What is the Training of a Spiritual Director?

Those called to this ministry should have a foundational core in the Four Pillars of Formation, as do all ministers who co-labor in the vineyard of the Church. In addition, they are to have a specific formation related to the spiritual life. Whether affiliated directly as employees within an institution or organization, or working independently.

Many directors today have formal education (a Master's or Doctorate) with advanced postgraduate credits (certificates) in spiritual direction from universities, while more and more have other college degrees or have studied within an organization or a parish. 

Spiritual directors can be lay, religious, or ordained and work in retreat houses, monasteries, or within parishes as part of their regular duties or in private practice. Many spiritual directors work part-time in this ministry and have degrees and training in other disciplines. Many are now full-time.

All Catholic spiritual directors are bound to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church (moral, social, and doctrinal in their public and private lives, to have a director, and to be accountable to a supervisor for ongoing formation.