Professional Diploma in Spiritual Guidance (Direction)

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Professional Diploma in Spiritual Guidance / Direction

Programmes at An Croí Wisdom Institute are characterised by a contemplative, creative, and compassionate approach, elements that are foundational for the Spiritual Direction/Guidance Training and soul-centred accompaniment. The programme is rooted in the Christian Tradition; however, it offers an inter-spiritual perspective that focuses on perennial wisdom and is significantly enriched by the Anamchara tradition in Celtic spirituality.

An Croí Wisdom Institute offers a comprehensive professional certification programme in Spiritual Guidance and is recognised by the All Ireland Spiritual Guidance Association. We have opted to use the term Spiritual Guidance instead of Spiritual Direction, and we acknowledge the ongoing discussion about the limitations of any term to describe this work; however, we employ both terms interchangeably for clarity in different contexts. The term Soul-Centred Accompaniment has been introduced more recently as we respond to the current spiritual landscape, including contemporary spiritual psychology. This programme has been running successfully for almost twenty years. It is continually updated as we adapt to current spirituality and spiritual practice trends whilst remaining true to the ancient tradition of spiritual direction.

Programme Aim

The programme aims to provide the necessary psycho-spiritual training in theory and practice for spiritual guidance and soul-centred accompaniment. It focuses on spiritually oriented processes, practices, and perspectives, drawing on ancient wisdom from the Christian tradition of spiritual direction, perennial wisdom across traditions, and insights from psycho-spiritual disciplines.

It aims to provide theoretical, spiritual, and ethical foundations, preparing participants to become spiritual guides/directors. For those who already have a professional practice, it enables the integration of soul work and spiritual perspectives into their existing practice.

The programme aims to cultivate a contemplative, compassionate, and creative approach that allows participants to develop a personal philosophy of Spiritual Guidance while gaining a critical and theoretical understanding of the nature and elements involved in spiritual guidance and soul accompaniment. The programme is influenced by the Anamchara-Soulfriendship tradition, infusing it with a Celtic flavour.

Programme Intentions

Prepare participants for their role as Spiritual Guidance Practitioners
Develop a contemplative, compassionate and creative approach to Spiritual Guidance
Enable participants to acquire the skills necessary for Spiritual Guidance & SCA
Facilitate spiritual growth and understanding of the ways of Divine Mystery in human experience and relationship with the Divine.
Examine some theories, approaches, models, and psychological and social contexts necessary for Spiritual Guidance and develop a working model based on the principles of the programme.
Gain the theoretical foundations in learning necessary for Spiritual Guidance &SCA.
Facilitate participants as they discern their role as Spiritual Guidance Practitioners.
Provide practical training in the skills of Spiritual Guidance and provide the opportunity to engage in Spiritual Guidance with Guidee’s under supervision.
Enable participants to develop a personal philosophy of Spiritual Guidance and gain a critical and theoretical understanding of the nature and elements involved.
Develop an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of a Spiritual Guidance Practitioner.

While developing skills in spiritual accompaniment and soul-making, the programme also examines the connection between spirituality and psychology, psyche and soul, as well as spiritual direction and counselling. Other areas of exploration include maps of spiritual unfolding, psycho-spiritual issues, approaches and traditions of spiritual guidance, and contemplative spiritual practices.

Programme Modules

Module:1. The Art of Spiritual Guidance & Soul-Centred Accompaniment

Module:2. Spiritual Guidance: Traditions, Approaches and Themes

Module:3. Spiritual Experience, Contemplative Spiritual Practices & Discernment

Module:4. Spiritual Unfolding & Soul Consciousness

Module:5. Self-Understanding & Psycho-Spiritual Themes for Spiritual Guidance:

Module:6. Transformational Learning and Integrative Practices

Learner Profile

Ideally, the programme is designed for those who wish to train in spiritual guidance and become certified spiritual directors. It is also tailored for caring professionals seeking to incorporate a spiritual perspective into their practice with competence and ethical awareness. Additionally, it is suitable for individuals who want to lead retreats or spiritually focused groups.

Suitable candidates normally have some foundation in spirituality, counselling or a cognate area. Participants will typically have:

Felt drawn to spiritual accompaniment and soul work with others that is evidenced in their life
Have some background in spirituality/theology/counselling or cognate area.
Willingness to engage in Spiritual Guidance themselves.
A commitment to spiritual growth and contemplative spiritual practices
An ability to listen to others with reverence.
Commitment to the duration and components of the programme
A personal capacity for openness, change and transformation.

