Spiritual Support

Spiritual Support

The Deepening Journey


  • Would you like to explore your life story through the lens of spirituality?
  • Are you looking for a way to enhance your religious experience?
  • Are you wrestling with changes in yourself, your life and the world and wondering how God/Spirit is involved in/being revealed through those changes?


If so, then Spiritual Direction might be for you.

  • What Is Individual Spiritual Companioning (Spiritual Direction)?

    Spiritual Companioning, also known as Spiritual Direction, is a process of deepening a person's spirituality. Spirituality is the term used to describe every person's response to and relationship with the Sacred as the Sacred (God, The Divine, Reality, etc) is experienced in one's life. The focus of spirituality can be as intimate as emotions and interpersonal relationships and as wide and diverse as the cosmos.

  • How does this process work?

    In Spiritual Companioning a trained "guide" or "mentor" helps the spiritual “seeker” to notice, name, reflect on, and respond to her or his experience of the Sacred in everyday life as well as in extraordinary moments of joy, loss, or trauma.

  • Do you have to be of a particular faith to engage in Spiritual Direction?

    Spiritual Companionship is an ancient spiritual practice that has roots in most religious traditions. As such, it serves and embraces people of all faiths and walks of life. The Spiritual Life Center welcomes everyone to nurture their spirit through this program.

  • What is a Spiritual Companioning session like?

    In a typical monthly spiritual companionship meeting the seeker brings the stories of his or her journey and/or any life experiences to reflect on. The companion does not tell the seeker what to do but rather listens to the seeker’s story and helps him or her to reflect on the more subtle movements of the Spirit in the seeker’s story. Spiritual companioning is not therapy. The goal of this relationship is for the seeker to gain greater consciousness of and participation with the Sacred in the ordinary events of life in order to grow in compassion, freedom, and service. As such, this spiritual companionship relationship is built on trust and is confidential.


    The focus for spiritual direction arises from the experiences of day-to-day living.

    Spiritual companionship assists in:


    • Growth in self-knowledge
    • An increasing practice of compassion, mercy, and justice
    • Greater engagement with the inner and outer world
    • Discernment in decision-making and experiences of call
    • A deepening experience and awareness of the Sacred
    • Living and responding in ways that are healing for all creation

  • What Does It Cost?

    The suggested contribution for spiritual direction is on a sliding scale from $45 to $125.  We appreciate it when you can be even more generous.  However, no one will be turned away for contributing less--give what you can; all offerings are deeply appreciated.



For more information about companioning, contact Nancy Benben at NBenben@spiritlifectr.org
Or submit an Initial Interview Form to get started today

Initial Interview Form

Spiritual Companion Groups

A Spiritual Companions Group consists of 5-8 persons who meet once a month to share their spiritual journeys with one another. This gentle and contemplative process involves taking a “long loving look” at one’s life in an atmosphere of confidentiality, trust, and openness. Individuals take turns sharing matters of spiritual interest. Other group members listen attentively and respond in ways that encourage the presenter to explore the situation more deeply. It is a very respectful process, without advice giving or attempts to "fix" the presenter. Over time a strong sense of community develops among group members. 


Diversity is valued: persons of any spiritual tradition, or no tradition, are welcome to participate. Participants will be given a manual that provides guidance on how we can best companion one another. No prior experience is necessary.


The groups are led by experienced spiritual directors.  You could use a Spiritual Companions Group to help you:

  • Identify and trust your experiences of God
  • Integrate spirituality into your daily life
  • Find meaning in hopes, struggles, or losses
  • Discern and make difficult choices
  • Increase sensitivity to Justice, Peace, & Environmental Concerns
  • Live more authentically in spiritual community.

We host several Spiritual Companions Groups and the start dates vary. If you are interested in joining a group, please click on the Initial Interview form below and a member of our team will contact you. When filling out the form, check off the box for " join, rejoin or change a spiritual companions group." Please contact Nancy Janiszewski at Njaniszewski@spiritlifectr.org for more information.

Initial Interview Form

Finding a Director/Companion

Interested in finding a spiritual director/companion?


You may contact the Spiritual Life Center to arrange for a conversation to answer any questions you may have. We would also like to get to know you and what you are seeking so that we can match you with the companion who will best serve your needs..


Our spiritual companions are certified and supervised individuals willing to walk with you on your faith journey.




Submit an Initial Interview Form to get started today, or email us at: info@spiritlifectr.org, or call 413-330-7878. 

Initial Interview Form

  • What is Spiritual Companioning?

    Spiritual Direction, also known as Spiritual Companioning, is an ancient spiritual art and practice that explores and expands one's relationship with the Divine and with all of Creation.

  • Is it for people of a particular faith?

    While Spiritual Direction has many roots in the Christian tradition, seekers of all faiths & philosophies have a custom of meeting one on one with a trained wisdom companion. Modern Spiritual Direction is open to and practiced by people of all faiths.

  • How would I be matched with a Spiritual Companion?

    Complete the Initial Interview Form, or call or email the Spiritual Life Center and let us know that you are interested in learning whether spiritual direction is for you. We will schedule an exploratory meeting to learn more about you, your spiritual journey and what you would hope to gain through spiritual direction. We will also answer any questions you might have. If you discern that you'd like to move ahead, we will consider your story and match you with one of our trained directors.

  • What training does a Spiritual Companion receive?

    All spiritual directors affiliated with the Spiritual Life Center have received training in Spiritual Direction. They undergo regular supervision and take part in opportunities for ongoing formation and training.

  • How often would we meet?

    Usually one hour per month.

  • Where would we meet?

    The spiritual Life Center is located on the Campus of Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. Our office and meeting rooms are at 76 Sherman st in Hartford. You can also meet at other appropriate spaces that are convenient for both you and your Spiritual Companion


    On-Line sessions are offered using Zoom or another mutually agreed upon format.  

  • What Does It Cost?

    The suggested contribution for spiritual direction is on a sliding scale from $45 to $125.  We appreciate it when you can be even more generous.  However, no one will be turned away for contributing less--give what you can; all offerings are deeply appreciated.

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