Spiritual Direction Training Programs

Listed below are two-year certification Spiritual Direction Training Programs specializing in Ignatian and Franciscan spiritual traditions, and Jungian thought. Discern the Spiritual Direction Certification Training Program best for you.

Disclaimer: ISDN does not recommend a specific Spiritual Direction Training Program listed below.

The Haden Institute - Founded in 1994 by Episcopal priest, Bob Haden, this Training Program offers two-year certificates in Spiritual Direction and Dream Work through “Transformational Teaching and Creative Embodiment in the Jungian Mystical Christian Tradition.” The program offers in-person and virtual learning options. You may apply online the Haden Institute’s website.

Ignatian Spiritual Direction Formation Programs - This is a listing of programs based in Ignatian Spirituality across the country. In-person and Virtual training options are available.

Franciscan Spiritual Center - This is a two-year program specializing in Franciscan spirituality sponsored by the Sister of St Francis of Philadelphia. The program has in-person, hybrid and virtual training options.

Shalem Institute - Founded in 1973, Shalem is grounded in Christian contemplative spirituality and, at the same time, draws on the wisdom of many religious traditions. Shalem offers a Certificate program which includes at-home work before the first residency, between residencies and after the second residency. Participants do much of the course work in their own communities, coming to the Baltimore / Washington area for in-person residencies during each program.

Stillpoint - The Art of Spiritual Direction - The two-year certificate program incorporates best practices in contemplative spirituality, psychology, body wisdom, journaling and varied spiritual practices from different spiritual traditions. The Art of Spiritual Direction has two tracks, in-person (southern California) and online. This program allows us greater flexibility moving into the future.

Paseo: Stewards of the Mystery - This program is open to members of all Christian denominations (laity and clergy) who are seeking to cultivate their gifts of spiritual guidance. In the course of this two-year training program, we seek to develop skills of guidance that can respond to the contemporary hunger for spirituality and the search for God, as well as an attentiveness to the movement of the Spirit calling the person to this ministry. The program is offered as a certificate program.

CFDM (Christian Formation and Direction Ministries) of Southern California - Christian Formation & Direction Ministries [CFDM] is a non-profit, Christian ministry incorporated in California in 1996.  Its mission is to lead others into a deeper love for and intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through spiritual formation and the art of spiritual direction. This is done particularly through the training, re-sourcing, networking, and supervising of spiritual directors for Christian churches and ministries in the western United States.

CFDM (Christian Formation and Direction Ministries) Northwest - Christian Formation & Direction Ministries Northwest (CFDM NW) is a Christian ministry offering intentional learning communities in which to explore the soul-shaping experience of God in all of life. After a year of Discernment, the learner begins a two-year Spiritual Direction Training Program. In this program, there are three foundational focal points for our spiritual direction training program (“three legs of the stool”): Self-awareness/God awareness, Discernment, Prayer.