How long are the sessions?
Most sessions are typically 45-60 minutes, but the Typing Interview take 60-90 minutes.
How much does it cost?
My standard rate is $75 for most sessions and $100 for Typing Interviews. However, I believe that everyone should have access to these practices, so let me know if we need to discuss a needs-based modified fee.
How often will we meet?
Spiritual Direction and Supervision are traditionally long-term once-a-month practices. I see clients weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly depending on their needs. Narrative Enneagram Practice is woven into all of my work, but it can also be done on a short-term weekly basis. Typing Interviews are a one-time meeting, but I encourage follow-up with my other services to get the most out of it.
Where do we meet?
The booking page will allow you to schedule sessions in-person at my home office in Fountain Square, online via Google Meet, or by phone. Additionally, by request, for an additional fee of $20, we can schedule to meet at a special location. Previous arrangements have been made at the Benedict Inn in Beech Grove, LifeJourney Church East of Broad Ripple, and at Christian Theological Seminary North of Downtown Indy. We could also arrange to meet at your own church if they are willing to share their space, or in your own home or office. In order to set the right tone for our session the space needs to be quiet, private, comfortable, and be free of distractions. Reach out to me via email at chris@spiritualwandering.com to arrange a meeting in a special location.
Is what I say confidential/private?
The Director/Directee relationship is a sacred and protected relationship that is pastoral in nature. As an ordained clergy member, our conversations are protected by Priest-Penitent Privilege. Conversations will be held in strict confidence unless you specify otherwise in writing, or I am required to share or report by law. For example, the law does require the reporting of any information that indicates a danger to self or others, or involvement in any kind of abuse or neglect, especially if minors are involved.
What happens in a session?
Each session begins with a centering practice so that we can separate our time together as sacred. This practice helps us to let go of the daily concerns and go deeper within. You may bring your own centering practice, or be guided through a practice chosen for you. After that, you are invited to share whatever topic you have brought for us to explore together. The pace of the conversation will be intentionally slower than a conversation with a friend might be. This ensures that we are listening to each other instead of thinking about how we will respond. You may be invited into moments of silence or asked to pause and sit with emotions and body feelings. These exercises may feel uncomfortable at first, but they help you to connect to a deeper understanding.
What can we explore?
In Spiritual Direction, we can explore a variety of topics. Sometimes our conversation will carry over from session to session, but most of the time we focus on whatever comes to the surface that week. Each session you are asked to bring a topic that you would like to explore. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: your faith, prayer life, spiritual practices, life transitions, discernment, emotional peaks & valleys, challenges, doubts & questions, grounding, meaning & purpose, grief & loss, and much more. As we explore the given topic we may wander back to old conversations, but we are always watching for the evidence of the fingerprints of God so that we can highlight what God is doing in your life.
In Narrative Enneagram Practice, we can work together to identify your type if you don’t already know it. Once we know your type we can explore the patterns of that type and how they apply to your life. We can explore wings, subtypes, instincts, and your type center. We can explore your resource and stress points. We can work to understand your virtues, vices, and holy ideals. We can talk about relationships at home and work and how those are influenced by the Enneagram patterns. Once we have a firm understanding of our patterns we start to work towards shaking those patterns loose so that we can live responsively instead of reactively.
In supervision, we focus on your work as a spiritual director. Each session, you should bring a case to present, whether it’s a challenge, a question, or an interesting situation you’ve encountered. We can discuss your approach, the dynamics at play, and seek to understand the movements of the Spirit within that context. This reflective practice helps you grow in your role, providing insights and guidance on how to best support your directees.
Do I have to be religious?
Both Spiritual Direction and Narrative Enneagram Practice are spiritual but not religious. I was formed in the Celtic Christian tradition and currently identify as a Quaker, and while those traditions inform the way that I practice, I also enjoy working with people from all spiritual paths. At the core, these are listening practices where we listen together for God, however you may view God. For this reason, it is not mandatory that our faith journeys align. If I am unfamiliar with your faith practice, I will likely ask questions to make sure I know how you talk about God, and how I can ask the sort of questions that you will find most helpful.
Is this counseling/therapy?
While Spiritual Direction & Narrative Enneagram Practice may be therapeutic, they are not therapy. Therapy is defined as a treatment that is intended to relieve or heal a disorder. Spiritual Direction & Narrative Enneagram Practice may be healing modalities, but they are not designed to treat any kind of medical or mental health disorder. Therapy and counseling both start with the assumption that something is wrong and they work to treat, relieve, or fix that disorder. Spiritual Direction & Narrative Enneagram Practice don’t aim to find a problem to solve, they are centering and listening practices and if any healing takes place it is due to the relationship between the client and the Spirit.
The chart below might help to demonstrate the difference between these practices.
| Counseling | Life Coaching | Spiritual Direction | Enneagram Practice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation / Focus | Past oriented, focused on pain & trauma | Future oriented, focused on goals | Present oriented, focused on connection to spirituality | Past, present, and future oriented, focused on identifying and gaining freedom from patterns & masks |
| Desired Outcome | Diagnosis, healing or relief from symptoms | Meeting client's goals | Connection with Spirit, centering, grounding, and a sense of peace | Freedom from patterns, ability to respond instead of react |
| Professional's Role | Counselor provides clinical expertise and facilitates healing through techniques | Coach is a motivator who provides the structure, process, and accountability for the agenda set by the client | Director is a partner who holds sacred space for the client through listening, reflection, and questions | Practitioner provides information and expertise on the wisdom and mode of the Enneagram as well as guidance and accountability for shaking loose the type structure |
| Professional's Training | Master's Degree and State Licensing | Professional training available, time and investment varies | 2 year professional training program including observations, mentoring, and feedback from supervising directors | 2 year professional training program including observations, mentoring, and feedback from supervisors/mentors |
Have Additional Questions?
If you have additional questions before booking your first session please reach out to Chris Edwards by email: chris@spiritualwandering.com or by phone at (828) 545-3503.