Ignatian Tradition
Ignatian Spiritual Direction
Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ignatian direction helps you discern God's movement through consolation, desolation, and the deepening of interior freedom.
Directors joining soon
Sr. Margaret Therese
Benedictine
Fr. David Chen
Ignatian
Rev. Sarah Blackwood
Contemplative
Dr. James Okonkwo
Dominican
Martha Sullivan
Ignatian
Pastor Michael Torres
Christian (Ecumenical)
Understanding the Tradition
What Is Ignatian Spiritual Direction?
Ignatian spiritual direction draws on the 500-year tradition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). At its heart is the conviction that God communicates directly with each person, and that a trained director can help you notice, interpret, and respond to that communication.
Central to the Ignatian approach is the practice of discernment of spirits — learning to distinguish between movements of consolation (which draw you closer to God) and desolation (which pull you away). An Ignatian director helps you develop this interior sensitivity so that you can make decisions rooted in spiritual freedom rather than fear or compulsion.
Ignatian direction is not limited to those making the full Spiritual Exercises. Many people engage an Ignatian director for ongoing monthly accompaniment, bringing the ordinary material of their lives — work, relationships, prayer, struggle — and exploring where God is present in all of it. The Ignatian tradition insists that God can be found in all things.
Is This For You?
Who is Ignatian spiritual direction for?
- You are facing a major life decision and want to discern God's will with clarity
- You are drawn to structured, reflective prayer practices like the Examen
- You want to deepen your awareness of consolation and desolation in daily life
- You are making or have made the Spiritual Exercises and want ongoing accompaniment
- You desire greater interior freedom and detachment from disordered attachments
- You want a director grounded in a well-established tradition with clear methodology
“The human soul doesn't want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed — to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is.”
— Parker Palmer
Voices of the Tradition
Key Figures
St. Ignatius of Loyola · Pierre Favre · Karl Rahner · Pedro Arrupe · Margaret Silf · William Barry · David Fleming · Joseph Tetlow
Getting Started With Ignatian Direction
Learn
Explore what Ignatian direction involves and whether it resonates with your spiritual life.
Connect
When our directory launches, you'll be able to find vetted Ignatian directors near you or online.
Begin
Schedule a first conversation. Many directors offer this free so both of you can sense the fit.
FAQ
Ignatian Spiritual Direction FAQ
Begin Your Ignatian Spiritual Direction Journey
Connect with a trained Ignatian spiritual director who will walk alongside you as you deepen your relationship with God.