You Don’t Need an Altar
you don't need an altar
sit on the ground
feel your lovers body
watch the sky
you don't need a perfect
daily practice
wash the dishes
feel the joy spreading through
your chest
the ache of grief
practice being here
amidst the mess of being human
nothing to transcend...
just everything to come home to
~ Rosalie Amber Grace
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is a contemplative practice of sacred companionship with a personal spiritual guide. Your spiritual director helps you notice and respond to the Divine in your everyday life, supporting you in deepening your unique relationship with what you name as Sacred.
If we think of our lives as journeys, a spiritual director is like a wise guide who walks alongside us and supports us as we venture forward into the unknown.
Our work together nurtures spiritual vitality as we seek for that which brings you connection, meaning and belonging.
What is it that you’re seeking?
People who come to me for spiritual direction may be seeking clarity and discernment as they make sense of a decision, transition, or crossroads, or as they discern their vocation, calling, or next steps.
They may be looking for deeper connection with the Sacred by noticing the presence of the Divine in everyday life and cultivating prayer, meditation, ritual, or nature-based practices.
Others seek meaning and integration- weaving life experiences into a coherent spiritual story and integrating head, heart, body, and spirit. Some come for companionship and witness, desiring a safe, non-judgmental space to be seen and heard, along with gentle reflection and mirroring to notice patterns and invitations.
Many are drawn to spiritual direction for healing and release, tending to grief, disappointment, or spiritual dryness, and unlearning fear, shame, or inherited beliefs that no longer fit. Others come to explore joy and gratitude, naming gifts, wonder, and aliveness, and celebrating spiritual growth and milestones.
Still others seek resilience and grounding through practices for presence, regulation, and hope in uncertain times, and by returning to inner wisdom and trust. Ultimately, spiritual direction offers a space for belonging and authenticity—permission to explore outside rigid frameworks or labels and to live a spirituality that fits one's life and values.
If you’re looking for someone to walk beside you and support you as you navigate your spiritual journey, I would love to talk with you more.
If you are interested in doing spiritual direction work with me, you can book a free 30 minute introductory appointment.
If you have more questions about spiritual direction process, please feel free to email me at Tamara@WildWisdomJourney.org
OR, read on for more information…..
How does it work?
Spiritual Direction takes place on a regular basis, over time. Meetings/Sessions usually last 60 minutes and can happen by video call or in person.
A Spiritual Direction session is a brave, no pressure, non-dogmatic space where you can explore your own spiritual path with the support of a trained and compassionate companion—your Spiritual Director.
Every session is unique, and may include moments of mindful awareness, celebrating what brings you joy, releasing what no longer supports you, honoring your feelings and experiences, inviting curiosity, and listening to your inner wisdom.
My calling as a Spiritual Director is to be a mindful companion who helps you see patterns and insights about the Sacred in your life. At your request, I can help you explore a variety of spiritual practices, religious traditions, poetry, journaling, music, art, meditation, connection with nature, and more.
Spiritual Direction is not a substitute for counseling, therapy, or medical treatment.
A Spiritual Director is kind of a mediator between you and the Divine, so it helps to have a healthy professional distance when beginning a direction relationship- because of this, I do not work with my own family, friends, or those I serve in other professional contexts. However, I can recommend several other excellent spiritual directors to you if needed.
Calling and Training
My calling to spiritual direction emerged from my own journey of spiritual healing and transformation. After searching and not finding where I fit within the framework of traditional religious spaces, I spent years rediscovering spirituality through deepening my connection with the natural world.
I learned that if there was truth to follow in this world, it would be found in presence and attention- both with nature and my community, and within my own soul. I saw that what I had been searching for all those years had always been here- right before my eyes, beneath my feet, and in the skies above.
I'm called to this work because I believe that courageous, compassionate presence brings the kind healing that is most needed in the world during these fearful times. Spiritual Direction is not about fixing you or teaching you what to believe- you are always, inherently worthy and you belong here as you are.
As your Spiritual Director, my task is to open the door for you to see what has been here for you, supporting you all along. The simplest questions call our attention back to our deepest truth: "What feels tender here?" “What is happening for me now?” "What do I truly need or want in my life?" "Where might the Sacred be showing itself to me?" This gentle method of inquiry is the heart of my spiritual direction practice, and it opens the way to brave, mindful presence without force.
Ideally, a Spiritual Director undergoes a training and education program that covers a wide range of spiritual modalities. Most spiritual direction certification programs are structured as comprehensive 18- to 24-month or two-year programs that combine academic study, supervised practice, and personal spiritual formation.
Typical program requirements include completion of coursework in the theory, theology, and practice of spiritual direction; a supervised practicum where trainees offer spiritual direction under the guidance of experienced supervisors; active participation in their own spiritual direction relationship throughout the training period; and ongoing peer consultation or supervision groups. Many programs also require prerequisites such as completion of a spiritual formation program at an accredited institution, letters of recommendation from spiritual directors or program instructors, and validation of one's call to this ministry by their faith community.