Programme Structure

There are three stages in the programme.

The initial stage begins after the application and involves a discernment conversation and an invitation to engage with some preparatory reading.
The Learning Stage involves monthly scheduled training days now delivered in a hybrid format that combines in-person and online participation. This allows us to include participants both from outside Ireland and those attending in person. This aspect of the training provides theoretical foundations and develops essential skills for Spiritual Guidance in various settings.

Our online learning platform facilitates learning, accessible throughout the programme. Monthly gatherings concentrate on experiential learning, integration, and practice.

This stage also includes four consecutive days of intensive training during the An Croí Spirituality Summer School.

The programme then continues to build on these foundations by providing practical training and psycho-spiritual principles. It also offers an opportunity to accompany others under supervision. The programme aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Divine Presence in human experience while fostering spiritual growth and personal development. Participants will gain insights into soul work and prepare to become spiritual practitioners. Ultimately, the programme will cultivate the skills and provide the professional training necessary to become a certified Spiritual Guide/Director.

The final stageof the programme is the integrative stage, which provides an opportunity to integrate learning and complete required skills practice under supervision and complete a final learning portfolio.

Programme Commitment

The programme commitment involves a discernment phase following application, monthly training sessions over a calendar year, Fridays 5-7 pm online zoom & Saturdays 10 am-5 pm from September to June (in-person and online dates to be arranged), and participation in a four-day intensive training component usually in late July 2026 plus an integration phase (July-December) which includes supervision of practice.

The programme adapted to the challenges of our times and restrictions on physical meetings during the pandemic. This has provided new opportunities and expanded ways of learning, so it is exciting that the training will now also involve a blend of online and in-house training, which makes the programme more accessible to participants from abroad.

The programme is delivered in an integrative modular format; however, each training session focuses on a specific module, with ongoing skills training, practice, and integration. Successful participants who complete all components of the programme (including the summer intensive, three self-scheduled retreat days, a commitment to the required number of sessions of personal spiritual guidance, and guiding others under supervision) will be eligible for the award of Professional Diploma in Spiritual Guidance, recognised by the All Ireland Spiritual Guidance Association.

Discernment Phase

Discernment Conversation

Preparatory Reading

Sept 2025

Attendance

at An Croí Wisdom Institute

Monthly Sessions

Friday 5-7 pm

Sat. 10-5 pm

October 2025– June 2026

An Croí Wisdom School Four Day

Spiritual Guidance Engagement10 Sessions

Monthly Spiritual Guidance Practice 10 Sessions

(between 2 guidees)

January – OctoberSpiritual Guidance Skills Prac.25 hours video sessions May-June 2026

External Supervision5 Sessions

(also internal x3)

January – October 2026

Retreat Experience Days

Minimum Three days Self-scheduled

E-Learning & Video Conference

Self Directed learning with Resources online class On-going

Three integration Sessions3 Sessions Sept – Nov.

Outline of proposed schedule for 2025-2026

Assessment

Assessment on the programme is based on the completion of both transformative and summative assessments as outlined below. Assignments are presented in a variety of formats with summative assignments and transformative evidence, which is presented and integrated into the presentation of a professional learning portfolio format for the final assessment at the end of the programme.

During the programme, participants are expected to complete assignments that must be submitted in various formats, which may include: a book report, essay, group presentations, creative presentations with supporting documentation, reflection papers, microanalyses, verbatims, and learning journals.

Programme Director and Tutors

Programme Director & Key Tutor: Carmel Boyle MMin, BATh

Co-Tutor : Dr Geraldine Holton DPsych.,MSc., Adult Ed. BATh.

Visiting Tutors online / in-person include :

Dr Jack Finnegan SDB DD

Paddy Greene SJ STL, MA.

Dr Kathleen Deignan CND Professor Emeritus Iona University NY

Vincent O Grady MA HDSG

The programme director may engage visiting presenters with particular expertise and experience to enhance the programme online or in person.

Programme Details 2025-2026

Fridays 4 pm-8 pm & Saturdays 10 am-5 pm

Dates for 2025-2026