The Haden Institute

Spiritual Direction and Dream Work Training in the Jungian Mystical Christian Tradition

Spiritual Direction Certification

At the Haden Institute we integrate spirituality, depth psychology, and creative embodiment in our Spiritual Direction Training Course. Our teachings support the core belief that wisdom for the spiritual journey comes from within the sacred soul of each individual. Participants are provided tools for guiding others in the discovery of this wisdom within. We teach the history and beliefs of a variety of spiritual traditions, the core tenets of Jungian psychology, dream work, contemplative practices, and the Enneagram and Meyers Briggs typology as self-discovery tools. Experiential practices of creative expression and embodiment deepen understandings of connection with the Divine, the deeper Self, and others. We build community and connection in small groups led by trained mentors, and in the larger Haden gatherings.

In spiritual companionship we often hear questions like “What does God want me to do or be?” “Where is there meaning in this situation?” “How do I know that what I hear is the voice of the Divine?” During the two years of this course, we explore these questions for ourselves, and learn to hold these questions for others.

The Course curriculum includes lectures and discussion with faculty and mentors, staff-led group reflections on individual spiritual direction sessions, dream groups, and distance learning assignments. Participant groups are led by trained mentors who serve as guides throughout the course.

Two Learning Formats

In-Person

Six 4-Day Weekend Intensives over two years, Small Group meetings with Mentors, Large Group Lectures, Distance Learning Assignments

Entry dates: April and September annually, Intensives held at Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville, NC

Virtual

Small Group Cohorts meet every other week on Wednesdays, 3 to 6 pm Eastern, with Mentors and Faculty, 36 meetings over two years, Faculty discussions of video content

Entry dates: Annually in August

In this course, we explore:

Spirituality

Including individual spiritual understanding, personal spiritual experience, and cultural spiritual and religious traditions.

Self-discovery

With a focus on our own journey as it is mirrored in archetypal story and in preparation for companioning others.

Working with others

Including learning the art of Holy listening, increasing awareness of inner Divine wisdom, and developing ways to build a community and a Spiritual Direction practice.

More Information

About

Lecture topics in the Course include the concepts of spirituality relevant in current culture, spiritual teachings of the mystics throughout the ages, fundamentals of Jungian psychology and dream work, creative embodiment practices, use of MBTI and Enneagram personality profiles in spiritual direction, contemplative practices, and the ethics of spiritual direction with individuals and in groups.

A large portion of the course work done while we are gathered, either virtually or in-person, is spent listening to and discussing lectures, practicing creative expression, and working in our cohorts participating in dream groups, small group interactive teachings, and group reflections on individual spiritual direction sessions. 

Other course requirements are completed outside of the group setting. These include writing a spiritual autobiography, meeting with your own spiritual director, practicing group and individual spiritual direction, developing creative embodiment practices, completing spiritual direction verbatims for group reflection, writing reflections on assigned readings, and writing papers on other relevant topics. While the course is educational, it is not academic in nature. Each of the assignments in the course is for the benefit and development of the individual participant, not to meet an academic standard set by Haden. As with any adult education, each participant benefits from the course work based on their own efforts and abilities.

Haden continues to use the term Spiritual Direction, although it is not the only name given to this practice. The word “spiritual” tells us that the basic concern is not with the external or secular, but rather inner and sacred life; and, “direction” implies that the time spent together will not be aimless, but one which seeks the direction of the Divine. “Soul Friend”, “Spiritual Companion”, or “Spiritual Guide” can also be used to describe this practice of accompanying others.

Participants in the course are not required to be Christian or any religious tradition. The Haden Institute is a safe place to ask questions and broaden spiritual understandings and practices. As a spiritual director, participants will encounter people on a wide variety of spiritual paths, therefore the training is designed to deeply integrate acceptance and inclusivity. 

Those who successfully complete the course work will receive a certificate of completion.

For scholarship information see: www.hadenfoundation.org.

NOTE: Our teachings often prove to be therapeutic for our participants, however we are not offering therapy, nor do we certify our graduates as therapists after their training. As a participant we encourage you to seek out a licensed therapist if you need additional support for issues that arise and need therapeutic intervention.

Dates & Rates

In-Person Format

Kanuga Conference Center
Entry Times: April and September every year.
Intensives Dates:

  • Sep 14 – 18, 2023 (New Class Entry)
  • Jan 18 – 22, 2024
  • Apr 4 – 8, 2024 (New Class Entry)
  • Sep 12 – 16, 2024 (New Class Entry)
  • Jan 16 – 20, 2025
  • Apr 3 – 7, 2025 (New Class Entry)

Virtual Format 

Virtual Sessions held using the Zoom platform

Entry Times: September every year.

New Class Orientation Meeting Dates:
August 26, 2023
August 24, 2024

Cost

Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable), paid to the Haden Institute.

2023 Tuition: $3500 per year, due in 8 equal payments of $875
(multiple smaller payments may be made by prior arrangement)

For in-person cohorts only: Room & Board for each Intensive – rates to be determined by Kanuga Conference Center (typically around $680 per Intensive)

In Person Intensives held at Kanuga Conference Center
Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC. is one of the best conference center settings in the U.S. It is located on a 1400-acre campus in the North Carolina mountains with a lake, hiking trails, tennis courts, and good accommodations with many fireplaces and rocking chairs.

The Spiritual Direction Training course is open to anyone with a desire to learn more about being with others on the journey to deeper spirituality.

Complete the application and submit it online with your $100 application fee. You will receive a response with information about your acceptance and scheduled Course start date shortly after your submission.

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Ready to Join Us?

The Haden Institute is a haven for seekers – those who have heard the call or felt the tug to go deeper in their understanding of God, themselves, and others. If you are ready to begin your journey with us, click below to get more information about applying.

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