The purpose of this project is to explore the interface between the practice of spiritual direction and phenomenological method. While spiritual direction has its roots in theology, it also interfaces with psychology. “Shadow” work, transference, counter-transference, resistance are examples of this interface. I believe there is a link between phenomenological method and facilitating the dialogue about religious experience and that has not been sufficiently explored.

In terms of spiritual direction, this means the director listens to a directee’s narrative from within the experience of the other (empathy), while suspending his/her own judgments and opinions (maintaining epoche). The director then asks the directee questions aimed to help the directee savor the experience. By noticing what happened and articulating it, the directee comes to a new and deeper sense of God’s presence in her/his life.

I plan to show how use of the phenomenological method can enhance the practice of spiritual direction, to show how there is an interface between the phenomenology of religious experience and spiritual direction. Then after reviewing spiritual direction narratives , I will collate findings, draw conclusions, publish and/or give a paper.