Finding a spiritual director

We're all evolving, all the time. It’s sometimes a wild ride—full of unanticipated yearning and surprising adventure. Spiritual directors, companions and guides accompany people on their spiritual journeys through it all. How do you find the right person for this very personal role—a qualified person and a relationship that feels timely and right for you?

If you don't have access to a trusted spiritual adviser who can offer referrals, Spiritual Directors International (SDI), the international professional association of spiritual directors, is one of the best places to start. SDI has a web site with resources including a Seek and Find Guide—a list of member spiritual directors. You can search by region, state, city or town and religious affiliation.

The Seek and Find Guide shows listed directors' approximate location on a map and a phone number. Like you would in seeking any professional, you'll want to make a contact by phone and perhaps set up a time to meet in person.

You can use this first visit—usually offered at no cost—to express your hopes and what kind of relationship you'd like to create. If you're wrestling with what you're looking for, the spiritual director you're meeting might help you formulate your own needs and questions. In turn, you can ask questions to gauge the kind of person you're meeting. You and the spiritual director will both be considering whether working together will be a good fit for each of you.

Take your time. Ask questions. Trust you intuitions. You may want to visit and interview several spiritual directors before you finally decide on the one with whom to continue your journey. The SDI  Seek and Find Guide— is a good place to begin your exploration.