Coaching? Spiritual Direction? Formational Care? What exactly is the difference, and what do you do?
To put this in simple terms, I’ll start with directions:
Moving Forward: In Christian life coaching, we start where you are, explore where you want to go, and together, form a strategy to get there. We bring clarity to dreams, remove roadblocks, set goals, and get very practical about thriving today and in the future. We invite Christ to set you free from limiting beliefs and to be formed into His image as you grow into the next season of your life. I’ll be your dream catcher, cheerleader, and accountability as you go!
Moving Inward: In spiritual direction, we participate together with the Holy Spirit to answer the question: “Where is God in the present moment of my life?” We make room for God to speak both in familiar and new, creative ways. We wonder together. We pray together. We explore your current stage of faith and ask God, “How are you at work?” In this space, there is no room for judgment and all the room in the world for questions. It is my honor to create a space where we can watch the Holy Spirit weave together the threads of your life into a beautiful tapestry – full of mystery, but also full of glimmers, of journey, of growth, and of healing. This is an exciting place of God-encounter!
Moving Through: In formational care, we look at current life experiences, dysfunctional behaviors, fractured relationships, and distortions or lies through the lens of God’s healing care. None of us are immune to the wounds that come from living in a broken world. Formational care is a gentle, Spirit-directed, experiential approach to bringing these issues before the Lord. We invite Him to weave a new story in our lives by encountering Him in those places of pain. This journey is both inward and backward as God moves you towards the ultimate core longings and core wounds that keep you stuck, at His pace and in His perfect care. You’ll find a compassionate, safe space to explore these difficult places and move forward in victory and freedom you never dreamed possible.
Putting it All Together
When we first meet, we’ll take time to discuss what you are most longing for in our work together. Usually, one of the three approaches rises to the surface as our starting point. Unless you specifically request that we limit our focus, I will usually offer elements of all the facets of my training at various times. However, you are in charge of the journey at all times.
What I Do Not Offer
I am a certified Christian life coach with pending certification in spiritual direction and formational care. I am not a licensed therapist or counselor. If you are struggling with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder; if you wish for therapeutic interventions in your relationships; or if you are feeling like life or your emotions are dangerously spiraling out of control (i.e. feeling suicidal, or are completely unable to function in daily life), receiving care from a licensed counselor would be a great fit for your season.
If you’re unsure what you need most, please know that when we first meet, I will be prayerfully listening with you for wisdom. I never hesitate to refer someone to another person’s care if I feel that’s a better fit. I also have worked many times with clients who are also in therapy; if you’re curious about how this combination works together, let’s chat about it!
Do you accept insurance?
No. You can pay for sessions via Venmo, cash, or check; I take payment in advance either per session or per month. I never want cost to be prohibitive; we can discuss a sliding scale or reduced fee if needed.
Becoming Brighter 