I walk alongside women who are ready to go deeper—into their sacred story, their questions, and the wisdom they already carry within.

For years, I have met with a spiritual director. Long before I thought about offering this work myself, I knew what it meant to have someone listen without an agenda and ask the question I hadn’t thought to ask. That experience—learning to trust that I already held the wisdom I sought—is why I trained to offer spiritual direction to others. My training includes a nine-month spiritual direction training practicum through the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center and a two-year training program in the Art of Spiritual Direction through the Spirations Institute for Interspiritual Formation.

Maybe you’re asking yourself:

    • I’ve done plenty of healing work through therapy. Why does something still feel unfinished?
    • I want to make meaning of what I’ve been through, but I’m not sure where to start.
    • I have questions about meaning and connection, but I’m not sure where to take them or who to ask.

If any of those sound familiar, you might be ready for spiritual direction.

What is spiritual direction?

Spiritual directors—also called spiritual companions—listen, ask questions, and offer compassion. Despite the name, we don’t direct. Instead, we walk alongside you as you discern your own path, trusting that the wisdom you need already lives within you.

Do I need to have a specific faith or belief in God?

No. I welcome any understanding of Spirit—God, Allah, Buddha, Universe, Divine Mystery, or however you name the ground of all being. If you don’t yet have a sense of connection with Spirit, that’s a valid starting place too. We can explore together how you connect with others and the world around you.

Who do you work with?

I work primarily with women who have done the initial hard work of healing from trauma and sense that another layer is possible—not necessarily through counseling, but through a nonjudgmental space of deep listening. I also work with women navigating life transitions: children leaving home, career changes, loss, and other threshold moments. Together, we explore the deep questions of life.

What’s your own spiritual background?

I was baptized Catholic, took First Communion in the Episcopal Church, got married in the Methodist Church, and am now a member of a progressive and inclusive faith community. I consider myself an ecumenical, progressive Christian who believes there are unlimited paths to the Divine Presence.

What does a session look like?

Sessions are offered online or in person. We meet every 4 to 6 weeks for an hour. We begin with silence and stillness, followed by a poem or reading. From there, the conversation follows wherever you need it to go. There’s no agenda or homework. Just space, and a companion to sit with you and explore.

How much does a session cost?

Sessions are $75. Sliding scale available.

The questions you brought here are worth exploring.

I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

No commitment required.

What others are saying about spiritual direction with Deborah

“Deborah has the unique ability to translate her presence, openness and compassion on line. Her authentic approach brought our discussions and very personal stories into a holy space that was deeply appreciated in the group spiritual direction I attended.”

Naomi K.

“My spiritual direction sessions with Deborah have been an incredibly healing and grounding experience. Deborah is a highly skilled and compassionate listener and space holder and made me feel at ease from the very start of our first session. During my time with Deborah, I know I’m in a safe, supportive, and judgement free place, where I can express my thoughts and emotions fully and explore spiritual concepts and ideas in an open and curious way. Deborah always shares helpful insights and observations, but also leaves space in our conversations for quiet and reflection, which is a rare gift in our fast-paced culture. Deborah brings in inspirational writings and resources that are always spot on and perfectly appropriate to what I’m feeling and what I need to hear in that moment. Our sessions have helped me in moving forward from some very difficult personal experiences and have boosted my self-confidence and my self-love. Before Deborah, I had never heard of spiritual direction and now I would highly recommend Deborah and this modality to anyone who is going through a transition, feeling a bit lost, or just needs a supportive space to be reminded of their own strength and resiliency.”

Devan F.

“Before the Spiritual Direction session with Deborah I desired to feel more at ease with my creative rhythm, which rotates between inner reflection and outer action. During the session Deborah helped me discover how I can consciously support my creative process and align my inner and outer experience. Since incorporating what I learned in the session I experience more grace and acceptance which allow me to flow in the creative process more joyfully. Deborah’s attentive listening and personable nature create a powerful experience, which I am deeply grateful for.”

Linda N.

For more about spiritual direction and companionship, visit Spiritual Directors International.

© 2026 Deborah Svec-Carstens | Brand + Site Design by Kristin Korn | Photos by Andraya Elaine

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