Spiritual Companioning Frequently Asked Questions
Info we hope will be helpful ...
How often do I attend a spiritual companioning session?
Most people meet monthly for an hour, but this is arranged by you and your Spiritual Companion.
What do I talk about?
Anything! You can talk about anything and everything – the good, bad and difficult stuff of life. You are encouraged to reflect on experiences where you noticed something happening within you – love, hate, anger, joy, frustration etc.
How long do I stay in spiritual companionship?
It’s usually a long-term process, though you may have several Spiritual Companions over the years. You can opt out or change Spiritual Companion when you feel the time is right. Many companions and pilgrims have a break over the summer; it can be a good time to reassess the relationship.
What sort of people are spiritual companions?
Ordinary everyday people! There are men and women, young and old, some are ministers, pastors or in religious orders, but many are not. At various times in their life, they may have been part of one or more branch or denomination of the Christian church. You don’t have to be a churchgoer to meet with a Spiritual Companion.
Spiritual Companions are people with the gifts for this practice, who have spent time in training and study. They receive spiritual companionship themselves; they know what it is like to sit in the Pilgrim’s chair.
What does it cost?
You are invited to make a contribution to your Spiritual Companion, that is appropriate to your circumstances. Your Spiritual Companion will discuss this with you at the first session with the aim of settling on a suitable figure.
In 2024, WellSpring suggests a contribution of up to $100 per session. This recognises that Spiritual Companions have trained and have ongoing costs including professional development and various insurances. The contribution is paid directly to the Spiritual Companion and WellSpring does not receive a portion of this. We set $100 as the suggested maximum, in recognition that individual circumstances vary.
Where do we meet?
You may meet with your Spiritual Companion at WellSpring in Ashburton or another mutually convenient location. Some folk meet online using systems like Zoom.
Is there a Code of Ethics?
Yes, Spiritual Companions agree to adhere to a Code of Ethics, as outlined by the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction. The Code of Ethics can also be downloaded from the Policy Documents page of our website.
Want to know more about spiritual companionship?
WellSpring Centre has been offering spiritual companioning for 30 years now. In celebration, people were invited to draw or write about the gift this spiritual companioning space has been for them, which you can view here: Tributes to Spiritual Companionship.
For more information
Please contact us at WellSpring.
