Supervised group practice for trained spiritual companions/directors wanting to refine and expand their companionship skills.
At Lantern Soul Care, practicum is a curated opportunity to practice specific and general relational skills, in an environment both loving and constructive, so you can serve with grace and confidence.
“Practicing alongside other spiritual companions under Lyena’s guidance has been both healing and deeply enriching. Our work together has brought personal insight, expanded my perspective, and strengthened my companioning skills.”
Sharon P.
Who is it for?
Recent graduates of spiritual direction training
Those returning to the work of spiritual companioning after an absence
Ministers desiring more practice with the relational aspects of their service
Established spiritual directors/companions wanting to explore new relational modalities with support in a safe environment
How it Works
In every meeting, each member of the group has an opportunity to companion another member, witnessed by me and the other members of the group. After each mini-session, the group engages in constructive dialog focusing on celebrations and challenges, rather than critique. The dialog is compassionate, supportive, and formational, not directive.
Prior to each meeting, I propose a practice topic. When the group meets, you have a choice: practice the proposed topic with your group member companionee; explore a practice topic of your own choosing; or, simply meet whatever your companionee organically brings, just as you would in a private session.
Some of the practice topics we might explore
- Meeting differing spiritual styles
- Working with anger
- Incorporating somatic practices
- Making a referral to therapy
- Relationships as healing ground
- Meeting political differences
- Experimenting with guided visualization
“I always enter feeling a little anxious but Lyena’s presence is so vulnerable and compassionate, and her feedback so constructive and masterful, I leave jumping up and down with positive energy.”
Joanne K.
My Approach
I engage an Interspiritual perspective, affirming your unique spiritual life and the foundations of your spiritual direction training and practice. My intention is always to help you cultivate your most authentic — and inspired – expression of companioning as you develop and enrich your relational skills. We build safety through compassion and respect, so you can experiment without fear of being shamed or molded into my image.
My commitments to you
Thoughtful practice prompts curated for the group
A culture of tender presence and regard
Uplifting the most authentic embodiment of your service
Curiosity, not critique
Unconditional compassion
Mutual vulnerability
“Spiritual Companioning is an art. And the opportunity to practice our art with someone who listens so powerfully and loves us so much is priceless.”
Maggie D.
Next Step
If what you’ve read here inspires or intrigues you, and you’d like to further explore participation, I invite you to fill out an Expression of Interest form. After submitting the form, you’ll receive a link to schedule a no-cost Exploratory Call. We’ll meet on Zoom, explore your questions, and get to know each other a bit so you can discern what’s next and best for you. I look so forward to being together.
FAQs
How often does the group meet?
We meet roughly monthly on dates/times pre-determined by group consensus.
Do you require a commitment or can I “drop in?”
A commitment of three consecutive meetings is required. Opportunities to continue beyond that container are available in 3-meeting increments.
How long is each meeting?
Each meeting lasts three hours. The Zoom room is open an additional 15 minutes prior to the meeting for socializing.
How is the time spent? How much of the 3 hours is spent companioning someone?
That depends a little on the practice topic and the group’s needs. Most commonly, each companion works for 30 minutes followed by 15-20 minutes each of reflection and discussion. The remaining time is spread between arrival, more generalized discussion, and breaks. Sometimes the companioningsessions are shorter if the group desires more generalized discussion of the practice topic before jumping into practice. Occasionally, practice might be limited to a very specific task (i.e. gracefully making a referral to therapy) instead of conducting an entire session. Trial and error have proven that 3 hours provides the most nourishing and constructive container.
How big is the group?
Participation is limited to three people.
Will I always be meeting with the same people?
For the duration of your 3-meeting commitment, yes. If you opt to continue for any additional 3-month periods, the group membership may change. But enrollment is locked for each 3-meeting period.
Will I get to practice companioning someone at every meeting?
Yes. You will serve as companion, companionee, and witness in every meeting.
Can I use this practicum in place of formal training to be a spiritual director/companion?
No. Participants in practicum are required to have completed a certificate program or equivalent training. Practicum is for the refinement and expansion of existing skills, not initial training.
Do I have to be currently working as a spiritual director/companion?
No.
Are the meetings confidential?
Yes. All members of the group are asked to commit to strict confidentiality. Nothing shared inside the meeting, leaves the meeting.
Do I have to practice the proposed topic?
No. Instead, you can practice something specific of your choosing or simply meet what your companionee brings, just as you would in a private session. You choose what is the most relevant use of your practice time.
Is this the same as group supervision?
No. Group supervision explores what comes up for companions during their private sessions. This group is for real-time practice of companioning skills with the benefit of supportive feedback by a supervisor and peers. Occasionally, generalized discussion in the group might explore hypothetical scenarios of companioning but the emphasis is always on active practice. We do not generally discuss issues specific to a private session unless those issues are related to the proposed practice topic.
Do you offer group supervision?
Yes. If that is of interest to you, I invite you to fill out the Expression of Interest form so I can follow up when an opening becomes available.
Do I have to use you as a supervisor in order to participate in practicum?
No. You can receive individual or group supervision wherever you’d like while being a participant in practicum.
Besides practicum, what other services do you offer?
I offer individual spiritual direction, individual and group supervision, and periodic classes/events.
What do you charge for practicum?
Practicum is $75 – $125 per meeting, sliding scale, with a 3-meeting commitment.
