What exactly is ‘spiritual direction?’

In this new podcast series well-known author and lecturer on Ignatian spirituality Brian O’Leary SJ answers simply and clearly some of the many questions asked about the practice of ‘spiritual direction’, also known as ‘spiritual accompaniment’.

Indeed one of the questions he addresses is the different titles assigned to the ancient practice of walking and assisting a person on their ‘spiritual’ journey. And the foregoing sentence gives rise to another vexed question – what do we mean by ‘spirituality? The answer is illuminating.

This series of short and informed responses are not just a result of Brian’s academic endeavours but also come from his long years of practice as a spiritual director himself. He has journeyed with hundreds of people from all walks of life who have come to him for guidance, wisdom, and support.

Brian O’Leary addresses other queries also such as what is the difference between spiritual direction and counselling, and practical questions such as ‘how much does it cost?’ The first question in this short podcast series is a fundamental one – “What is spiritual direction?”