Certificate Programs

The Art of Spiritual Companioning

Help Guide Others

NONCREDIT CERTIFICATE

Help Guide Others on Their Spiritual Journeys

Spirituality can add depth and meaning to life. Today individuals approach spirituality through a variety of realms. Based on recent psychological studies spirituality can have a positive impact on personality characteristics, namely:

Spiritual people are gracious.
Spiritual people are compassionate.
Spiritual people flourish.
Spiritual people self-actualize.
Spiritual people take time to savor life experiences.

Five-Week Program

Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
April 13, 20, 27, May 4 & May 11, 2023
Live Online Sessions (Zoom)
Cost: $299 for All Sessions
 
The Art of Spiritual Companioning is a five-week certificate program, designed to deepen the skills needed to guide others on their spiritual journeys. Each week includes a three-hour live online session on Zoom, incorporating practice sessions, assigned readings and reflection.

Each week, we'll build on the relationship between the companion and the divine, the relationship between the client and the divine, the relationship between the companion and the client and the personal and professional development of the companion.

Topics will be covered according to the needs of participants and include:
  • Distinguish between spiritual direction and spiritual companioning. Construction of spiritual timeline. Reflections on readings. Organize triads for discussion.
  • Develop a mentor, peer supervision group and other methods for self-care. Construct a rubric for client meetings. Reflections on readings. Triad work.
  • Evaluate processes and techniques used with suggestion for more beneficial learning. Reflections on readings. Triad work.
  • Participate in guided meditation. Summarize content and evolving awareness in oral presentation. Reflections on readings. Triad work. Initiate "client" meeting.
  • Reflections on readings. Triad work. Conclude "client" meeting. Express importance of leave-taking, closure and expressions of gratitude.

Add Depth to Your Profession

  • IF YOU ARE A SOCIAL WORKER OR OTHER THERAPIST working with clients who'd like to explore their spirituality.
  • IF YOU ARE A RELIGIOUS LEADER OR COUNSELOR guiding others on their spiritual path.

Image of digital badge for spiritual companioningGain a Meaningful Credential

Upon completion of the certificate program, you will receive an exclusive UW-Green Bay digital badge, validating your capability as a spiritual guide.



Take the Next Step

Let UW-Green Bay help deepen your knowledge. The Spiritual Companioning certificate is $299 for all sessions. 

Image of a serene stream

Are you willing to help guide the inner spirit of another on their spiritual path?

Photo: Gretchen Herrmann

Image of a solitary figure

The spiritual journey is solitary and communal. 

Photo: Gretchen Herrmann

Image of sneakers and a heart

Walking with another in love and compassion.

Photo: Kim Geiser.

Image of boots close-up

Your gifts and talents, experiences and challenges are blessings for others. Learn to share them with others.

Photo: Gretchen Herrmann

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Learning Outcomes

  • Begin, conduct and end a session with a client.
  • Articulate a personal experience as an example of a concept.
  • Awareness of ethical and confidentiality boundaries.
  • Identify attitudes and behaviors in a client that would warrant referral to a physician, counselor or another professional.
  • Distinguish between conversation and spiritual companioning.
  • Acquaintance with methods of self-care, continual professional development and supervision.

Requirements

  • Attend every session.
  • Identify a supervisor/spiritual director for yourself.
  • Have at least one, preferably two people, who are willing to be “practice clients.” They may not be family or class members.
  • Be willing to comment on classmates’ performance and be willing to accept suggestions/comments from others (peer performance reviews).
  • Read articles for reflection.

Instructor

Sister Anne Marie Lom
Sister Anne Marie Lom

Sister Anne Marie Lom, OSF, is the Director of the St. Francis House of Prayer, Manitowoc, where she coordinates spiritual offerings, retreat ministry, and continuing formation opportunities. She served for six years as a Council Member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. She was also a Spiritual Director at St. Raphael Parish in Oshkosh for over ten years. She has taught prolifically, serving for almost fifteen years as Campus Minister and Religious Studies Instructor at Roncalli High School. She earned a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Applied Spirituality and a Certificate of Internship in Franciscan Spirituality and Spiritual Direction.

Questions?

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Melissa Betke, Program Specialist, at betkem@uwgb.edu or 920-663-7337.