n incomplete list of topics to be addressed in spiritual direction training include:

  • Listening with your heart
  • Listening for the Spirit
  • History of spiritual direction    
  • Dialogue
  • Core issues
  • Presence
  • Grace
  • Mystery
  • Prayer seasons
  • Jesus as Spiritual Director
  • Dryness/dark night of soul
  • Psychological considerations
  • Discernment (Ignatian)
  • Experience of God
  • Images of God
  • Stages of Faith
  • Transformation
  • Contexts/culture
  • Dreams as God’s revelation
  • Distinctions between counseling and direction
  • Wholeness vs. false self
  • Silence and solitude
  • Practical considerations of a session
  • Supervision