Listen. Accompany. Trust.
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
A spiritual director helps people notice God’s movement in their lives, however they define God. While we are called ‘directors,’ we do not direct. We listen. We accompany. We trust that the Spirit directs. We provide trust, freedom, and safety to allow you to become more attentive to your experiences of the sacred, and your responses to those experiences. We can help you connect more fully to God (again, however you define that), your True Self, other people, and everything you encounter.
MY PRACTICE
Over the past several years, I have built a practice that includes retreats and group spiritual direction (circles), with the primary emphasis on one-on-one spiritual direction. I am a contemplative Christian, situated firmly between the Catholic and Protestant traditions. Many of my clients identify similarly. I also cherish clients from any (or no) spiritual tradition, including those who gave up on or never believed in religion (or faith; there is a difference).
One of my hero spiritual directors, Mary Ann Scofield, RSM, now deceased, once challenged us to "seek out the marginalized and listen for God’s prophetic word there … [bring] spiritual direction to settings where it has not yet been … [and move] beyond individualized spirituality toward the deeply spiritual work of community and structural change.”
One of my hero spiritual directors, Mary Ann Scofield, RSM, now deceased, once challenged us to "seek out the marginalized and listen for God’s prophetic word there … [bring] spiritual direction to settings where it has not yet been … [and move] beyond individualized spirituality toward the deeply spiritual work of community and structural change.”
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To that end, I built the Contemplative Justice Program at 7hills Homeless Center to offer this holy listening and contemplative awareness to clients and staff alike. Yet, when clients triumph over homelessness and gain housing, in many ways the real work of transformation begins there. These individuals often ask me to continue to gift them this attentive listening.
I also offer The Grief Gathering each month, for literal widows, orphans, and others navigating the deserts of loss, grief, and/or trauma. There are therapists who specialize in these areas, but they aren't always equipped to sit in the unknowing, to not solve. Many who attend want one-on-one sessions. Sometimes, paying for such healing is beyond their means. |
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I’ve also taken the gift of spiritual direction into jails, prisons, parking lots, parks, libraries, and innumerable other settings. I've given it to those negotiating chronic illness; those seeking to understand God (however they define God) amidst their racial, ethnic, sexual, and/or gender identities; retirees and students seeking to live beneath their limited means; and all those who find this a meaningful container for their pain and growth.
Many have found their thirst quenched, and many have requested to see me more often.
In 2020, I am especially eager to be able to offer free sessions to more BIPOC clients, especially those who identify as Black. Obviously, it's more meaningful if they have sessions with a BIPOC provider. However, in some cases, these clients seek what I offer. I am so honored by that gift of their trust. If that speaks to you, please consider additional gift certificates for people of my choice, so I can gift them this time, while still earning a living. Thank you in advance.
Many have found their thirst quenched, and many have requested to see me more often.
In 2020, I am especially eager to be able to offer free sessions to more BIPOC clients, especially those who identify as Black. Obviously, it's more meaningful if they have sessions with a BIPOC provider. However, in some cases, these clients seek what I offer. I am so honored by that gift of their trust. If that speaks to you, please consider additional gift certificates for people of my choice, so I can gift them this time, while still earning a living. Thank you in advance.
About Cheryl Harris Sharman
I practice spiritual direction therapeutically; creating space for clients to see and find meaning, however they define that. I work with private clients, organizational clients, & clients experiencing homelessness. Training includes: Certified Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader (Spirituality Center, Mt. St. Mary's University, Los Angeles, 3-year program); Certified Clinical Traumatologist (Traumatology Institute, Toronto, Canada; including 6 more certifications ranging from Early Intervention Field Traumatologist to Compassion Fatigue Specialist); M.A. (Sociology & Anthropology, Fordham University, New York City); 20+ years as a writer and researcher; additional trainings and/or certifications in mindfulness, MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), SoulCollage, and the Enneagram. I'm a contemplative Christian (Episcopalian) specializing in contemplative/self-care practices for clients ranging from clergy to atheists, including many therapists and other healers. For organizational clients, I conduct retreats, check-ins, and interventions (on Burnout, Secondary Trauma, and the combination therein known as Compassion Fatigue or Vicarious Trauma). Sessions and retreats are available both in-person and remote.
