Supervision has long been considered an essential tool for individuals who offer spiritual direction. Supervision is an opportunity to explore the movement of the Sacred in both the spiritual director and the spiritual directee. The format of supervision varies. Group supervision can offer a community of support and nourishment for spiritual directors. Individual supervision can provide an oasis from isolation for those who offer spiritual direction outside an institution or organization. Initially, most spiritual director formation and training programs introduce individual and group supervision. There may also be time devoted to consultation, where the focus helps the spiritual director understand the spiritual directee. All of the supervision processes begin with the spiritual director engaging in self-reflection and self-supervision.

Throughout one’s ministry and service of spiritual direction, all of the models of supervision listed below will likely be engaged. At different times, one of more of the models may take precedence.

Self-supervision: Whether one is companioning individuals, groups, organizations or faith communities, offering spiritual direction is often a solitary ministry and service. Spiritual directors or companions must learn to be accurately self-reflective regarding their strengths, limitations, and learning edges as a spiritual companion. The process of self-supervision needs attention after every meeting with a spiritual directee and is the initial process that must be honored before engaging in other models of supervision.

Individual Supervision: A one-on-one meeting with a trained supervisor helps a spiritual director understand one’s own strengths, limitations, and learning needs. Individual supervision is most frequently used when an individual is in a formation and training program. It is also a very useful process when a spiritual director has questions or concern about a particular spiritual directee, or is grappling with an ethical dilemma. Spiritual directors who companion many spiritual seekers may choose individual supervision because it gives them greater opportunity to process the material that arises.

Peer Supervision/Group Supervision: Group supervision or peer supervision are the most common forms of supervision for spiritual directors. At the core, these models involve individual spiritual directors, engaged in self-reflection and self-supervision, allowing themselves to be accountable by sharing their experience within a group setting. During peer or group supervision, the spiritual director reflects upon his or her experience of spiritual direction and a group of peers share their insights with the spiritual director. The spiritual director is invited to reflect upon the gifts and areas of growth he or she is experiencing while meeting with spiritual directees. It can be helpful to have a facilitator or trained supervisor in a group to assist the members in staying faithful to the goals of peer supervision. The advantage of supervision in a peer or group setting includes every member of the group learning from the material that is presented.

Consultation: No matter how well prepared an individual is to offer spiritual direction, the spiritual director may face an individual, situation, or experience that requires additional expertise. At these times, consultation is an appropriate part of the supervisory process. Consultation educates a spiritual director and provides information and resources that will assist in meeting the needs of a spiritual directee. In addition, consultation helps a spiritual director recognize the limits of his or her competency and identify when it is appropriate to refer the spiritual directee to a qualified professional.

Explore the resources below for further reading on supervision.