Spiritual Guidance Training Program

Graduates find Siena Retreat Center’s Spiritual Guidance Training Program a transformational experience.

The program is grounded in the emerging sciences of the Universe Story and an ecumenical Christian approach, while also enriched by wisdom from various faith perspectives. Permeating the process and content of the program is a belief in the sacredness of all creation and of human experience as a place of God’s revelation. Belief in God’s unconditional love for, and presence within, creation is foundational.

Siena Retreat Center’s Spiritual Guidance Training Program offers preparation for the ministry of spiritual guidance (also known as spiritual direction and spiritual companioning). It includes spiritual enrichment content, skills-building, and personal growth and reflection. It incorporates a variety of learning styles and a significant practicum component. Graduates receive a certificate of completion.

The program consists of 16 weekend intensives over the course of two years. Five of these weekends are 4-day in person gatherings at the Siena Retreat Center that run from Thursday through Sunday. The other weekends are Friday through Sunday gatherings held on Zoom.

Applying to the program

We would love to connect to explore with you what is drawing you to this program, answer your questions, and accompany you through your discernment process. We recognize that the program requires a significant dedication of time, energy, and finances, and thus encourage you to reach out early in your consideration of this program. The next cohort will begin in January 2025 and run through November 2026. Applications for the 2025/2026 program cohort will be available in early 2024.

To begin this conversation, please contact Nicki Nelson at nnelson@sienaretreatcenter.org.