Kayla Allen
Pastor & Spiritual Director
There are endless ways to connect with the God who loves you.
I can guide you to something new or different.
As your spiritual companion, I am passionate about creating space for you to experience love, connection, and belonging in God’s presence. I’ll be an attentive listener to the story unfolding in your life and help you identify where God is at work making love known.
Shaped by my own seasons of loneliness, grief and faith deconstruction, I have a heart for walking with people on a journey of healing.
My current clients are caregivers, counselors, academics, ministry professionals and other spiritual directors. They range in age from college to recently retired. I am open to working with anyone that feels a nudge to connect – and I hope you do.
Learning to hear God takes time and practice. I’m on the journey with you.
FAQ’s
Who comes to spiritual direction?
You might come to spiritual direction if:
You want to nurture your relationship with God
You are in a difficult or disorienting season and your old spiritual practices no longer work
You have more questions about God than answers
You have a desire for more, but are unsure what more is
You are discerning something and need a safe place to notice and listen
How often do we meet?
A monthly meeting works well. This provides time between each session for personal reflection and to prayerfully work out what arises during our time. Practically, it is a commitment that is sustainable for most people. However, there are seasons when it is helpful to meet more or less often. Together, we can decide on a rhythm that works best for you..
What are your rates?
Sessions are 50 minutes long at $80. However, since I recognize that may not work for your budget, I can work on a sliding scale as needed. Scholarships are available.
Where do you practice?
I host most of my sessions over video call. I live in Charlottesville, Virginia and am available to meet in my home, local church or retreat location. A travel fee may apply.
How is this different than mentoring, counseling or coaching?
Compared with other helping professionals, where the agenda is set by the client or mentee. The client is seeking the wisdom and expertise of the caregiver. These are all problem-focused. In direction, it’s a shared listening to God who is the source of wisdom and insight. So, the Holy Spirit is always at work, inviting us into a deeper relationship of love with God. It’s not focused on a particular problem.
Is this self care?
Yes and no. Self-care is ability to care for oneself, usually physically or mentally, taking an active role in one’s wellbeing & happiness. Spiritual direction is an invitation to bring our soul, all that we are (mind, body, emotions, relationships), into the presence of a loving God and creating space to allow God to bring restoration, healing and comfort. In short, self-care is what you can do for yourself. Soul care what God can do for you.
“I look at God, I look at you, and I keep looking at God.”
–Julian of Norwich
Practices For Spiritual Formation
Lectio Divina
A practice in reading the Bible for our formation, not just information. Integrate the teaching of the Bible into your heart and soul.
Sabbath Keeping
A weekly practice that allows you to rest in the goodness of God. Develop rituals and practices of rest that restore your soul.
The Examen
A prayerful reflection looking back over a set time to pay attention to the movement of God. Practiced daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.
Silence & Solitude
A practice that creates space to empty yourself while quieting internal and external distractions so that God can fill you up.
Retreat
Provides a unique opportunity to be present to ourselves, in mind, body and spirit as we surrender our false sense of control and receive the true rest of God with us.
Imaginative Prayer
An invitation to engage the senses and put yourself in a scene or scripture story to wonder with God. God can communicate with us including our feelings, emotions, memory, and imagination.