Dani Scoville

Many of us are on the journey for meaning — within our own experience and for something that transcends our individual story. But life can be so full and hectic that often there aren’t the set aside and safe spaces to sit with and explore these deeper meanings and questions. Whether you’re looking for that space to wrestle with life’s questions and pain or a companion to walk alongside you as you deepen your connection to the Divine, spiritual direction can be a helpful tool! I offer spiritual direction to individuals and groups of all ages and spiritual life stages in San Francisco.

I passionately believe that the Divine is present in all of human experience (the beauty and terror, as Rilke says) and that an increased awareness of something beyond ourselves can help us along our life’s path, wherever it may lead.

“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion.” — Brené Brown

I live in San Francisco and enjoy helping people find meaning in the complex and daily details of life. I received my certification from the three-year spiritual direction program at the Mercy Center, Burlingame in 2016.

I love: the Enneagram, Rilke poetry, SF community internet radio station Best Frequencies Forever, and the San Francisco Public Library.

 

Photo by: Jaime Borschuk

Spiritual direction is the practice of companioning another in their journey of deepening connection with something beyond themselves — God, the Divine, Spirit, the Universe, etc. The person seeking direction (directee) shares and explores life stories, questions, or beliefs with a spiritual director. What the directee wants to bring to session does not have to be overtly spiritual… because everything is spiritual! The director holds a hospitable, safe space for the directee, and asks intentional or clarifying questions about his/her/their share. Spiritual direction is about growth in relationship to one’s specific spirituality, rather than solving problems or fixing things.

What I personally appreciate about direction is it empowers the directee (you) to grow in intimacy to your higher power/way of seeing the world/spirituality. I am not here to judge, evaluate, or fix, but to hold a contemplative and safe space as you reflect.

How it works

Location

I meet with directees once a month for about 50 minutes either in person in San Francisco or over video chat.

Fee and cancellations

I charge $100 per session. I have a limited number of sliding scale slots based on availability and need.

Cancellations or rescheduling require 24 hour notice, otherwise you will be responsible for your fee. My directees contact me about scheduling issues over text or email.

Confidentiality

Everything we discuss in session is confidential with two exceptions: 1) It seems you will do harm to yourself or others. 2) I meet seasonally with a spiritual direction coach, where we focus on a specific session. If I select one of our sessions, your name and distinguishing qualities will be changed, but I will be sharing a part of what we discussed, with the focus being on me growing further as a director.

Your next step

If spiritual direction sounds interesting, I’d love to meet and talk more about what direction with me would look like for you. You can begin the conversation by contacting me here.

During a first meeting with a spiritual director, ask yourself

• Do I feel safe and have a connection with this director?
• Do I feel free to be open and honest about my beliefs, identity, sexuality, money habits, etc. with this director?
• Do I feel safe to bring up a problem with this director if they say or do something that does not work for me?

It is important that you feel safe to bring your whole self to spiritual direction. Check in with yourself before, during, and after session to make sure you feel freedom when meeting with this particular director.

If we aren’t a good fit to work together, either because of logistics, style or any other reason, I’d love to make sure you’re matched with a spiritual director.

I suggest you start with the Spiritual Directors International search page. It allows you to search for a spiritual director by city. I recommend you arrange to have first meetings with 3 different directors. A lot of spiritual direction is about feeling a sense of safety and connection with the director, so ask yourself the questions above as you meet with each.

I’m excited for you as you begin or continue this part of your journey!