This unit will explore significant spiritual and psychological issues in spiritual companioning as well as the student’s developing sense of commitment to this practice. Students will consider: Assessment of appropriate approaches to companioning; Deepening awareness of connection with inner perception and spiritual influences; Listening to the deeper parts of self and other relational aspects of being attentive; Exploring human experience of transcendence, the divine and mysticism; Creating a safe holding environment for participants in spiritual companioning; psychological dynamics in practice including such elements as transference, countertransference and projection and referral and the role of spiritual companioning in challenging one’s own and broader perspectives to foster authentic spiritual engagement.
Students will undertake a research project in an area of personal interest in the ministry of spiritual direction.
Unit code: XD9770W
Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)
Points: 48.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Capstone
Unit discipline: Spiritual Direction
Delivery Mode: Face to Face
Proposing College: Whitley College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Demonstrate creativity and initiative in integrating spiritual reflection, knowledge and skills of spiritual companioning, and the capacity to apply them to new situations in practice and/or further learning; |
| 2. | Describe and articulate the distinctive aspects of deep listening as it relates to body and emotional awareness, and our engagement the world and the transcendent aspects of life |
| 3. | Evaluate how psychological issues impact the practice of spiritual companioning in relation to dynamics within the professional relationship and the need for referral. |
| 4. | Articulate and identify the range of emerging spiritual dynamics that influence the shaping and reshaping of our stories. |
| 5. | Research an aspect of spiritual companioning and analyse its unique relationship with spiritual companioning practice. |
*The prerequisite unit for this unit is DD8203W Art of Spiritual Companioning 2 (Formerly named Art of Spiritual Direction 2) or equivalent. *Prohibited Combination: Art of Spiritual Companioning 3
Lectures, personal reflection, sharing in triad groups, supervised practice and supervised essay writing. A full day Street Retreat and reflection on the experience.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Report or Project Journal | Research project |
8000 | 60.0 |
| Reflection | 10 reflection papers for peer group work |
5000 | 20.0 |
| Seminar or Tutorial | One-hour presentation of the findings of research |
3000 | 20.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 17 Sep, 2021
Unit record last updated: 2021-10-11 13:01:20 +1100