Jan K. Nielsen

One of the ways I support the ministry of spiritual direction is through service as a supervisor to other spiritual directors. 

Spiritual direction supervision is a ministry of care to spiritual directors—a way of companioning a spiritual director as they explore and reflect upon their inner experience of service as a spiritual companion, all in support of the director’s continued learning. I believe we are never finished with our learning.  

As a supervisor, I listen to you, the spiritual director, and invite you to listen to your life and ministry of spiritual companionship so that you might continue to grow, both as a spiritual director, and as a person. At the close of a supervision session, I will offer you the opportunity to name what you want to remember from our conversation and what you hope to take with you into your future work as a spiritual companion.

In our supervision conversations, there will be opportunities for consultation and education, and, when appropriate, I will challenge you, but the core of our supervision work together will be contemplative. Always, I strive to work from a stance of lovingkindness. I'll affirm the ways you are serving others authentically and well. I'll remind you to be kind to yourself. I'll encourage you to keep growing—in service of the people you companion and in support of the larger vision of helping to make this world more loving, and more just, for all.