religious traditions other than our own.
How many teachers are there in this Certificate program
While Wisdom Tree Collective is made up of a group of people, Kasey Hitt, is the primary teacher in the Spiritual Direction Certificate program. She invites guest teachers to join her, especially for The Art of Spiritual Direction II (Soul Companionship in Context). And, she will match you with a Spiritual Direction Mentor. The cohort is kept small so you have access to her in-between meeting times and the opportunity to get to know and grow with each other.
Kasey has been a Spiritual Director for 18 years (and a retreat leader for adults and teenagers even longer!). She has been offering online individual and group Spiritual Direction as well as online classes and retreats for 13 years.
Kasey has been a Spiritual Director for 18 years (and a retreat leader for adults and teenagers even longer!). She has been offering online individual and group Spiritual Direction as well as online classes and retreats for 13 years.
Why is this Certificate program 2 years when other training programs are 1 year or less?
Just as there are a variety of training programs, there are a variety of ways to train--from 3 years to 15 months, from weekly class sessions to weekend or weeklong intensives. Since one often meets with a Spiritual Director once a month, we wanted to follow a similar rhythm in our training. We also wanted to provide plenty of time for people to live with the material in-between classes, encourage intentional integration of one's particular passion with the lens of Spiritual Direction, and introduce 3 ways of receiving Supervision as new directors meeting with directees.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction:
2-Year Process
-1st year Formation of Spiritual Director & Introduction (didactic learning, reading, writing, experiential)
-2nd year Supervision of Spiritual Director & Concentration (experiential, research and integration)
Program Objectives:
Year One Program Rhythm:
Developing or deepening one's rhythm of spiritual practice by entering into a flexible rhythm of program material.
Each month-
Week 1: Reading & start 1-page responsive papers
Week 2: Watching pre-recorded class teaching & engaging practices
Week 3: Zoom session with group to discuss reading, teaching & experience of practices
Week 4: Interacting with cohort through online gathering space
Year One Requirements:
Year Two Program Rhythm:
Developing or deepening one's rhythm of spiritual practice by entering into a flexible rhythm of program material.
Each month-
Week 1: Focus research, reading, writing &/or planning
Week 2: Offering Spiritual Direction
Week 3: Individual or Group Supervision
Week 4: Interacting with cohort through online gathering space
Year Two Requirements:
Year One Classes & Fees:
Recognizing & Healing Our Image(s) of God
Course Objectives:
Contemplative Prayer & Meditation (through Time & Across Traditions)
Course Objectives:
Stages of Spiritual Growth & Development
Course Objectives:
Discovering Our True Self and Tools for Self-Discovery
Course Objectives:
The Art of Spiritual Direction I (Soul Companioning)
Course Objectives:
Ways of Wisdom: Spiritual Seeing, Listening, & Discerning (as individuals and in community)
Course Objectives:
Soul Wounds: Views of Suffering, Sin, Trauma, Grief & Forgiveness
Course Objectives:
The Art of Spiritual Direction II (Soul Companioning in Context)
Course Objectives:
The Art of Dreamwork (Listening to the Symbolic Language of the Soul)
Course Objectives:
Dynamics of Group Spiritual Direction & Dreamwork
Course Objectives:
Facilitating Contemplative Retreats (whether In-person or Online)
Course Objectives:
Choose (1) Seminar* or Retreat* (In-Person or Online). Find retreats and classes here.
Course Objectives:
September Reading List To Prepare for Program:
“We Are Cells of the Living Planet: An Interview with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi,” Presence, Vol. 20, No. 3, p. 6
Foundations in Spiritual Direction: Sharing the Sacred Across Traditions by Beverly Lanzetta
Unteachable Lessons: Why Wisdom Can’t Be Taught (And Why That’s Okay) by Carl McColman
Pick 1 (Optional):
The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham.
