About Us

Historical Overview: The roots of spiritual direction trace back to ancient religious traditions, where spiritual guides offered mentorship and counsel to seekers navigating their faith journeys. Over centuries, the practice evolved within various religious contexts, encompassing traditions like Christian monasticism, Sufism, and Indigenous spiritual guidance. As the demand for spiritual companionship expands beyond traditional structures, the need for a more formalized approach has emerged.

The Unintended Consequences: In the modern era, the rise of spiritual direction brought both profound benefits and, unfortunately, unintended consequences. Well-meaning professionals, lacking standardized training, inadvertently contributed to what is now recognized as religious trauma. Despite their good intentions, these individuals lacked the necessary skills to navigate the complex dynamics of spiritual guidance, leading to unintentional harm and distress among those seeking solace and direction.

The Birth of The Association of Multifaith Spiritual Directors: Recognizing the critical need for professional standards and rigorous training, The Association of Multifaith Spiritual Directors was born. Founded as a response to the challenges posed by unregulated spiritual direction, the association aims to establish a framework that prioritizes ethical conduct, competence, and inclusivity. This multifaith organization emerged not only to rectify the unintended harm caused by well-meaning professionals but also to proactively shape a future where spiritual direction is grounded in competence, compassion, and respect for diverse beliefs.

Addressing Religious Trauma: A primary focus of The Association of Multifaith Spiritual Directors is to address and heal the wounds of religious trauma. Through comprehensive training programs and adherence to established standards, certified spiritual directors affiliated with the association are equipped to navigate the complexities of spiritual guidance with sensitivity. The organization actively works to break the cycle of unintended harm, fostering an environment where individuals can explore their faith and spirituality without fear of trauma.

Board Certification and Professional Standards: The journey toward healing and ethical spiritual direction is encapsulated in the association’s commitment to board certification and professional standards. By creating a certification process that ensures competence, adherence to ethical guidelines, and ongoing education, The Association of Multifaith Spiritual Directors sets a benchmark for excellence in the field. This commitment reflects a shared vision of creating a safe, inclusive space where individuals can seek spiritual guidance with confidence, free from the risk of religious trauma.

Looking Forward: As The Association of Multifaith Spiritual Directors continues to grow, it stands as a beacon of hope in the realm of spiritual direction. Through its dedication to professional standards, board certification, and the holistic well-being of individuals, the association shapes a future where spiritual guidance is not only transformative but also free from the shadows of unintended harm.