Four signs a Spiritual Director could help you
It is a common misconception that you only seek out a Spiritual Director when you are "losing your faith" or facing a massive dilemma.
You don’t have to be in a crisis to seek spiritual direction.
Have you ever felt like your prayer life hit a brick wall, or found yourself longing for a deeper sense of purpose that logic alone couldn't explain? You aren't 'failing' at faith—you’re simply growing. While many assume you only seek out a Spiritual Director during a life crisis, the truth is that spiritual accompaniment is often most transformative during the quiet seasons. Whether you are navigating a major transition or looking for a safe space to ask hard questions, here are four signs that a spiritual director could be the companion you need for your journey.
The "Dry Spell"
You’re showing up, but the spark is gone. Prayer feels less like a conversation and more like talking to a brick wall. A director helps you navigate these "dark nights" and find new ways to listen.
The Holy Nudge
It’s a nagging feeling, a deep longing for "more," but you can’t quite put a name to it. You feel pulled toward something deeper, and you need help decoding that internal compass.
The Big "Why"
You’re at a crossroads, maybe a career change, a move, or an empty nest. You don’t just want to make a logical choice; you want to move with discernment, aligning your next step with your soul’s purpose.
The Safe Space
Church communities are wonderful, but they can sometimes feel like places where you have to "have it all together." A Spiritual Director provides a confidential, consecrated space where you can say, "I’m not sure I believe this anymore," or "I feel angry at God," without anyone trying to "fix" you or judge your standing in the community.
What Exactly Is a Spiritual Director?
Think of a spiritual director as a "soul friend." Unlike a therapist (who focuses on mental health and healing the past) or a life coach (who focuses on goal-setting and the future), a spiritual director focuses on your relationship with the sacred in the present.
They aren't there to give you the answers or tell you how to pray. Instead, they ask the kind of evocative questions that help you notice where the Divine is already moving in your life.
We are often so busy living our lives that we don't have time to interpret them. A Spiritual Director acts as a mirror. They listen to your stories about work, parenting, and even your dreams, helping you spot the patterns and "holy nudges" you might be missing in the noise of a 60-hour work week.
How to Know if You’re Ready
The best indicator that spiritual direction is right for you is a simple sense of curiosity. If you find yourself wondering if there is "more" to your inner life than what you are currently experiencing, that curiosity is your invitation. You aren't seeking direction because you are lost; you're seeking it because you're ready to explore.
"The directee is not a patient to be cured, but a person to be listened to." — Margaret Guenther
What’s Next?
Come to an “Exploring Spiritual Direction” seminar.
Select 2–3 directors from the directory who feel like a potential fit. Read our guide on what to think about when looking for a Spiritual Director.
Reach out for an informal "exploratory" conversation.
Review the connection after one or two meetings to see if it feels right for you.