The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri Nouwen
Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton
Waking Up to This Day: Seeing the Beauty Right Before Us by Paula D'Arcy
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (also free online)
Program Fees for Year One: $1665
$880 for 11 2-hour classes at $80/each
$440 for 11 pre-recorded teachings at $40/each,
$105 (retreat price) for 1 seminar or retreat of your choice
$240 for 6 sessions with Spiritual Direction mentor at $40/session
*additional fees for personal Spiritual Direction, books, supplies, seminar/retreat
2-Year Process
-1st year Formation of Spiritual Director & Introduction (didactic learning, reading, writing, experiential)
-2nd year Supervision of Spiritual Director & Concentration (experiential, research and integration)
Program Objectives:
- Personal healing & growth as you live with program material and contemplative practices over time so as to invite a deeper discovery of the Divine Presence and your Authentic Self
- Deepening your ability to listen for and discern Wisdom as it manifests within and around you
- Offering you skills and tools to assist you in becoming a compassionate, wise companion & guide for others
Year One Program Rhythm:
Developing or deepening one's rhythm of spiritual practice by entering into a flexible rhythm of program material.
Each month-
Week 1: Reading & start 1-page responsive papers
Week 2: Watching pre-recorded class teaching & engaging practices
Week 3: Zoom session with group to discuss reading, teaching & experience of practices
Week 4: Interacting with cohort through online gathering space
Year One Requirements:
- 12 Classes: 11 with pre-recorded teachings and 1 online or in-person seminar/retreat of choice + 2-hour monthly Zoom gathering
- 6 Half Hour Sessions with Spiritual Direction Mentor
- 12 Spiritual Direction sessions with a Spiritual Director of your choice*
- 12+ Opportunities for Sharing & Support through an Online Gathering Space with Cohort
Year Two Program Rhythm:
Developing or deepening one's rhythm of spiritual practice by entering into a flexible rhythm of program material.
Each month-
Week 1: Focus research, reading, writing &/or planning
Week 2: Offering Spiritual Direction
Week 3: Individual or Group Supervision
Week 4: Interacting with cohort through online gathering space
Year Two Requirements:
- Go deeper into a chosen Concentration/Focus through an Integrative Paper or Integrative Project
- 10-12 sessions of Spiritual Direction each for 2 Directees (in-person, phone, or online)
- 12 Sessions of Supervision (3 One-Hour Individual, 6 90-minute Group Supervision Sessions, and 3 90-minute Peer-based Group Supervision)
- 1 video/Zoom recording of a Spiritual Direction session (to be viewed by Supervisor and discussed in an individual session)
- 12 Individual or Group Spiritual Direction sessions*
- 6 One-page updates on focus
- 10-page Integrative Paper or 5-page Review of Integrative Project
- 1-hour pre-recorded teaching on Professional Ethics for Spiritual Directors
- Online Gathering Space for Sharing & Support
- Optional: 1-hour pre-recorded seminar: Earning a Living as a Spiritual Director
Year One Classes & Fees:
Recognizing & Healing Our Image(s) of God
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of the impact of image(s) and language of God on one’s inner and outer world
- Study of names & images of the Unnamable within and beyond one’s particular religious context and/or familiarity
- Experience of soul-shaping conversations & spiritual practices offering healing of our stories associated with images of God
Contemplative Prayer & Meditation (through Time & Across Traditions)
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of the ancient roots, present growth, purpose, and fruit of contemplative prayer & meditation
- Study of different ways of contemplative prayer & meditation integrating mind, body, spirit, imagination, community, & Creation
- Experience of ancient and present day contemplative prayer & meditation practices from a variety of traditions
Stages of Spiritual Growth & Development
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of stages and phases of spiritual growth & development in individuals and communities
- Study of the benefits & limitations of, as well as insights offered by, different paradigms of spiritual growth & development
- Experience of the intersection of spiritual growth & development and spiritual practices
Discovering Our True Self and Tools for Self-Discovery
