Online: Spiritual Direction, Mentoring, and Guidance

Sacred Companionship for Your Questions, Longings, and Growth

What is Spiritual Direction / Mentoring / Guidance?

Spiritual direction can meet many different needs depending on what a person is seeking in their life. At its core, spiritual direction is an ancient practice of holy listening intended to create sacred space and stillness. Within this sacred container, we can find deeper understanding of ourselves.

Through conversation and contemplative practices, we can listen together for the movement of Spirit in your life — discerning answers and solutions that lead to growth and transformation. When we lose our way, spiritual direction can help us reconnect with who we are meant to be.

What Can We Explore?

Together, we work to discover your connection to the deeper truth of who you are. Topics we might explore include:

Moving through life changes with greater awareness and confidence.
Noticing what is rising to the surface and seeking expression.
Using contemplative practices to explore your authentic self.
Understanding how to grow and expand in life.
Breaking down obstacles that are impeding your spiritual growth.
Discernment of your next steps by exploring options, values, and desires.
Exploring why you may feel disconnected from your own life.
Cultivating daily spiritual practices that bring clarity and soul-level awareness.
Finding grounding and perspective in the midst of chaos.
Discovering meaning and purpose by noticing what is calling for your attention.
Working through grief, sadness, or loss.
Using spiritual tools to find peace in life’s storms.
Healing past wounds and emotional imprints that are still affecting you.
Deepening your connection to something greater.
Recognizing where Spirit is present and active in your life.
Learning how to live more fully in your personal power.
Identifying and removing inner or outer barriers that keep you stuck.
Birthing new ideas by listening to the stirrings of your heart.

Walking your journey with a spiritual companion is about moving toward wholeness — uncovering what you need at your deepest level, connecting with a greater presence, and navigating life's joys and challenges with grace and higher wisdom.

What is a Spiritual Director / Mentor / Guide?

Spiritual directors and guides assist seekers on their spiritual journey by offering deep presence, non-judgmental listening, and companionship through life’s transitions and growth.

I see myself as a privileged witness to your spiritual unfolding — walking beside you as you explore your longings, challenges, questions, and celebrations.

Who Seeks Spiritual Guidance / Mentoring?

Anyone with a desire to explore life more deeply, ask meaningful questions, or uncover new insights can benefit from spiritual direction. People of all backgrounds — religious, spiritual, or not at all — are welcome.

What Happens in a Spiritual Guidance / Mentoring Session?

Each session is unique and shaped by your needs in the moment. We usually begin by inviting Spirit into the space, followed by a few moments of silence to ground, center, and open sacred space.

Some seekers arrive with a question they’d like to explore. Others take this time to discuss challenges, intentions, or struggles they’ve been experiencing. Through conversation and contemplative practices, we invite divine wisdom to reveal itself.

As we talk, we pay attention to the nudges that come forward and explore how to respond to them with wisdom and grace. In each session, you can expect to receive insight, guidance, and encouragement as you explore the spiritual dimension of any aspect of your life.

Is Spiritual Direction / Guidance Religious?

Some spiritual directors/guides do practice religion-specific guidance. However, I consider myself interspiritual. My diverse spiritual background and personal practices welcome all spiritual paths, including those who do not consider themselves spiritual or religious.

How is Spiritual Direction / Guidance Different Than Counseling?

Spiritual direction is not counseling. While therapy often works from a mental health model to treat symptoms, spiritual direction is about listening for the wisdom already present within you.

A counselor may help diagnose and treat mental health concerns. A spiritual director helps you deepen your spiritual awareness and tap into your soul's guidance.

Can I Substitute Spiritual Direction/Guidance for Counseling?

No — they serve different purposes. If you are seeking help with mental health challenges, counseling may be the best support. Some people choose to engage in both therapy and spiritual direction, as they complement each other in unique ways. Others may simply want spiritual companionship without needing mental health care.

