Spiritual Direction supervision: Some practical sharings
Cattails in Cape Cod. Image by Emily Turner Watson.
Chesed is the Hebrew word for loving kindness with an emphasis on hospitality and the interconnectedness of human beings. This month, we explore this core value of Retreat House through the lens of self-compassion.
As those who care and tend to the souls of others, we might find ourselves in places of isolation or loneliness, especially if we are serving on our own and not in an institution or organization. Spiritual direction supervision is a time for directors to self-reflect and check in with themselves to notice where the Holy is inviting them to grow or learn or even celebrate.
This is an integral part of our self-care as directors.
Whether you are new to this ministry and just starting out or you’ve been serving others in this capacity for many years, our hope is the below framework might provide a helpful framework as you begin, a refresher or perhaps a resource for those you serve:
Summary of supervision taken from Spiritual Directors International’s (SDI) Website:
“Spiritual direction supervision supports the care and growth of spiritual directors in service of the seekers they accompany. Supervision focuses on the spiritual director so they can better serve the seeker and their relationship with God, Allah, The Universe, or however one refers to the Ground of All Being.
Supervision is a contemplative, sacred process undertaken individually or in conversation among multiple spiritual directors. Supervision meetings explore an experience of one spiritual director as they companion a seeker.”
Types of supervision
Peer
Can take place on zoom or in person
Format:
20 minutes of grounding and reflection
45 minutes – Presentation of one Contemplative Reflection Form (CRF)
25 minutes – Consultation questions
Usually includes 5-6 spiritual directors in each group
Typically costs $100 for six sessions with 5-6 spiritual directors in each group
At Retreat House, supervision is open to spiritual directors and practicum students
Each director will present one CRF (Contemplative Reflection Form) during the six months. There are different types of CRF options. Ask you supervisor if there is freedom to choose what type of format you can use based on your learning style and comfort level.
Individual
Some directors might choose to meet with a supervisor 1:1. Perhaps they are in a training program or desire more time to process the material that arises. Stay tuned for an interview with Rev. Dr. Lil Smith and Lee Jarrell on this piece!
A frequently asked question (FAQ)
How often should I go to supervision? It is recommended to participate in supervision monthly if a director has more than ten directees. If they have less than ten, every other month might be sufficient.
Does Retreat House offer spiritual direction supervision? Yes! Supervision groups meet at Retreat House. Several of our covenant partners are also trained as supervisors. To inquire, email Lil.
More from SDI:
“Supervision is a reflective practice. A spiritual director engaged in supervision will take time after a spiritual direction session to become aware and notice what transpired with a seeker and what continues to hold energy within the spiritual director following the session. This then becomes the focus of the spiritual director’s reflection, first alone and then with another spiritual director or peer group.
The supervision process invites the spiritual director to take time to explore what is beneath the surface: to better understand oneself, to discover how best to accompany seekers, and to acknowledge how Spirit is present and active in the spiritual direction relationship.
The goal of supervision is to assist the spiritual director to become more supportive and skilled in accompanying the seeker in a relationship with Mystery who many name God.”
Learn more about supervision in this article Spiritual direction supervision and Nautilus shells: What do they have to teach us?