Explore your ministry of Spiritual Direction through supervision
Mary Rose Bumpus describes supervision for spiritual directors as a “conversation between peers that ultimately fosters the wellbeing of an absent other.” Supervision, then, it a sacred space – a time that is set aside for the director to reflect on his or her ministry of accompanying others in their faith journeys.
As a spiritual director you will no doubt have your own director. Supervision is a different space from the time you spend with your director. The aim of supervision is to help you to "grow in self awareness and interior freedom in order to stay with directees’ experiences and to be attentive to God during direction sessions." (after Maureen Convoy)
I offer one-to-one supervision either in person or online via Zoom. Depending on what you find most comfortable, our sessions may begin with prayer, a short silence, or with a simple question such as, 'What would you like to bring to supervision today?'
In time, I will also be offering group supervision. If this is something you would be interested in, please do get in touch.
This is a ‘sacred space’ into which you can bring anything relating to your ministry of accompanying others in spiritual direction. Brigid Proctor describes supervision for spiritual directors as a process that is...
> Contemplative: I will help you to prayerfully discern how and where God is at work in your ministry.
> Formative: We will seek to grow in knowledge and insights, developing greater self-awareness and understanding.
> Restorative: I will seek to provide a space for acknowledging and releasing feelings you encounter in your ministry.
> Normative: We will work towards greater understanding of best practice and ethical standards.
> Affirmative: I will seek to support, encourage and pray for you and your ministry.
I trained as a Spiritual Director with Sarum College in Salisbury (UK). I gained a University Certificate in Professional Studies in Supervision from Canterbury Christchurch University and the YMCA in 2017. I am currently undertaking training for supervisors with the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.
I am currently open for supervising a limited number of spiritual directors.
I operate according to the Guidelines in Ethical Conduct of the UK Forum for Spiritual Direction. You can read these here.
I carry professional indemnity insurance.
As a qualified teacher, former pastor, sports coach and youth worker, I am well experienced in creating safe spaces for those with whom I work. I am also a professional trainer, with a particular interest in safeguarding and mental health. You can therefore rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential. Your anonymity is guaranteed. There is a caveat: if I believe that you or somebody you identify is at risk of harm, I have a duty of care to share my concerns with other professionals. We would discuss this further should that arise.
As part of my own personal and professional development, I have my own spiritual director. Separately, I also meet with other(s) several times each year for professional supervision.
The frequency of supervision varies depending on how many people a spiritual director accompanies. Typically, we would meet every three to six months for an hour each time. We would arrange a mutually convenient time and place to meet, either in person or online via Zoom, FaceTime, Teams or WhatsApp video.
There is a cost to supervision. As well as my time, my own spiritual direction, supervision and ongoing professional development, and insurance all incur costs. Supervision for spiritual directors is an important and necessary aspect of your practice and ongoing development.
The first session is always FREE. After that, you are under no obligation to continue if you do not feel it is the right thing for you. If you do decide to continue, subsequent sessions cost £50 per one hour session, payable via bank transfer on the day of the session.
I do not want cost to prohibit you from accessing supervision. I am sometimes able to offer a reduced rate for those who might struggle with the payment. I will discuss how supervision can be affordable for you at our first discussion.