Spiritual Direction is for any Ascension associate

  • experiencing burnout

    When we become overloaded at work it is easy to forget why we chose to work in healthcare in the first place. Spiritual Direction is an opportunity to reconnect with our calling.

  • discerning vocation

    Who am I? What is my work? Who do I serve? These are life's big questions that we explore in Spiritual Direction. We can do this through conversation, spiritual practice and discernment tools like the Enneagram.

  • navigating life transitions

    Life transitions like an empty nest, aging parents, a changing sense of identity and a shifting organizational landscape can be easier to navigate with a Spiritual Companion by your side.

What is Spiritual Direction?


Spiritual Direction focuses on developing and nurturing our relationship with the mystery at the heart of our existence...

which people of faith call God, thus helping us to become who we are. In a sustaining way, Spiritual Direction helps us make sense of the experiences and circumstances of our lives and connects us more deeply to sources of meaning and relationship. It helps us to pay attention to and respond to the “still, small voice within.” Spiritual direction is completely confidential and invites a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human.

Spiritual Direction is not therapy, pastoral counseling, or problem solving.

Some words from our Community

about the Ascension Spiritual Direction Program

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work for Ascension Health - that I am afforded the opportunity to deepen my spiritual life with such a gifted guide - with the blessing of this organization.”

Ascension Associate

“Of all the things that we have ever offered chaplains in my tenure, this has generated the most passion, excitement, and participation.”

Ascension Senior Director

“I believe with my whole heart that this work has very positively impacted my personal relationships, my work relationships, and my effectiveness in my role. It has benefitted me more than any other personal/leadership development opportunity in which I have previously participated”

Ascension Associate

“I appreciate Ascension's investment in Spiritual Direction for its Spiritual Care associates. It is so needed during this challenging time of the pandemic.”

Ascension Chaplain

Who might benefit from Spiritual Direction?

  • those seeking wisdom

    We live in a world filled with data and information at our fingertips. In Spiritual Direction we look beyond mere head knowledge, seeking deeper ways of knowing and applying our knowledge skillfully.

  • those searching for meaning

    To be on the search for meaning and authenticity in your life is the only requirement for being in Spiritual Direction. Our Spiritual Directors will travel this journey alongside you.

  • those needing support

    Spiritual Direction can be a particularly helpful resource in times of disruption and change - what we have experienced during Covid-19 as well as times of celebration in key moments in our lives.

Meet Our Spiritual Directors

A spiritual director will accompany you on your spiritual journey, no matter where you are at this time of your life. You can review the brief biographies of each spiritual director and select a preferred director when you MAKE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT. One of our directors will contact you for the initial session.

How does this work?

  • MAKE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT (click here)

  • You will be contacted by one of our Spiritual Directors to schedule your initial call and appointment times moving forward.

  • After your initial call each Ascension associate receives eight (8) sessions at no cost to you.

  • Each session will be approximately 50 minutes and normally occurs monthly, unless otherwise agreed upon between the participant and director, using a platform of your mutual choosing (phone, web meeting).

If you would like to continue after your 8 (eight) complimentary sessions, your Spiritual Director will work with you to find a referral