In the certification program that we offer at Perkins one of the questions we explore are the differences between therapy and spiritual direction. The distinctions are important — both as a means of defining the boundaries between the two endeavors and as a means of further defining the nature of direction. If you are a spiritual director, or you are a directee, I invite your thoughts about the following comparisons and your own thoughts on the subject:
Therapy is specific in its focus.
Spiritual direction is comprehensive.
Therapy is problem-centered.
Spiritual direction is growth centered.
Therapy is devoted to managing and coping with life’s problems.
Spiritual direction is devoted to intimacy with God.
Therapy can cure.
Spiritual direction begins the process of healing.
Therapy is preoccupied with this world.
Spiritual direction is preoccupied with life in this world and the next.
Therapy can be done effectively without attending to the spiritual.
Spiritual direction cannot be done without attending to both the emotional and the spiritual.
Therapy can be done effectively without asking why we are here.
Spiritual direction begins with asking why we are here.
In therapy the practitioner listens to the client.
In spiritual direction, the director and directee both listen to God.