An 11-Month Fully Virtual Training

Supervision Training Program
Applications Open in January 2027 for Our Next Cohort!

Spiritual Direction Supervision is such an essential component of living out a call as a spiritual director.

Our Supervision Training Program forms and informs experienced spiritual directors to host a contemplative and compassionate space for current directors and those training to follow their call in this ministry. We focus on a reflective listening model that allows both the supervisor and the director to listen deeply into the movements of noticing, reflecting, and listening together. This expands our freedom as listeners as we begin to hold an even more spacious place for others.

We are forming a cohort of experienced directors who feel called to serve as supervisors and/or spiritual direction educators. This collaborative educational space is designed to train and form experienced directors as supervisors in a praxis-oriented community.

Who Should Apply?

If you are an experienced spiritual director with a love for this work, consider this program as a next step. As supervisors, we continue to move toward these qualities:

  • Remembering What it Was Like to Be a Beginner
  • Listening with Compassion
  • Encouraging Spiritual Directors in their Work
  • Maintaining Appropriate Boundaries
  • Following Established Ethical Guidelines
  • Leaning in With a Sense of Wonder, Curiosity, and Humor
  • Valuing Personal Continuing Education and Ongoing Spiritual Growth

Details

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The Cohort will run August through June. The cost of the full year is $2390 (payment options are available). This includes all intensives, class sessions, and all supervision sessions with your assigned supervision mentor, as listed below:

  • Opening Two-Day Virtual Intensive
    Held on Thursday and Friday in mid-August
  • Four 90-min. Virtual Sessions
    Held on Tuesdays during Sept., Nov., Mar, and April
  • Optional Reading Discussions
    Held on Tuesdays in Oct., Feb., and May
  • Mid-Year 4-hour Virtual Intensive
    Held in mid-January
  • Six Individual & Two Group Supervision Sessions
    (Individual sessions to be scheduled with your assigned supervision mentor)
  • Closing Two-Day Virtual Intensive
    Held on Thursday and Friday in early June

Topics Covered

  • Boundary Ethics of Spiritual Direction
  • Contemplative Listening & Evocative Questions
  • Group Direction & Supervision Models
  • Protocols of Virtual Direction & Supervision
  • Exploring Issues that Come Up in Supervision
  • Forming a Community of Practice
  • Difference between Spiritual Direction & Supervision
  • Cross-Cultural & Traditions

What Can You Expect?

You will need to fulfill the following to receive a certificate of completion,
in addition to your intensives & class sessions:

  • All assigned reading, podcasts, and videos.
  • Write an informational document to share with supervisees that communicates your philosophy of spiritual direction, supervision, ethics, boundaries, and approach.
  • Meet with at least 2 supervisees over the course of the year - minimum of 10 total sessions.
  • Continue meeting monthly with current director and supervisor as needed.
  • Meet individually each month with your assigned Supervision Mentor - for a minimum of 6 individual sessions in and participate in 2 group sessions during our scheduled class times.
  • Write a reflective article around your supervision experience during the training program that contributes to the knowledge base of spiritual direction and supervision. (This article will be posted in the Companioning Community resources with your permission.)

Entrance Requirements

  • 3-5 years of Spiritual Direction Experience
  • Certificate of Completion From a Spiritual Direction Program
  • Commitment to Receiving Ongoing Spiritual Direction/Supervision
  • Recommendation From Current Spiritual Director & Supervisor
  • Interview

Our Program Guides

Terry Christensen

Terry has offered spiritual direction, retreats, and classes in contemplative practices and spiritual growth since 2002. She has been a supervisor of spiritual directors since 2008 as well as working with several schools of spiritual direction formation programs to supervise new directors. Terry received her spiritual direction training at the Benedictine Shalom Center in Mt. Angel, OR, earned ministry certification through the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon and completed her supervision training through Together in the Mystery.

Kathi Gatlin

Kathi Gatlin enjoys walking with spiritual directors and supervisors in the formation of those seeking to walk alongside others. She was trained  as a spiritual director through Portland Seminary and a supervisor through Together in the Mystery. The space she hosts follows the contemplative, compassionate, and evocative model that honors the wisdom in each person, trusting God to meet everyone where they are.  Kathi is a Quaker and is a Recorded Minister among Friends. She earned a  DMin. in Leadership and Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary and an M.Ed. through George Fox University. 

Lynn Holt

Lynn Holt is an experienced educator in the formation of spiritual directors and those who offer soul companionship. She has trained and supervised spiritual directors through Portland Seminary in an online/hybrid format for the past 7 years. Her vocation as a soul companion includes serving as a spiritual director and supervisor for 23 years, 18 years of pastoral ministry, and teaching theological, leadership, and spiritual formation courses. Lynn is a Quaker and holds an M.Div from Portland Seminary and received her spiritual direction training from the Mercy Center of Colorado Springs and supervision training from the Mercy Center in Burlingame.