Spiritual direction or therapy?
At a glance: Spiritual direction follows life’s transitions, cultivating personal clarity and connection with the sacred. Therapy addresses mental health—traumas, illnesses, coping skills, and more.
Tools for mental health: Mental Health First Aid; NAMI Helpline; Mental Health Coalition; How do I find a good therapist?; insurance websites and EAPs (employee assistance programs)
Tools for spiritual direction: Finding a Good Fit in a Spiritual Director; Find a Spiritual Companion (Directory); Make the Most of Spiritual Direction
"What’s the difference between talking to you and talking to a therapist? Because honestly, I'm not sure which one I need."
As a clinical chaplain, I've heard this question countless times. People know something hurts, but they're not always sure who can help.
Spiritual companionship feels like journeying with someone as they navigate the terrain of their soul. A chaplain or spiritual director can point out the landscape one might have missed or sit with someone when they need to rest. It's companionship that navigates life experiences and divine presence; it’s conversation that gives space for decisions, processing, questioning, and meaning-making.
Therapy may include these elements, but it's more targeted—designed for when you're stuck. It helps when you've twisted an ankle on rocky ground or when you realize you're carrying wounds that make it hard to keep walking. Therapists have specific tools and training to heal what's broken so you can get back on track. Therapy addresses challenges that spiritual care can acknowledge but cannot directly treat.
For those pursuing both, spiritual direction may feel renewed when paired with therapy. As healing happens, new insights and awareness of the sacred may emerge. However, emotional and physical energy are finite resources. Prioritizing mental health is always encouraged.
