Accompanying Children In Their Life
and In Their Way
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WITH CHILDREN
Children are having spiritual experiences whether the adults in their lives notice it or not. In spiritual direction with children, the director takes the posture of noticing and encouraging, of making a space for children to talk about their experiences of the Divine. The child takes the lead in these sessions.
Spiritual direction with children relies on the practice of Holy Listening. While children are talking and playing the director is listening for the good, beautiful and true in their stories. In the absence of goodness or beauty the director is helping them to connect with The Always Present One, knowing God is present with them in their pain and sorrow.
The decision to come is usually the decision of parents. However it is never forced, the desire must come from the children. Often times it is due to a crisis in the family or an issue the parent feels the child is having. Spiritual direction is not counseling. Spiritual directors do not diagnose or treat mental health issues. In whatever circumstance or situation that children find themselves spiritual directors are afforded the deep honor of witness. They open the space for the child to see God who is always with them and respond.
Currently, I only meet with children at Haven House.
However, here’s a list of spiritual directors who meet with children and have been formed through our course. Feel free to reach out to one of these accompanying spiritual directors.
Heather Hawk Feinberg: Counselor and Spiritual Director with Children Heather@MindfulKidsCommunity.org
Sharon Wennerstrom: Spiritual Director with Children sswennerstronm@gmail.com
Julia Barger: Children’s Director and Spiritual Director with Children julia@trinitywenatchee.org
Vanessa Caruso: Spiritual Director with Children www.littlebouquets.com directionwithvanessa@gmail.com
Sharon Leerar: Spiritual Director with Children psleerar@gmail.com
