Spiritual Companionship

What is spiritual direction?

Spiritual direction, also known as spiritual companionship, is the ancient practice of having an intimate one-to-one conversation with another person to explore whatever is spiritual for you.

A spiritual companion listens to your life story with care, respect, and no judgment; explores your tough times and fears; your wonder, joy, and hope; walks with you as you sense whatever brings meaning to your life—Spirit, God, the Holy, the Divine, your Higher Power, or Something Else. During ongoing monthly sessions, a spiritual companion offers an accepting space for reflection on any important matter in your life.

If you wish to share with me …

I’ll be with you as you share
your ups and downs, and the challenges you face
…your experiences matter.

I’ll listen with empathy, openness, and
understanding as you explore your doubts and
questions about your sense of spiritual presence.

I’ll be fully present with you, whether you’re feeling
full of faith, full of questions, or
somewhere in between.

Meet Susanne

Susanne Bennett (she/her) is a certified spiritual director, author, and educator living on Cape Cod. She is a graduate of Stillpoint’s Art of Spiritual Direction 2-year training program and completed the Living School, a 2-year formation program through the Center for Action & Contemplation. Susanne is a former social work professor (PhD, MSW) at The Catholic University of America and Smith College, as well as a psychotherapist and clinical social worker, specializing in mental health and attachment. She welcomes spiritual companionship with LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies (a community of which she is a part). Susanne is open to all who have questions, doubts, or concerns related to the intersection of sexuality, gender, and faith, and is accepting and available for spiritual companionship with anyone whose faith, sexuality, gender, race, class, or age may differ from her own.

“You are understood as you are without mask or pretension.
The superficial and functional lies and half-truths of acquaintance fall away.
You can be as you really are.”

—John O’Donahue (1997)

What to Expect from Spiritual Companionship

How often and where will we meet?

We’ll meet virtually on Zoom, and I will send you a Zoom link the day before our session.
Usually, we’ll meet once a month for a full hour of conversation.
Our initial hour-long conversation will provide the opportunity for us both to ask each other questions and to explore what to expect in the spiritual companionship process.

What will spiritual companionship cost?

Our initial session is complimentary.
My ongoing fees are on a sliding scale of $50 to $125 per session; you decide what works.
I prefer receiving payment by Venmo for our sessions the week they are completed, and my Venmo address is @Carol-Bennett-107
If you are unable to manage this fee structure, I’m open to accepting a different arrangement. I believe that financial reasons should not prevent spiritual companionship.

What is the process of a session?

Each session begins with a brief check-in, followed by lighting a candle and quiet meditation.
You share what's on your mind; I listen, clarify, and ask questions as needed.
We may use exercises like poetry, journaling, or guided meditation, if you like.
You might want me to give you answers to your questions, but I usually won’t do that because your answers come from your own inner experience.
I will “companion” you through this process, rather than “direct” or tell you what to do.
I’ll be doing far more listening than talking.

What do we discuss and explore?

There are no “right” or “wrong” topics—whatever is important to you is welcome here.
You may share what’s really on your heart, your deepest concerns, what makes life meaningful.
You may bring your questions, doubts, or beliefs about your faith, or lack of it.
Perhaps you will share how you feel about your relationships, decisions, losses, or grief.
You may explore how your sense of spirituality has changed or how it has disappeared.
This time is all about you, and whatever matters to you is welcome here.

To Contact Me...

You can reach me by email at:
susanne@susannebennettphd.com

Or text me at: (508) 789-6048

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