About Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction is an ancient practice that involves Holy listening with another for the voice and movement of God.  It is a gentle practice, where a trained director meets regularly with a directee (usually once a month).  Some experience meeting with a Spiritual Director much like mentoring, coaching, or meeting with a guide. 

Spiritual Direction offers companionship and friendship in the most important, intimate areas of one’s life; exploring the inner landscape where one receives and responds to God.  The focus of Spiritual Direction puts more emphasis on journeying with another while experiencing God, listening for God’s voice above all others, and following where God is leading. I believe all things in life are spiritual so there is no topic of discussion that is not appropriate during a session.   

About Tonya

Welcome all!  My name is Tonya Derry and I offer counseling inspired spiritual direction, mentoring, and 12-Step work. I would consider my approach more insight orientated and relational. My offerings are both in-person and virtual.  Contemplative prayer practices, Lectio Divina, Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, silence, solitude, nature inspired spirituality, self-compassion, 12-Steps, gratitude, and meditation are practices I aspire to in my own spiritual life, and they also influence my work as a Spiritual Director. 

I have been married for 37 years to my high-school sweetheart. We have two amazing sons and two wonderful daughters-in-law.  Alex, who is 36, is our oldest.  He is married to Meredith (who is a wonderful mommy and writer, among other things).  They have two kiddos and were the first to make us “Mimi & Bibi.” Norah Jane aged 6, and Ford, who just turned 4 are the sweetest gifts!  Kyle is our youngest son.  He is 35 and married to Karla (who is an incredible photographer).  We also have a two grand pups, Toby who has his own Instagram page, and Oakley who is making his way through adolencence.

I love spending time outdoors and often find God in all aspects of nature, my fur-baby (a Cockapoo named Yolo), and my motto most of the time is “let’s stay home!”

I have a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Psychology and Communication, and I completed my spiritual direction training at Selah Center for Spiritual Formation, where I received a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.  I also completed my Ignatian Spiritual Training with Renee Farkas at Ambernest, where I received an advanced certification that will equip me to guide others through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (the 19th Annotation).

I invite all who desire to deepen their understanding and relationship with God, self, and others.  As I trust and lean on God in this process, I am honored and grateful for you to join me.