Are you the person friends & family turn to for emotional or spiritual support? Do you wish to enhance your ability to help others on their spiritual journeys? If so, Cherry Hill Seminary’s Spiritual Direction Program offers a transformative path to deepen your skills & expand your well-being.
Cohort 4 begins March 6, 2025. The next cohort of learners will likely start March 2026. Get your application in now for early admission.
Program Overview
This 24-month online program is designed for individuals seeking to become proficient spiritual companions. The curriculum is divided into four semesters, focusing on different aspects of spiritual direction:
• Personal formation through theological and spiritual growth, development of spiritual listening skills, and an introduction to contemplative practices.
• Exploration of diverse spiritual traditions and their approaches to spiritual direction..
• Resources from psychology and for people of various identities and life moments.
• Advanced techniques in spiritual guidance, including case studies and role-playing exercises.
• Practical application through supervised spiritual direction sessions and skills for building a business.
Key Features
• Diverse Faculty: Learn from experienced teachers representing Pagan, Indigenous, Catholic, Sufi, Animist, and other traditions, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives.
• Cohort-Based Learning: Join a virtual community of international learners, fostering accountability, support, and shared experiences throughout the program.
• Holistic Approach: Grounded in earth-relating traditions, the program celebrates your spirituality and identity, recognizing you as whole, holy, and worthy.
Compelling Reasons to Consider Spiritual Companioning
Exploring a second career or seeking to augment your role in the helping professions? Becoming a spiritual companion offers a fulfilling path that integrates deep listening, empathy, and guidance, enriching both your life and the lives of those you accompany. Here are compelling reasons to consider this vocation:
1. Leverage Transferable Skills: Your experience in fields like counseling, healthcare, or education has honed your ability to listen actively and provide support. These skills are directly applicable to spiritual companioning, allowing for a seamless transition into this role.
2. Foster Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging in spiritual companioning not only aids others but also facilitates your own spiritual and emotional development. This reciprocal growth enriches your practice and personal life.
3. Meet Growing Demand for Holistic Support: As individuals increasingly seek comprehensive well-being, the need for spiritual companions rises. This role enables you to address the spiritual dimensions of well-being, complementing traditional therapeutic approaches.
4. Enhance Workplace Well-Being: Incorporating spiritual direction within organizational settings can foster belonging, manage change, and improve leadership and culture. By becoming a spiritual companion, you can contribute to creating psychologically safe and meaningful workplaces.
5. Embrace a Flexible and Diverse Practice: Spiritual companioning offers the flexibility to work in various settings, including private practice, community organizations, or corporate environments. This adaptability allows you to tailor your practice to diverse populations and needs.
Outcomes
Upon completion, you will become a credentialed Spiritual Companion, equipped to offer professional spiritual guidance. This certification opens pathways to serve in various settings, including community organizations, religious institutions, and private practice.
Application Process
Applications are now open for Cohort 5, starting on March 1, 2026. The admissions process includes submitting an application form, two short essays, two letters of reference, and an interview with the program chair.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to deepen your spiritual practice and enhance your ability to support others, apply today to join our next cohort. Embark on a journey that not only enriches your life but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
For more information and to begin your application, visit our Spiritual Direction Certificate Program page.
You are whole, holy, and worthy. Begin your journey to bloom.
Rev. Amy Beltaine
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