"Spiritual Direction: How it differs from Therapy "
by Dr. Cindy Schwartz, psychologist and spiritual director

Dr. Cindy Schwartz is both a psychologist and a spritual director. In her forum, she explains how a prayer experience during a retreat in Tennesee opened the opportunity for her to embrace this new direction of ministry. Later she attended the San Francisco Theological Seminary where she received a diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction. Dr. Schwartz explains how we are called to be involved in each others' lives in many different ways - through the traditions of our denomination; from a small group to which we might belong - perhaps a Bible Study group, and there are many others. Guidance can come from people to whom we are very close, and also from those whom we consult and who have been called to be Spiritual Directors. She emphasizes in her description that ultimately all guidance comes not from people, but from God. Those who guide are only helping us improve our own relationship and closeness to our Lord.