Discover the difference.....
Kindness Presence Hospitality Excellence
Services provided by - Adam Gullett, MPT & Dr Julie Gullett, DMin, MEd,MASF
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a particular type of helping profession where a trained spiritual guide listens to and companions someone who desires to explore the movement of the Divine in their life. The task of the Spiritual Director is to deeply listen, to reflect, to wonder alongside, to companion- trusting that God is the true Director. Our task is to hold space to listen well. Folks often seek the help of a Spiritual Director when they're feeling "stuck" or hurt or in a time of uncertainty. Sometimes folks seek a Spiritual Director when they want to learn contemplative practices that can help deepen their relationship with God. The role of a Spiritual Director is to host the Sacred and the directee in a space where no question is off limits, where pain is honored, and healing begins in our stories.
A Note from
Dr. Julie Gullett
When I entered seminary at George Fox University in 2021, Adam and I had just opened Discovery. As we welcomed clients to our clinic, I was struck that many folks had journeys that involved a lot of hurt navigating the healthcare system. Veterans that had seen combat in the last 20 years and their families, families with special needs dependents- particularly those that had aged out of supports, LGBTQ+ folks, and those that had experienced harm in the church were frequenting our clinic. There was often a lot of trauma coming through the door and Adam and I aimed to create a space where we could meet those needs. Having a background as a social worker and educator helped me to employ a broader skill-set. A piece of my practice has been "Crisis Intervention". Sometimes folks just need to know where resources are in the community.
So why go to 5 years of seminary?
I asked myself that same question! I have found that this profession combines my professional skill sets and intention to have my life be an expression of my faith. Everyone deserves to seek help from someone who is well-prepared and committed to "doing their own personal work" so that no further harm is done. For me this meant, rigorous study and deliberate discernment to make sure that my impact matches my intention. My goal as a spiritual director is to be part of your team, to skillfully hold space for you to examine what's on your heart and recognizing where the Divine might be in all of it. My clientele has included Christians, Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, Spiritual folks, and those who reject any label at all. My goal is be with you- and honor whatever you'd like to explore.
Hosting the Conversation
Spiritual Direction is not therapy. While many of the skill-sets overlap, there are some distinct differences between therapy and direction. Spiritual direction session are typically monthly vs weekly. While no topic is "off limits", there are times when the skills of a therapist are better suited in the midst of crisis or when exploring trauma. In those cases, I am happy to help you get connect with the right professional.....and I'm happy to continue to be part of the team as needed. Spiritual Directors are not licensed and thus sessions are cash pay. There are many approaches to Spiritual Direction. I have found that having a wide variety of "tools in the toolbox" suits me and my directees well, enabling me to meet folks right where they're standing.
Whether it's sitting outside in the orchard at Seedpod Farm or inside in my cozy office, spiritual direction sessions start with hospitality. A cup of tea, a candle, silence, a poem or another contemplative practice, the session begins with meeting you right where you are. Sharing your story is sacred and I always look forward to creating a space where whatever arises- is welcome.
Sessions can also take place on The Keystone Labyrinth. This is a wonderful tool to examine the metaphor of the spiritual journey. Sessions can be facilitated with individuals, families or groups.
