Services

Spiritual Companionship is the experience of being walked with and encouraged to notice and deepen into the activity of The Divine  (for simplicity, “God”) in each area of life. In our work as spiritual companions, we seek to accompany others in exploring their deepest beliefs and experiences, as balm for difficult times and as a window into the paths to which they feel invited, and the steps they can take on their journey toward spiritual freedom, authenticity, and connection.

Supervision is the ministry of accompanying another as they reflect on the experience of serving as a spiritual companion.  I (Anne) walk with both experienced spiritual directors and with those training in the ministry as they develop and hone the sensibilities and skills of a spiritual companion, and as they reflect on the consolations, desolations, challenges and invitations that emerge in listening to others’ stories.  I experience supporting other spiritual directors as a sacred gift that both increases opportunities for others to be touched by this transformational ministry, and that deepens the awareness of the sacred for the spiritual companions whom I support.

In spiritual terms, discernment involves more than being able to distinguish between right and wrong choices.  Rather, discernment seeks to develop a habit of making choices in keeping with the good of oneself and a larger community.  We support individuals and groups in noticing, developing and leaning into sacred rhythms; in defining and experiencing spiritual freedom, in identifying spiritual practices that support them in making discrete choices, and in moving deeply into a lifestyle that aligns with their foundational values.

I (Anne) lead spiritual formation groups at Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS).  I also teach in the Justice-Forward Spiritual Direction (JFSD) training program at EMS and in the Graduate Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction (DASD) program at San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS).  I regard teaching and learning, particularly sharing spiritual disciplines and the art of spiritual companionship as deeply formational, and potentially transformative work.  Classes that I teach regularly include:  Inner Life and Wisdom Centers; Power Dynamics and Ethics in Spiritual Direction; and the Art of Discernment.  I am available to teach this and other material in additional settings. 

We meet with individuals or small groups to assist them in addressing a specific issue or area of conflict or disagreement.  Only one side of the conflict needs to participate.  Conflict coaching provides a proactive approach for one side of a conflict to gain insights and experience employing conflict resolution tools, thereby increasing their agency in resolving the conflict.

We create a space for navigating the complex emotions, thoughts, and behaviors associated with loss, thereby accompanying individuals or groups on the journey toward integration of the loss.  The death of a loved one, or job; a broken relationship; shattered dream; experience of abuse, oppression or trauma - these are some forms of loss. Walking with those experiencing grief, honors the reality that while loss and grief are universal, each loss merits unique attention.

In addition to accompanying individuals, we offer grief groups. Individual and group participants may choose to co-create healing rituals. Such rituals are ceremonial practices oriented to remembering and honoring what was lost, inviting memories, naming what participants want to take with them, and what they feel called to release. Music, movement,  symbols, and healing techniques that carry meaning for participants may be part of these rituals. These uniquely tailored practices emerge from a communal context of facing what awaits healing and choosing how to move toward what may be  transformative. 

Differences do not need to bring individuals or groups to a stalemate. As trained Mediators, we assist individuals and groups, who experience disagreements, as they negotiate their differences and move towards healing outcomes. Our goal as mutually-selected, neutral persons is to help identify and guide movement towards a shared highest hope. 

Crucial or difficult conversations are sometimes needed for individuals or groups to better understand one another’s positions and find mutually agreeable and proactive ways of moving forward together. We use a voluntary process centered around participants’ core values wherein the facilitators guide participants in identifying shared values, and their hopes for outcomes.  Based on these values and hopes we seek to move participants toward mutual understanding and resolution while retaining consistency with their core values for the common good.