How to Choose a Spiritual Care Training Program

How to Choose a Spiritual Direction Training Program

If you’ve felt the call to spiritual direction, you’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of training programs out there. Some are rooted in specific traditions, some are multi-spiritual, some focus on psychological insight, others on contemplative practice. With so many choices, how do you discern which program is right for you?

Pathmarkers near Pigeonswick Cottage, photo by Peter O’Connor CC2.0

Here are some key questions to help guide your decision:

1. What’s the Program’s Theological or Spiritual Orientation?

Some programs are rooted in a specific tradition – Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, etc. – and train you within that framework. Others take a broader approach:

• Inter-spiritual programs operate on the belief that all spiritual paths lead to the same core truth. They often emphasize commonalities across traditions and may encourage an integrated, universal approach to spirituality.
• Multi-spiritual programs honor the richness of many traditions while supporting each person in their own. Rather than blending paths into a single approach, they celebrate the distinct gifts of each and invite deep engagement with your own spiritual heritage while learning from others.

Consider what feels right for your journey—do you want a program that aligns with your faith, one that blends traditions, or one that exposes you to multiple perspectives while grounding you in your own?

Original art created by Amy Beltaine

2. What Learning Style Works Best for You?

Programs vary in how they structure learning. Some people thrive in structured academic settings with papers and grades, while others prefer experiential learning through reflection, discussion, and guided practice.

Consider:

• Do you prefer self-paced study or live interactive sessions?
• Do you learn best through reading and writing, group discussion, or hands-on practice?
• Do you want opportunities for one-on-one mentorship and supervision, or do you prefer more independence?

The best program for you will match how you learn and grow best.

3. Is the Program In-Person, Online, or Hybrid?

The format of a program deeply affects accessibility:

• In-person programs can offer rich community experiences, but they often require travel and lodging, which adds cost and time.
• Hybrid programs balance face-to-face connection with online flexibility but may still require periodic travel for convocations or retreats.
• Fully online programs make training accessible regardless of location, often with live video sessions and interactive forums.

Your choice will depend on your learning preferences, travel ability, and accessibility needs.

4. What Kind of Community Does the Program Foster?

Do you want a tight-knit cohort where relationships deepen over time, or do you prefer a more self-paced approach? Some programs prioritize community formation, while others allow for more independence.

It’s also important to ask: How does the program honor each unique person? A strong training program will:

• Welcome diverse identities and experiences with genuine inclusion.
• Adapt to accessibility needs, whether that’s offering captioning, flexible pacing, or different ways to engage.
• Recognize different spiritual journeys without forcing a single path.
• Incorporate consent culture.

5. What Content and Approach Does the Program Emphasize?

Every program has its own focus and teaching style. Some are deeply theological, drawing from scripture and doctrine. Others lean into psychological insight, contemplative practice, or social justice. Many blend multiple approaches.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a program that is prayer-centered, contemplative, intellectual, pastoral, or something else?
• Does the program teach specific techniques (like active listening, Ignatian spirituality, dreamwork, or embodied practices)?
• Will I get practical experience offering spiritual direction?
• Is there room for self-directed learning or credit for learning outside the program?
• Is there support for using the program purely for personal development? And is there support for folks who wish to launch a sustainable practice?

6. What’s the Financial Commitment?

Training programs vary widely in cost. Some require a significant financial investment, while others (like mine!) aim to be affordable and accessible. Keep in mind:

• Tuition may or may not include required books, supervision, or retreat fees.
• Some programs offer scholarships or sliding scale options.
• If you need to travel for in-person components, factor in the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals.

7. Does the Program Provide Supervision and a Spiritual Companion?

A good spiritual direction program doesn’t just teach concepts, it provides real practice. Strong programs will require:

• Supervision: A mentor who helps you reflect on your practice, offering insight and accountability.
• A spiritual companion: Someone who journeys with you as you grow into this work.

Without these elements, training can feel theoretical rather than transformational.

Final Thought: What’s the Heart of the Program?

At its core, spiritual direction is about deep, sacred attending to the Divine, to oneself, and to others. The best program for you is the one that helps you cultivate that presence and discernment in the way that resonates most deeply.

If you’re exploring your options, I’d love to connect! My two-year spiritual direction training program starts again on March 6, and it’s designed to be affordable, deeply relational, and rooted in contemplative listening. Feel free to reach out or check out the details https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/01/cherry-hill-spiritual-direction.html!

What questions do you have as you discern your next steps?

You are whole, holy, and worthy,

Rev. Amy

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I also have a list of other programs here: https://abeltaine.blogspot.com/2025/01/spiritual-direction-training-programs.html