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.