I’m grateful for my own in-depth training and certification through the Cherry Hill Seminary Spiritual Direction program. https://cherryhillseminary.org/
What I provide you as a Spiritual Director:
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Presence & Attention: As a Spiritual Director, I offer compassionate listening and mindful reflection in the context of a conversation that is held in person, or via videocall.
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Confidentiality: Everything shared in our sessions will remain confidential, except in cases where there is imminent danger of harm to yourself or others, or as required by law.
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Professional Boundaries: I will maintain appropriate professional boundaries and will not engage in dual relationships that could compromise the spiritual direction relationship.
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Continued Formation: I commit to ongoing spiritual formation, supervision, and professional development to serve you better.
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Respect: I honor your unique and personal spiritual path and will not impose my own beliefs, practices, or agendas upon you.
What I ask of Clients/Seekers:
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Commitment: Please plan to attend your scheduled sessions and give advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
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Curiosity: We will carefully explore in conversation your unique spiritual experiences, questions, struggles, and joys.
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Responsibility: Please understand that you are responsible for your own spiritual journey and the decisions you make. My role as a spiritual director is to support you as you navigate your own chosen path of spirituality.
Important Disclaimers
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Not Medical Advice: Spiritual direction is not a substitute for medical care, mental health treatment, or crisis intervention. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a mental health professional or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
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Not Financial Advice: I do not provide financial, legal, or professional advice. Please consult appropriate professionals for these matters.
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Not Therapy or Counseling: While spiritual direction may touch on life challenges and emotions, it is distinct from pastoral counseling or psychotherapy.
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Religious Freedom: You are free to follow your own spiritual path and are not required to adopt any particular beliefs or practices.
Structure of Sessions
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Session Length: Sessions typically last 60 minutes.
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Frequency: Sessions generally take place on a biweekly or monthly basis, or as requested by the seeker. Scheduling can take place at the end of each session, or via email to tamara@wildwisdomjourney.com
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Location/Format: Sessions can either be held in person in Norman, Oklahoma, or be held via video call on Google Meet.
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Fee: $65 per session. Please plan to pay within 24 hours of your session.
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Payment Methods: Venmo, PayPal, Cash
Cancellation Policy
Please provide as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Repeated no-shows will result in a termination of our working relationship.
Termination
Either party may end the spiritual direction relationship at any time, but a final session for closure for both Director and Seeker is encouraged. If I feel that your needs would be better served by another type of support (therapy, medical care, etc.), I will discuss this with you and provide appropriate referrals.
Accountability
If you ever have concerns about our work together, please bring them directly to me so we can address them together. Additionally, I participate in an accountability relationship with a spiritual direction supervisor, my instructors and mentors at Cherry Hill Seminary, as well as Spiritual Directors International.
Ethics & Professional Standards
Confidentiality Policy
Your privacy is sacred. All information shared in spiritual direction sessions is held in strict confidence. I will not share any details about our sessions with anyone without your written permission, except:
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When there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others
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In cases of suspected abuse of children, elders, or vulnerable adults (as required by law)
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When required by court order
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In anonymous form during supervision for my own professional development (no identifying information about my clients will be shared)
Code of Ethics
As a spiritual director, I adhere to the following ethical standards:
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Competence: I work within my scope of training and experience, and seek consultation when needed.
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Integrity: I maintain honesty and transparency in all professional interactions.
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Inclusivity: I celebrate and welcome seekers of all backgrounds, races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and life circumstances.
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Boundary Awareness: I maintain appropriate professional boundaries and will not engage in romantic, sexual, or exploitative relationships with Seekers.
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Financial Transparency: Fees are communicated clearly upfront and are $65 per session. I charge for spiritual work to support my ongoing education, supervision, and professional development, as well as meet basic needs for myself and my family. If you're experiencing financial difficulties, please contact me to arrange a sliding scale rate. Additionally, I welcome donations to cover the session fees of folks who would benefit from this work, but are unable to afford it.
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Referral: When your needs exceed my competence or scope of practice, I will provide appropriate referrals.
Scope of Practice
Spiritual Direction IS:
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Accompaniment and companionship on your spiritual journey.
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A space for noticing the Sacred in your life
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Support for deepening your unique relationship with The Divine, however you define it.
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Exploration of the spiritual life and a wide variety of spiritual practices.
Spiritual Direction IS NOT:
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Psychotherapy or mental health treatment
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Medical diagnosis or treatment
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Financial or legal advice
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Crisis intervention
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Religious instruction or conversion
Supervision & Continuing Education
I am committed to ongoing professional development through:
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Regular supervision by a qualified, SDI affiliated supervisor
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Continuing education in spiritual direction
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Personal spiritual practices and direction
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Membership in Spiritual Directors International.
Emergency Resources
If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact:
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Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
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Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO or HOLA to 741741
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Emergency Services: 911
If you’re looking for someone to walk beside you and support you as you navigate your spiritual journey, I would love to talk with you more.
If you are interested in doing spiritual direction work with me, you can book a free 30 minute introductory appointment.
If you have more questions about spiritual direction process, please feel free to email me at Tamara@WildWisdomJourney.org
I look forward to connecting with you!