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Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction (also called spiritual companionship) is the practice of holding space for transformation in the presence of the sacred, whatever that means to you.

A resource by Rites of Passage, LLC

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We provide one-on-one confidential Spiritual Direction (also known as Spiritual Companionship). Spiritual direction engages deep listening to provide a nonjudgmental space to explore life’s questions and seek the wisdom of the self and the Sacred.

Spiritual direction includes contemplation, meditation, silence, and conversation. Different models of spiritual direction can be found in all cultures and traditions throughout history. The commonalities among these different traditions include:

  • being in the moment with whatever questions or emotions arise
  • not being focused on change, cure, or fixing
  • being open to a connection with something greater than ourselves

Whether you identify as spiritual or religious, have been hurt by religion, or are more comfortable with a secular worldview, we will accompany you as you connect with the sacred within and around you.

Those going through life transitions including (but not limited to) the loss of a loved one, illness, divorce, job change, identity issues, leaving a faith tradition, relocation, and retirement may find spiritual direction particularly helpful. People of all spiritual and secular worldviews and gender and sexual identities are welcome.

Virtual sessions are held on Zoom. If sitting in front of a computer is not your thing, in-person options for those local to Burlington, Vermont include meeting at the Rites of Passage office or walking together on the Burlington Bike Path.

Sessions are 60 minutes and can be scheduled weekly, monthly, or as needed. We open sessions with candle lighting, poetry or meditation, and silence followed by open conversation.

The fee for a spiritual direction session is $75. (A sliding scale starting at $45 is available upon request and accommodation can be made for those who find the cost prohibitive.)

Schedule a free 45-minute introductory session to see if spiritual direction is right for you.


My Inspiration

Kristabeth Atwood, M.Div is a Pastor for People Who Don't Do Church and the founder of Rites of Passage, LLC. A church pastor for 18 years, Kristabeth now brings her pastor's heart to help people of all identities and spiritual and secular world views through the spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects of change by offering: – care for those facing life's changes, – education on the transformative power of change, – support for exploring life's big questions, and – personalized ceremonies to mark life’s transitions. Kristabeth holds space for people to connect with themselves, those around them, and with the sacred, whatever that means to them. As a survivor of violence and PTSD, she knows the pain and disorientation life’s changes can cause, as well as the light of healing. She brings her knowledge, experience, and gifts to help her clients pause, acknowledge, and accept the joys and challenges of change so they can move into the next season of life with hope.

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