I usually light a candle to mark our time together in this sacred space. Next, we briefly greet each other before settling into a few moments of silence. At the start of our first session, especially if you’ve never been in direction before, I will provide a brief overview of spiritual direction. We will have covered some of this during our 30-minute introductory call, which I offer to prospective directees.

During our first session, I can answer your questions about spiritual direction. You might tell me about your expectations, needs, concerns, or how your soul or spirit is doing that day. There will be periods of silence while I listen to your words, and notice movements and expressions of the Spirit, or God, or however you prefer to call the Divine. Don’t worry, if your views are non-theistic, or “spiritual but not religious,” or if you’d rather just explore deep existential questions, that’s completely fine. I believe spiritual direction with the right director benefits everyone. If, however, after our initial session—or at any time thereafter—one of us feels that we’re not a good match, I will be more than happy to refer you to another spiritual director whom I trust.

As a spiritual director, I particularly feel called to work with people facing major life transitions—those searching for meaning, what nourishes and sustains them, and those searching for greater clarity. As we share our sacred space, I often realize how blessed I am to witness the grace—and feelings of lightness, heaviness, and occasional tears—bestowed on directees during our time together. Sharing important issues in each monthly session, the directee and I are not alone, however. Like most spiritual directors, I invite the presence of a third chair amongst us: the presence of God, the Holy, the Divine Spirit (or whatever designation you prefer).

In this confidential space, in a non-directive way, directees are given the chance to face certain crossroads, or turning points, in their lives, no matter how major or trivial they may seem. Some feel lost as they seek answers to existential and spiritual questions. Through stillness, and a purposeful, peaceful presence, directees are guided through a discernment process that may help them see more clearly. Discernment helps people make important decisions regarding their life purpose, profession, place of living or worship, identities, families, friends, work-life balance, spiritual growth, sexuality, goals, etc.

A typical directee may be struggling to find balance in their life while working full-time, raising a family, and caring for elderly parents. Another directee might be facing retirement, grieving the loss of a partner, close friend or pet, or dealing with chronic illness. Another might have a goal such as writing and publishing a book, yet they lack the confidence and discipline to move forward. I particularly welcome those who have been deeply hurt by the rigidity of certain cultures, ideologies, religious traditions and institutions, such as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, like me. I also welcome directees from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, as well as the neurodivergent (including ADHD) community.

Trained in the evocative, non-directive style of spiritual direction, I strive to deeply listen to directees’ stories and what issues come up each month; from how they connect with God, the Holy, the Divine, or however they prefer to name the all-encompassing source of wisdom. I respect numerous religious and spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, and rituals. Working with directees from many backgrounds, I feel honored to witness growth in their faith, and lives, from multiple perspectives.

Lastly, I chose the name Evocative Soul because I feel called to create a sacred space to help people connect with the Divine while seeking within their souls a deeper meaning in their lives. As we explore areas for discernment together, directees often reach greater clarity. Moreover, as a teacher of contemplative practices and creative expression, I lead seekers on personalized journeys and group retreats, helping them unleash their creative selves in a spiritual way, which grounds them holistically—in mind, body, and spirit.