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.
Dates
In-Person Intensives Dates:
- Sep 11-15, 2025 (New Class Entry)
- Jan 15-19, 2026
- Apr 9 – 13, 2026 (New Class Entry)
- Sept 10-14, 2026 (New Class Entry)
- Jan 7-11, 2027
- April 1-5, 2027 (New Class Entry)
Virtual Session Dates:
- Sept 11-15, 2025 (New Class Entry)
- Jan 15-18, 2026
- Apr 9-12, 2026
- Sept 10-13, 2026 (New Class Entry)
- Jan 7-10, 2027
Rates
Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable), paid to the Haden Institute.
Beginning Sept, 2024 – Tuition:
$3800 per year, due in 8 equal payments
of $950
(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 $800 per Intensive)
Two Learning Formats
In-Person
Entry dates: April and September annually
The in-person option for our two-year spiritual direction training program is focused around six long weekend intensives held at the 1,400-acre Kanuga Conference Center in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The intensives begin on Thursday afternoons and wrap up on Monday mornings.
At each intensive you’ll hear multiple lectures from experts in spiritual direction, Jungian psychology, and more.
Participants have access to the Creative Space at Kanuga, with many ways to respond to what you’re learning and processing through art and creative expression.
You’ll share meals with your cohort, mentor, and other students and have plenty of Sabbath time to explore the trails, lake, and beauty of Kanuga.
The in-person intensives are also packed with spaces for you to meet in small groups with your mentor and cohort members. These small-group discussions and specialized training sessions will deepen your connections with one another.
Outside of the weekend intensives, you’ll meet monthly (by Zoom) with your cohort and mentor. You’ll also work through your a personalized reading and reflection assignment program.
Virtual
Entry dates: Annually in September
Students in our virtual format cohorts meet monthly with your mentor for updates, discussion of your reading assignments, and to get to know one another.
You will also meet for a total of six long weekend intensives over the course of two years for your certification. These intensives are four days each (Thursday evenings – Sunday afternoons).
Each intensive is filled with lectures from Haden faculty and experts on different spiritual direction and Jungian topics.
You’ll also find space for creative embodiment responses to what you’re hearing and discussion during the weekend intensive experience.
Small group breakout sessions with your cohort and mentors will give you a chance to process what you’re learning in real-time. And you’ll be able to ask questions and participate in the in-person intensive lectures from wherever you live.
Students in our virtual programs find a wonderful balance of guided, personalized study and active participation in the intensive experience, without the additional expenses of travel and lodging for the in-person intensive.
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.