Frequency of Sessions

Most people meet for an hour once a month. During difficult times, some prefer to meet more often. Others may check in only a few times a year when navigating a major decision or spiritual transition. We’ll find a rhythm that works for you.

Schedule Appointment

New Clients: Spiritual Guidance/Mentor Session

Returning Clients: Spiritual Guidance/Mentor Session

Amara is a certified Spiritual Director through the Haden Institute. Her path has included teaching core shamanism with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and consciousness exploration with the Monroe Institute. Learn more about her: bio, training, and certifications.

Ethical Standards

Everything shared during spiritual direction is held in strict confidence and sacred care. I honor the vulnerability that arises when we explore the soul and the challenges that come with living the human experience.

I follow the ethical guidelines of core shamanism and Spiritual Directors International, grounded in one simple truth: do no harm.

A Bit About Me

I believe it’s important to choose a spiritual companion whose life experiences, perspective, and practices resonate with your own. Transparency matters — especially in soul work — so here’s a little about me that you won’t find on my formal bio:

I’m in my upper 50s, have been married for over 20 years, and have three children, one bonus daughter, and four beloved dogs.
I was raised Catholic and left the Church at 18, though I continue to hold the loving, contemplative aspects of my Christian roots close to heart. My spiritual path since then has been deeply shaped by personal study and lived practice in core shamanism, Buddhist philosophy, mystical traditions, and Wicca. While I am not a formal student of any specific Buddhist lineage, I actively incorporate Buddhist principles into my spiritual life — including mindfulness, compassion, non-attachment, and the cultivation of presence.

I consider myself interspiritual — someone who honors the sacred across traditions while listening deeply to the wisdom within. My approach is rooted in reverence, intuition, and personal experience, shaped by years of walking a path that values mystery as much as meaning. I welcome and work with those from all spiritual backgrounds — whether you follow a specific tradition, are navigating a time of questioning, or feel closest to Spirit through nature, creativity, or quiet reflection.
I have personally experienced miscarriage, physical abuse, job loss, financial devastation, divorce, deaths, pet loss, infidelity, parental abandonment, spiritual disillusionment, and medical challenges.
Like most people, I’ve also known the ache of “smaller” losses — youth, dreams, friendships, safety, and betrayal.

One of the most defining events in my life was the wildfire that destroyed my family’s home. We fled with only moments to spare and our community lost 14 beautiful souls, including one of my daughter’s best friends. The grief, trauma, and PTSD were profound — and life-changing.

I believe the call to become a spiritual director often arises only after we’ve lived through decades of our own challenges — not as a badge, but as a source of compassion. It's through navigating life’s trials that we learn how to shine a light for others, offering help and healing that can give them the strength to carry on.

We cannot accompany others on their path until we’ve faced our own difficulties, discoveries, questions, and discernments — until we’ve maneuvered through uncertainty, walked through darkness, and emerged with hard-won breakthroughs. These “dark nights of the soul” become our sacred teachers.

It truly helps to sit with someone who knows the stages and seasons of the spiritual life — someone who can hold holy space and listen deeply to both your life concerns and your moments of celebration.

I trained with the Haden Institute — a two-year program that focuses on spirituality, contemplative traditions, discernment, and holy listening. I am also a member of Spiritual Director's International. Please click to read my bio and credentials.

Session Rates

Sliding scale rates are available to ensure spiritual services are accessible to everyone. Please choose the rate that aligns with your financial situation. View rates and services.

Please Note

These services are spiritual in nature and are intended to support — not replace — any medical or mental health care you may be receiving. They are best seen as a complementary approach to holistic well-being. Amara is not a physician and does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any medical conditions.

May I be a guard for those who need protection,

a guide for those on the path,

a boat, a raft, a bridge for those who
wish to cross the flood.

May I be a lamp in the darkness,

a resting place for the weary,

a healing medicine for all who are sick,

a vase of plenty, a tree of miracles.

And for the boundless multitudes of living beings,

may I bring sustenance and awakening,

enduring like the earth and sky

until all beings are freed from sorrow

and all are awakened.