Within the BioSpiritual Institute Network, there are two programs specifically designed for spiritual directors and pastoral care ministers:
(1) Introduction to BioSpiritual Focusing in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care
This is a four hour introductory seminar focused on the utilization of BioSpiritual Focusing in spiritual direction and pastoral care ministries. It includes a brief overview of the underlying connection between BioSpiritual Focusing and spiritual transformation, personal healing and growth. This is followed by a review of the BioSpiritual Focusing steps and their potential applications in pastoral care. The program also includes guided reflections and real play examples of the BioSpiritual Focusing process.
(2) BioSpiritual Focusing in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care Intensive:
As a follow up to the Introduction to BioSpiritual Focusing in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care seminar, this program is designed to provide the participants with a basic understanding of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow and guided instruction in Companioning others on their spiritual journeys. This program consists of an initial weekend intensive followed by three single days spaced months apart. In the time between the single days, the participants practice “Clearing a Space” and Companioning a partner on a weekly basis as well as Focusing with the instructors. The weekend intensive covers the “Noticing” steps of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow with special emphasis on the dynamics of “Clearing a Space”. The first follow-on single day introduces the participants to the “ Being with the Felt-Sense” steps of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow and provides initial training and experiences in reflective responses and setting the context for Focusing. The second day provides insights into the “ Nurturing What Comes” steps of the BioSpiritual Focusing flow. There are more guided experiences in Companioning techniques and options in spiritual direction and pastoral care settings. The third day is dedicated to understanding the barriers that might be encountered in BioSpiritual Focusing and how to overcome them. Throughout all these sessions, emphasis is placed on BioSpirituality as a spiritual practice and habit.
