Spiritual Guidance Training Program
Spiritual Guidance Training Program
Graduates find Siena Retreat Center’s Spiritual Guidance Training Program a transformational experience.
An experienced staff leads this two-year weekend residency program, which is grounded in the emerging sciences of the Universe Story and with an ecumenical Christian approach enriched by 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 the place of God’s revelation. Belief in God’s unconditional love for and presence in creation is foundational.
Siena Retreat Center’s Spiritual Guidance Training Program is preparation for the ministry of spiritual direction (also known as spiritual companioning) that offers spiritual enrichment content, skills-building, and personal growth and reflection. Training consists of eight three-day sessions per year for two years and incorporates a variety of learning styles and practicum. Graduates receive a certificate of completion.
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, Director of Spiritual Guidance Initiatives, at [email protected] or 262-898-2585.
2023 – 2024 Program Dates
Jan. 6-8, 2023 (Fri. – Sun.)
Feb. 9-11, 2023 (Thu. – Sat.)
Mar. 24-26, 2023 (Fri. – Sun.)
April 28-30, 2023 (Thu. – Sat.)
Jun. 8-11, 2023 (Thu. – Sun.)
Sep. 7-9, 2023 (Thu. – Sat.)
Oct. 13-15, 2023 (Fri. – Sun.)
Nov. 16-19, 2023 (Thu. – Sun.)
Jan. 12-14, 2024 (Fri. – Sun.)
Feb. 22-24, 2024 (Thu. – Sat.)
Apr. 12-14, 2024 (Fri. – Sun.)
May 9-11, 2024 (Thu. – Sat.)
Jun. 6-9, 2024 (Thu. – Sun.)
Sep. 5-7, 2024 (Thu. – Sat.)
Oct. 11-13, 2024 (Fri. – Sun.)
Nov. 14-17, 2024 (Thu. – Sun.)
Testimonials
“This past year in the SGTP has been the most spiritually growthful and deepening period in my life. There have been many other spiritually growthful periods in my life, but this one exceeds all the other ones put together.”
“Before I applied to the SGTP, my discernment process bounced from fear around the tuition cost to awe around the movement of the Holy Spirit calling me into this program at Siena. After completing the SGTP, I say with every fiber of my being that it is so worth the investment of money and time, openness and vulnerability. Many graces and transformations have been gifted me through SGTP.”
“The Spiritual Guidance Training Program became an unanticipated journey of transformational healing and hope. It is this hope that I now live from, through, with and into a future that is of possibility.”
Institute for Spiritual Guidance
Siena Retreat Center is pleased to announce the Institute for Spiritual Guidance. The Institute for Spiritual Guidance is intended for both seasoned spiritual guides and those who have more recently completed training.
In response to the need for ongoing development of spiritual guides, the Institute will offer workshops that create opportunities for guides to learn and further integrate the art and skill of companioning another person.
