Beginning and Advanced Spiritual Directors

Since the 1970s, there has been resurgence in the practice ofspiritual direction. A significant number of people worldwide arediscerning their call to this work. Now, a few decades later, thereare effectively two groups of spiritual directors: those beginningtheir practice, and those who are advanced well beyond theirinitial formation and early practice. This book explores thesimilar and different developmental influences that shape thepractice of beginning and advanced spiritual directors. It findsthat the similarities and differences in the influences that shapetheir practice revolve around two key developmental influencesnamely, the capacity of directors to adopt a contemplative stanceto their directees, and their ability to be aware contextually ofthe factors that fashion the dynamic of accompaniment. While bothinfluences shape beginning and advanced directors, the formerimpacts more on the practice of beginning directors and the lattermore affects advanced directors. The application of these findingsis significant for those involved with the initial and ongoingformation of directors, and their professional associations.

Klappentext
Since the 1970s, there has been resurgence in the practice of spiritual direction. A significant number of people worldwide are discerning their call to this work. Now, a few decades later, there are effectively two groups of spiritual directors: those beginning their practice, and those who are advanced well beyond their initial formation and early practice. This book explores the similar and different developmental influences that shape the practice of beginning and advanced spiritual directors. It finds that the similarities and differences in the influences that shape their practice revolve around two key developmental influences namely, the capacity of directors to adopt a contemplative stance to their directees, and their ability to be aware contextually of the factors that fashion the dynamic of accompaniment. While both influences shape beginning and advanced directors, the former impacts more on the practice of beginning directors and the latter more affects advanced directors. The application of these findings is significant for those involved with the initial and ongoing formation of directors, and their professional associations.