Counseling Skills for Spiritual Directors

Spiritual directors are better companions and deep listeners when they use foundational counseling skills effectively. Specific microskills for active listening include attending, validating emotion, clarifying, and appreciating the sacred. These skills are effective in 1) establishing relationship; 2) exploring experiences, concerns, and questions; and 3) deepening the experience of exploration within the spiritual direction relationship.

In the first workshop (February 4), we will learn and practice five microskills focused on establishing relationship and exploring. In the second workshop (February 11), we will learn and practice five microskills focused on deepening the experience of relationship and exploration. We will practice these skills throughout our time together.

This two-part series will take place on two consecutive Wednesdays, February 4 and 11, 2025, 9am-noon both days.

*** For spiritual directors only ***

About the Presenter:

Michael Johnston, Ed.D., is a licensed psychologist (retired). He received a doctorate in counseling psychology from Indiana University. For thirty years, he worked in Counseling and Psychological Services at California State University, Long Beach. For fifteen years, he served as director of a doctoral internship accredited by the American Psychological Association. For ten years, he taught graduate courses in counseling. He spent his youth in formation at the Sacred Heart House of Studies in Missouri, Holy Trinity Seminary in Texas, and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio. He has been active in the Episcopal Church, having served on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of Los Angeles. For ASD, he has served as instructor, mentor, supervisor, and program manager. He has been offering spiritual direction since 2009.

Photo by Christina Morillo