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of and language around True/Authentic Self
- Study of the inner work of transformation, including Dark Night of the Soul, and ways of discovery and recognition of True/Authentic Self
- Experience of practices and tools for Self-Discovery, including guided prayer, poetry, journaling, Sacred Naming, Awareness Examen, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and the Enneagram
The Art of Spiritual Direction I (Soul Companioning)
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of the history and distinguishing characteristics of Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Directors
- Study of directive and non-directive ways to enter into shared silence & soul companionship
- Experience of hospitality for the soul and listening deeply with one’s whole being
Ways of Wisdom: Spiritual Seeing, Listening, & Discerning (as individuals and in community)
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of the collective and perennial nature of Wisdom and the meaning of Discernment
- Study of ways Wisdom/Divine Presence manifests and ways of Discernment
- Experience of personal and communal ways of discernment of Wisdom/Divine Presence
Soul Wounds: Views of Suffering, Sin, Trauma, Grief & Forgiveness
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of soul wounds impacting individuals, interpersonal relationships, and communities
- Study of personal and cultural cycles of violence that wound and ways to companion others on their healing journey, stepping out of cycles of violence into greater wholeness
- Experience of one's own wounds and vulnerabilities leading to compassionate, humble, and wise Soul Companionship and case studies of witnessing and companioning others through times of suffering
The Art of Spiritual Direction II (Soul Companioning in Context)
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of contexts and systems at work in the lives of director and directee (individual and communities) impacting the Spiritual Direction relationship
- Study of different contextual perspectives of Spiritual Direction leading to compassionate, wise Soul Companionship
- Experience of Spiritual Direction through the eyes of marginalized Spiritual Directors & Directees
The Art of Dreamwork (Listening to the Symbolic Language of the Soul)
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of the symbolic language of the Soul as experienced in nighttime dreams and daytime visions
- Study of various ways of working with dreams and visions to unlock their Wisdom for waking life
- Experience of working with one’s own dreams and facilitating formal Dreamwork with a directee or informal Dreamwork with a friend or family member
Dynamics of Group Spiritual Direction & Dreamwork
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of group dynamics as one facilitates Spiritual Direction or Dreamwork
- Study of different paradigms of Group Spiritual Direction and Group Dreamwork
- Experience of the power of communal, collective Wisdom in Group Spiritual Direction and Group Dreamwork
Facilitating Contemplative Retreats (whether In-person or Online)
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of the need for and transforming nature of contemplative retreats in our contemporary society
- Study of types and elements of contemplative retreats—creating space to befriend Silence & Solitude and allow for heart-opening opportunities through rest, play, beauty, awe, and delight
- Experience of an online retreat utilizing mindful relaxation, the imagination, and Silence
Choose (1) Seminar* or Retreat* (In-Person or Online). Find retreats and classes here.
Course Objectives:
- Awareness of an area of the spiritual life or soul-tending that you are drawn to on behalf of yourself (and others!)
- Study of subject matter beyond the seminar or retreat for the purpose of integration into own life and Spiritual Direction
- Experience of a chosen seminar or retreat to deepen your own awareness, spiritual practice, and Soul Companionship
September Reading List To Prepare for Program:
“We Are Cells of the Living Planet: An Interview with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi,” Presence, Vol. 20, No. 3, p. 6
Foundations in Spiritual Direction: Sharing the Sacred Across Traditions by Beverly Lanzetta
Unteachable Lessons: Why Wisdom Can’t Be Taught (And Why That’s Okay) by Carl McColman
Pick 1 (Optional):
The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham.
