Experienced Spiritual Companion

If we decide that we are a good fit to work together, we will discuss fees. My sliding fee scale ranges from $50 to $90 per session for individual sessions via Zoom or private phone calls. Sessions are offered on weekdays, weekday evenings, and Saturdays. For group spiritual companionship, also via Zoom, the fee per session is lower.

The free consultation is a 30-minute Zoom meeting or private phone call, where we begin to get acquainted and determine whether we’re a good fit. We might explore questions such as:

• What brings you to seek spiritual companionship at this point in your life?
• Is this your first experience with spiritual companioning? Or, what has your experience been like in the past?
• What questions do you have for me?
• Is there anything else you'd like me to know about you?

• Deep Listening: I offer a space free from judgment, where your thoughts and feelings are heard with genuine empathy
• Intuition and Compassion: Guided by intuition, contemplation, and compassion, I support your unique spiritual journey.
• Empowerment: I honor your ability to make your own choices and empower you to discover your unique path.

About Me

My wide variety of life experiences has included two formal training programs in spiritual companionship, first in the early 1990s, when I was an attorney in Oregon, and again in the early 2000s, when I was teaching in California public schools. Recently, while sitting quietly in Quaker worship, I realized that the initials “J.D.” (my law degree) could also describe “Joyful Discernment.” This led me to revise and update the services I offer. Now, I focus exclusively on spiritual companioning. “Companioning” describes the process, the way I support you. “Companionship” notes the friendly tone and intent of the relationships and topics we might explore.

Most major world religions include some form of spiritual formation or direction. I (Georgia) prefer the terms spiritual companionship and spiritual companioning. These suggest a collaborative journey—we walk together. I will not tell you what to do, how to do it, or what to believe. You may have a deep faith, a different kind of spirituality, or none at all. Our time together will focus on what matters most to you on your life’s journey.

I prefer Spiritual Companionship because it signifies a collaborative journey. I won't dictate or impose beliefs; instead, we'll focus on what matters most to you.

JOURNEYS THROUGH LIFE
a. Spiritual companions listen deeply and respond without judgment.
b.Spiritual companions tend to be intuitive, contemplative, and compassionate.
c. Spiritual companions recognize and honor your ability to make your own choices.

While we each bring our own history and experiences to the companion relationship, in general, spiritual companions are inclusive and authentic, and have wisdom developed through training and from a variety of life experiences.

Most of the major world religions have some form of spiritual formation or direction. I (Georgia) prefer spiritual companionship because it indicates that I will not tell you what to do, how to do it, or what to believe. You may have a deep faith or none at all. Through our time together, you will focus on what matters most to you.

My spiritual life began in a high school/ study group at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church. At Occidental College, each year I sang choral music by Johan Sebastian Bach. I appreciated his deep compassion and spirituality. Later, in Sea2le, I found value in the Dances of Universal Peace sponsored by a Sufi group. After law school(at what is now Seattle University), I was active in a small UCC congregation in Ashland, OR, for about a decade, before I returned to California. In Pasadena, I attended All Saints Church (Episcopal) for a 7ew years. I have been a Quaker for 20+ yea/«.

7he Quaker practice called “worship sharing“is precious to me. While regular Quaker worship is primarily silent, in “worship sharing“ the participants gather in a small group to reflect upon and share their experiences in response to queries or questions. The questions address a specific issue in each session. The issues usually 7ocns on one text, teaching, or topic per session.

I have felt called to offer worship sharing regularly in my home meeting and within the wider Quaker community of Southern California for 20› years.

This is a Zoom or telephone consultation of about 30 minutes. The purpose is to begin getting acquainted and sharing information to see if we are a good fit to work together.

Questions that I may ask you include:

a. What brings you to seek spiritual companionship at this time in your life?
b. Are you comfortable telling your spiritual story to me?
c. Is this your first experience with spiritual companionship? Or – What have been your other experiences?
d. What other questions do you want me to ask you?

Interviewing more than one spiritual companion is recommended. We will come to a mutual decision regarding the “fit’’ between us.

If we decide that we are a good It to work together, we will also discuss what the appropriate fee will be. I (Georgia) use a sliding scale that ranges from $30 to $90 per session. If you have financial concerns that would preclude your participation in spiritual companionship, please let ma know. We might be able to work out an alternative.

sdicompanions.org is an international website dedicated to the art and practice of spiritual companionship. I, Georgia, follow the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct (2018) published by SDI (Spiritual Director International).