Trustworthy Connections: Interpersonal Issues in Spiritual Direction [Paperback]

Anne Winchell Silver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 2004

Although God is at the center of the process of spiritual direction, the more readily visible participants are human beings. Like all other people, directors and directees are subject to relationship dynamics. Trustworthy Connections identifies some issues and challenges that can arise in spiritual direction relationships and offers resources for further consideration and reflection. The topics and examples are focused on traditional one–to–one, face–to–face spiritual direction, although some are also relevant to group direction and direction by correspondence. Trustworthy Connections is designed for use as a reference and a springboard for discussion for spiritual directors and anyone else who is interested in spiritual direction. Like the process of spiritual direction itself, this book is about asking questions, discussing ideas, and suggesting alternatives rather than giving advice or getting answers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

. . . a practical guide to spiritual direction. . . . Silver’s focus is on the basics of traditional, one-on-one spiritual direction with all its relational challenges. I am impressed with the thoroughness of this practical guide. (Kriss Erickson Presence: An International Journal Of Spiritual Direction )

For those who practice the art of Spiritual Direction, there has been an ongoing difficulty in how one will learn more about the call and work of spiritual companioning those who seek to know what God is doing in their lives. Two schools of mentoring are available: one that sees the call of the spiritual director as a charism or gift from God and helps the director to go deeper into his or her spiritual life as well as the tradition and practice over the centuries. The other school sees the gift or call into spiritual direction from a more clinical mode of training, as a set of skills and practices to be learned. Ann Winchell Silver . . . helps the reader to see it is not an ‘either/or’ proposition but a ‘both/and’ situation. Believing in the grounding of this call in the Holy One, she balances this spiritual calling with sound suggestions for its practice . . . everything from the space one uses for direction to ethical guidelines and what to look for in a spiritual director. (Rev. Al Keeney Living Water/Episcopal Life )

About the Author

ANNE WINCHELL SILVER draws upon more than thirty years of experience as a member of the counseling faculty at Kingsborough Community College in the City University of New York. She studied at New York University, Fordham University, and the General Theological Seminary’s Center for Christian Spirituality, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.

ANNE WINCHELL SILVER draws upon more than thirty years of experience as a member of the counseling faculty at Kingsborough Community College in the City University of New York. She studied at New York University, Fordham University, and the General Theological Seminary’s Center for Christian Spirituality, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 159 pages
• Publisher: Cowley Publications (January 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561012521
• ISBN-13: 978-1561012527
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a guide for effective practice, October 30, 2004

By 

Brooklyn Reader - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Trustworthy Connections: Interpersonal Issues in Spiritual Direction (Paperback)

As the practice of spiritual direction is growing in religious communities that have no history of that mode of spiritual dialogue, it is essential to approach it with mindfulness and awareness. This book clearly and honestly addresses the complexities of the interpersonal issues that are involved. It reflects literacy in both the spiritual and the psychological arenas. The concepts discussed are sometimes difficult to address, but the writing is direct and easily understandable. I learned a lot from this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know about spiritual direction, November 4, 2008

By 

Sarah Blaies - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trustworthy Connections: Interpersonal Issues in Spiritual Direction (Paperback)

Beautifully written; straight forword and addresses everything you need to know about being a spiritual director. Silver explores each side of issues and address the pros and cons of each. Silver gives you the tools you need to begin spiritual direction, as well as exploring issues that would benifit even the most seasoned director. This book was obviously written by an author who has many years of experence as a spiritual director, and as a psychologist she is able to explain how spiritual direction is different than therapy in a very focused, straight forward, and clear way . I would highly recommend this book! It is a must for anyone who is called to be a spiritual director...you owe it to yourself and to your directees to read this book and use it as a tool and reference throughout your ministry.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had had this before beginning Spiritual Direction, May 17, 2006

By 

Junia (FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Trustworthy Connections: Interpersonal Issues in Spiritual Direction (Paperback)

This is the book I wish I had before I began Spiritual Direction. I recall being abble to ask only the most general questions. I had read a number of books about Spiritual Direction (I prefer Spiritual Companionship) but had read nothing of the nature of the actual interactive relationship. The chapter on What to expect from SD I found very helpful in retrospect. The issues around dual relationships (pastor/director) etc is well addressed and the book contains the codes of ethics of the two major organizations of SD's. I highly recommend this to anyone considering spiritual direction or already in it, or considering becoming a director.