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***Now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 Cohort"
***Now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 Cohort"
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:
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
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