I am a trained spiritual guide who graduated from the intensive 2-year Spiritual Guidance program at The Siena Center in Racine, WI. I practice according to the strict ethical guidelines of the Spiritual Directors International Code of Ethics. I am a long-time member of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Madison, WI. I have been in relationship with the Dominicans of Sinsinawa for nearly 15 years as a lay Associate.
While I identify as a Christian, my practice is completely ecumenical, interfaith and LGBTQ+ friendly. My core belief is in God’s unconditional love for, and unfolding presence in, every created being, and in creation itself.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English, a law degree, and a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies. I was employed for 35 years in the fields of government and nonprofit administration, law, and accounting. I retired to become the full-time caregiver for my disabled husband for several years until his death in 2017. I have an adult daughter, two adult bonus daughters, and five grandchildren.
Here are some helpful things to know about my approach to Spiritual Guidance. I was trained in the Evocative method, in which the guide listens carefully, helps the seeker tell their story, and then assists the seeker in perceiving where the Spirit may be at work in their lives. The agenda and goals for the guidance relationship are set by the seeker, not by me as the guide. I regard helping people in this way as a sacred trust. To that end, I participate in formal supervision and continuing education. Your sessions with me are strictly confidential.
I welcome your questions; please contact me at gloriaalt.spiritualguidance@gmail.com
FAQs About Spiritual Guidance
What is Spiritual Guidance? The practice of meeting with a trusted individual for conversation about spiritual matters is a practice that dates back hundreds of years. People of faith, and also people with deep questions about spiritual matters, often experience the desire for a closer connection to the Holy, which is enhanced by taking time and space to tend to one’s spiritual life and story.
Why do people enter into Spiritual Guidance? There are many reasons why a person might want to enter into a guidance relationship:
- To find greater joy and gratitude and build on their spiritual strengths
- To have support in exploring their spirituality and their spiritual questions
- To enhance their prayer lives and refresh their spiritual practices
- In a season of discernment
- In a season of challenges
- In a season of transition
What’s the difference between Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Guidance? The terms direction/director and guidance/guide are often used interchangeably. “Spiritual Director” is a more traditional term that originated centuries ago when early Spiritual Directors were frequently vowed religious who often served as one’s confessor, led one in stringent examinations of conscience, and “prescribed” various disciplines and practices as a curative for one’s perceived spiritual ills. The practice of spiritual direction has evolved in many ways. Spiritual guides aren’t confessors, pastoral counselors, therapists, or instructors. Contemporary spiritual directors or guides believe that those who seek guidance are worthy and sincere individuals who are looking for a closer relationship with the Holy. Seekers of guidance each have their own stories to reflect upon and honor, and their own deep wisdom to access and integrate into their lives. The contemporary guide or director sees themselves as a companion, a witness and an advocate for the seeker’s spiritual work.