An Introduction to Spiritual Direction: A Psychological Approach for Directors and Directees

An Introduction to Spiritual Direction is a clear, nuanced and practical handbook for spiritual directors and directees that examines what it means to be spiritually whole and the process that gets us there. It is based in part on the two-year training course that the author conducts at Spiritual Direction Institute, the teachings of the depth psychologist, Carl Jung, and the Christian traditionalists, among them, St. Francis de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross. It is further conjoined with sections on the qualities of the good director and directee, with fascinating forays into the nature of temperament and psychological type. The core of the book is devoted to its larger question, the actual growth and acquisition of spiritual wisdom, where the stages, pitfalls, remedies, rewards, as well as the importance of spiritual direction, especially during times of crises, are examined in numerous comprehensive sections. Dovetailed with chapter notes and questions, index, and extensive bibliography, An Introduction to Spiritual Direction deserves recognition by directors, directees, counselors, students and practitioners of psychology, and religious educators. It is a great starting point for spiritual exploration. †

Monsignor Chester P. Michael, who holds a doctorate in sacred theology from St. Mary's University in Baltimore, MD, conducts a training course in spiritual direction, is a giver and former director of retreats and workshops in this country and Canada, and has served as pastor and rector in dioceses throughout the United States during his many years of ministry. He is the publisher of Open Door, and is the author of seven books, including several on spiritual directorship.