How do we welcome emotions that feel too big, too messy, or too much?

As Spiritual Directors, we are often invited to sit alongside strong emotions - grief, shame, anger, joy - and the deep experiences that evoke them. This session explores how we relate to such emotions: which ones we’re most comfortable with, which ones we avoid, and what personal or theological influences may have shaped those responses. What images of God might our directees (or we ourselves) hold that repress the expression of emotion, and where might those images come from? We’ll consider the events in life’s journey - loss, injustice, love, celebration - that stir such feelings, and reflect on how to offer a safe, compassionate, and accepting space where these emotions can be named, held, and even welcomed.

Together, we’ll explore ways of expressing strong emotion that go beyond words - through gesture, movement, metaphor, silence - and how to discern the difference between healthy emotional expression and something that may stem from trauma, mental health challenges, or a need for therapeutic intervention. We'll ask when it’s appropriate to stay present and when to gently guide someone toward other forms of support. The aim is not to “fix” feelings but to accompany our directees with authenticity and non-anxious presence.

This workshop will offer insight into the inner work we may need to do around emotions we find difficult or unacceptable, and help us listen more comfortably to the strong emotions of others. Why are we afraid of these emotions? What might make us more available to them? Together we’ll reflect on what it means to hold space for emotional truth in Spiritual Direction - while staying rooted in compassion, discernment, and trust in the Spirit’s unfolding work.

Celia Harrison

Celia Harrison was part of an Ecumenical Christian Community for 15 years and this journey was a deeply meaningful, healing, transformative and challenging experience. She always felt drawn to sacred listening and soul friendship and trained as a Christian Listener and then as a Spiritual Director at LCSD. She also trained as a psychotherapist and specialised in working with complex trauma and attachment trauma. She is an Associate member of the Iona Community and seeks to live a contemplative lifestyle. Celia lives with her cat Lucy who brings her much joy and comfort and is a source of God's love to her.

Date: Friday 3 July

When: 10:00- 15:00 GMT

Where: Online

Cost: £50 Non Members, £40 Members

FAQ

• How do I get the Zoom Link?

  After booking your event you’ll receive an automatic confirmation email that contains your unique Zoom link. Please check your inbox (and spam folder, just in case) for this email.

  You will also receive a reminder email 48 hours before the event and one hour before.

  You do not need a Zoom account to join. On the day of the event, simply click the Zoom link in your confirmation email. This will open the Zoom app or website, where you’ll be able to join the event. Be sure to log in a few minutes early to make sure everything is set up!

• How do I access Handouts?

  Handouts, if provided, will be shared with you via a link in both your confirmation and reminder emails. The link will direct you to a folder in Google Drive where you can download the materials. To download the handouts:

  1. Click the link in your email to access the folder.

  2. Once in the folder, find the documents listed.

  3. Click on the document you want to download and look for the "Download" option (usually in the top-right corner of the screen).

  4. Select Download, and the file will be saved to your device.

  5. Any handouts made available after the event will be added to this folder.

  We strive to provide handouts for each event that it is appropriate for, but please note that some speakers may not provide them. If handouts are available, they will be uploaded to the folder at least 48 hours before the event. Be sure to check the folder ahead of time to ensure you have everything you need!

• Can I reschedule or cancel?

  Yes, you can reschedule your booking through the confirmation email. Just click the "Reschedule" link and choose a new time. Please note that rescheduling is subject to availability.

  To cancel your booking, simply follow the link in your confirmation email and you’ll find an option to cancel your appointment. Cancellations and refunds are only available before the event starts.

• What should I do if I experience technical difficulties on the day of the event?

  If you’re having trouble joining the event, first try checking your internet connection or restarting your Zoom app. If issues persist, please contact us immediately via email at info@lcsd.org.uk, and we’ll try to help troubleshoot or provide an alternative solution.

• How do I apply my member's discount or redeem a package?

  • Click on the “Book” button on the page.

  • Enter your personal information (name, email, etc.) and click “Continue to Payment” button.

  • On the payment page, fill in your payment details.

  • Under “Order Summary” you’ll see a field labelled “Package, gift, or coupon code”

  • Enter your code and click Apply.

  • Once applied, you should see your 20% member discount reflected in the total amount.

  • Follow the prompts to finalise your payment and booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your event.