Depending on what is comfortable for a directee, the director may begin in several ways. Prayer, a reading, or silence. The director will often ask how a directee would like to start.

A directee shares about their relationship as much or as little as they are comfortable with.

Typically, once a month. The frequency can be tailored to specific needs. The time between sessions is when growth and movement occur.

Direction differs from counseling primarily in its focus: the intention in spiritual direction is not to help solve a problem, but rather to look for God's activity within any problems and within the rest of the person's life experience. Usually, counseling is concerned with relationship dynamics and problem solving. Direction also focuses on relational dynamics, but is concerned specifically with relationship with God - who you are in relationship with God; how you communicate with God (both send and receive); what God's call or purpose is for your life. Direction invites you into deeper relationship with God in the midst of whatever you are experiencing.

Spiritual direction is a confidential setting, giving a directee an opportunity to explore with someone who is safe and non-judgmental the real issues of their spiritual life.  The director is not there to “fix” the directee, or to make the directee holier, or to tell him or her what he or she should do or be.  Rather, the director is there to help to create a sacred space which will facilitate an ongoing conversation between the directee and God.

Sometimes a director will suggest specific kinds of prayer (such as lectio divina, the prayer of examen, etc.), or perhaps highlight a question that the directee may want to keep before God during the coming month.  Suggestions about ways to practice the presence of God, to grow in discernment, and to explore issues of call and vocation may also be made.  A director may encourage the directee to practice a specific spiritual practice or discipline (such as journaling, solitude, service or fasting) for a season.

Spiritual direction has been part of the Christian church since the first century, and while it has shifted in focus, it has been a necessary component for growth and nurture.