The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri Nouwen
Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton
Waking Up to This Day: Seeing the Beauty Right Before Us by Paula D'Arcy
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (also free online)
Program Fees for Year One: $1665
$880 for 11 2-hour classes at $80/each
$440 for 11 pre-recorded teachings at $40/each,
$105 (retreat price) for 1 seminar or retreat of your choice
$240 for 6 sessions with Spiritual Direction mentor at $40/session
*additional fees for personal Spiritual Direction, books, supplies, seminar/retreat
Year Two Focus & Fees:
Focus/Concentration:
Creation Spirituality, Ignatian Spirituality, Native American Spirituality, Celtic Spirituality, Benedictine Spirituality, Rabbinic Wisdom, Taoism, Buddhism, Desert Fathers & Mothers, Divine Feminine, The Beatitudes, Nonviolent Communication, Vocation/Calling, The Writings & Theology of a Mystic, Reiki, Yoga, Qigong, Breathwork, Walking/Movement, Dance, Pilgrimage, Play, Sacred Icons & Artwork, Music, Forgiveness Work, Dreamwork, Poetry, Journaling, Twelve Step/Recovery, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Anger and Women, The Second Half of Life, Spiritually Companioning Men, Tending the Souls of Teenagers, Parenting, Sexuality, Chronic Pain, Hospice, Dementia, Healthcare Workers, LGBTQ+, Socio-economic Disadvantaged, Social Justice, Church Context, Clergy & Church Staff, Spiritual but Not Religious, Interfaith, Tending the Soul in the Workplace, Soul-Tending at Home...what or who is your heart drawn to?
Research and study can include reading, listening to podcasts, attending a retreat on the subject, being mentored in the subject, working toward certification in another area (ex. Reiki, Level 1), creating an experience for others (which can include an offering through Wisdom Tree Collective!), etc.
Program Fees for Year Two: $935
$720 for 9 Sessions of Supervision
$40 for 1 pre-recorded Teaching
$175 for Reading/Feedback
*additional fees for personal Spiritual Direction, books, and supplies
TOTAL PROGRAM COST: $2600
Payment plans and Scholarships available.
How to apply:
-Fill out online application. And if needed, the financial assistance application.
-2 letters of recommendation from those who notice and/or have benefitted from your gifts of listening, wisdom, and discernment. Click for online recommendation link.
Focus/Concentration:
- Integrative Paper- study and writing a 10-page paper on integration into Spiritual Direction -or-
- Integrative Project- experiential opportunity development and implementation & 5-page review paper
Creation Spirituality, Ignatian Spirituality, Native American Spirituality, Celtic Spirituality, Benedictine Spirituality, Rabbinic Wisdom, Taoism, Buddhism, Desert Fathers & Mothers, Divine Feminine, The Beatitudes, Nonviolent Communication, Vocation/Calling, The Writings & Theology of a Mystic, Reiki, Yoga, Qigong, Breathwork, Walking/Movement, Dance, Pilgrimage, Play, Sacred Icons & Artwork, Music, Forgiveness Work, Dreamwork, Poetry, Journaling, Twelve Step/Recovery, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Anger and Women, The Second Half of Life, Spiritually Companioning Men, Tending the Souls of Teenagers, Parenting, Sexuality, Chronic Pain, Hospice, Dementia, Healthcare Workers, LGBTQ+, Socio-economic Disadvantaged, Social Justice, Church Context, Clergy & Church Staff, Spiritual but Not Religious, Interfaith, Tending the Soul in the Workplace, Soul-Tending at Home...what or who is your heart drawn to?
Research and study can include reading, listening to podcasts, attending a retreat on the subject, being mentored in the subject, working toward certification in another area (ex. Reiki, Level 1), creating an experience for others (which can include an offering through Wisdom Tree Collective!), etc.
Program Fees for Year Two: $935
$720 for 9 Sessions of Supervision
$40 for 1 pre-recorded Teaching
$175 for Reading/Feedback
*additional fees for personal Spiritual Direction, books, and supplies
TOTAL PROGRAM COST: $2600
Payment plans and Scholarships available.
How to apply:
-Fill out online application. And if needed, the financial assistance application.
-2 letters of recommendation from those who notice and/or have benefitted from your gifts of listening, wisdom, and discernment. Click for online recommendation link.
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