Common questions

A few things people often ask.

And the answers I most often give.

How is spiritual direction different from therapy?: Therapy attends to the wounds, patterns, and inner life of a person with clinical training. Spiritual direction attends to your life with God. Both are good and important; they are not interchangeable. Many directees benefit from doing both with different people. If something we touch on belongs more properly in therapy, I will say so and, where helpful, encourage you to seek that care.
Do I need to share Dinah's theology or denomination to work with her?: You don't need to share my exact theology or denomination. My own grounding and language are Christian and Christ-centered, so directees often come to me already at home somewhere in the Christian tradition — Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, denominational, or non-denominational. What we share in the room is a willingness to listen for where God may be moving in your particular life, not a theological position to defend. I will not try to bring you to my conclusions.
Do you specialize in working with ministry workers or missionaries?: Yes — having served overseas in church planting and lived inside the demands of cross-cultural ministry, I have a particular heart for pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders, and anyone serving on the mission field. I understand how easily caring for others can quietly erode one's own attentive listening to God. Please mention your ministry context in your inquiry; I'm eager to make this work as accessible as I can for those who serve.
How often do we meet?: For ongoing direction, once a month is the most common rhythm — long enough to notice patterns, slow enough to honor real life. Discernment series and retreats follow different cadences. We will land on a rhythm that fits your season together.
Where do we meet?: Most directees meet with me over Zoom from wherever they are. I also offer in-person sessions in the Atlanta area, by arrangement.
What happens in the first conversation?: The first conversation is offered without charge and lasts about forty-five minutes. We'll meet, you'll share a little of what's drawing you, I'll share a little about how I work, and we'll discern together whether to walk forward. There is no pressure to commit at the end; many people take a few days to sit with the decision.
Is what I share kept in confidence?: Yes. What you share in spiritual direction stays in spiritual direction. The narrow legal exceptions to confidentiality (harm to self or others) apply, as in any professional setting.
How much does it cost?: Fees vary by offering and a sliding scale is available. Please see the offerings page for details, and don't hesitate to ask if cost is a barrier. I would rather find a way to work together than have money be the reason we cannot.
Can I take a break? Stop entirely? Change directors?: All of these are completely fine, and none require an elaborate explanation. Spiritual direction is your work, and the right rhythm — including the rhythm of pausing or stepping away — is something you get to choose. If our fit is not the right one, I will gladly help you find a director who is a better match.
I'm not sure I know what I would say.: Most people don't, at first. You don't have to come with an agenda or a question. Bring whatever is in you the day we meet — a moment from your week, a discomfort you can't name, a small joy, a tiredness, a question that won't leave you alone. The work of the conversation will find us.

Have a question I haven't answered?

The inquiry form is a good place to ask, or to begin a conversation if you're ready.

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