This Review Appears In:

PRESENCE

AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION + COMPANIONSHIP

Vol. 30 | No. 1 | MARCH – 2024

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     This author employs an excellent methodology for spiritual direction, by exploring her own thoughts and experience in reaction to the questions she asks the spiritual directee and what they evoke in herself. This method brings out the complexity of the healing interaction between two people.

     She calls this method of self-supervision bracketing and it works like this: when we talk to a directee, we often have a silent, internal response which is inappropriate to share with the directee. So we bracket it for later. I have never heard it described this way, although I know exactly what she means. Despite not being a therapist herself, Richardson comes up with these unusual but highly effective methods of doing therapeutic work, which makes her ideally suited to the work of spiritual supervision as it happens in the lay context.

     The issues of self-care and self-compassion are well covered as critical issues for the wellbeing of the spiritual director. However, I’ve not found self-compassion addressed well in the literature on this subject. Richardson’s courage is commendable when she brings together all the aspects of sexual trauma in spiritual direction including a traditional model, as well as more recent understandings such as body awareness and self-compassion. All of these are extensively covered, and well-presented in this new book, despite their complexity.

     In Chapter Six, “Cultural Differences” provides an excellent analysis of the multifaceted area of mentoring across cultures which is such a critical skill in our diverse world today.

     Richardson’s rich use of examples, and input from relevant experts in the various fields of expertise, is a tool used throughout the book to provide deep and broad insights into the topic. She skillfully incises the distinction between the professional therapist and the lay person and explains where referrals to professional counsellors would be appropriate.

     Spiritual Direction with Survivors of Sexual Trauma will be an excellent primary reference for educating spiritual directors and companions. It is well researched, covering important aspects and it provides insights for learning in a detailed and methodical methodology.

 

Reviewer:  DR. ELAINE FOURIE is a retired psychologist, having spent many years in counseling and spiritual education. She is the author of A Postmodern Teresa of Avila: Lessons for Spiritual Transcendence Today and Peacemaking for Church Leaders: A Contemplative Approach. A contemplative and mystic, she spends her time reading and writing spiritual education programs, books, workshops, and retreats, and has an online presence. She lives on an Episcopalian Church Plant where she and her husband serve the Parish of Saint Thomas, in Durban, South Africa.

 

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Additional Reviews:

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Anne is a trained and experienced spiritual director, supervisor and a survivor who speaks from the heart about the transformation and healing that can occur for survivors of trauma. Readers will find her work professional, deep and practical, and gain understanding of the issues that will most likely show up in a direction session, such as shame, trust, and unhealthy images of God.

Cindy Mueller, MAHCM

Retired Coordinator

Art of Spiritual Direction Program

Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, California.

 

As a survivor of sexual trauma, I am forever changed walking with Anne as my spiritual director. Having a compassionate, empathetic, and listening ear has gently guided me to a deeper relationship with God.

                                                             Julie Herborn, survivor of sexual trauma.