AECSD-recognised formation programs
Listen into Life: Residential Program in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation
MITTAGONG, NSW
LAUNCESTON, TAS
Listen into Life (LIL) is a four-year part-time residential program in spiritual direction and spiritual formation, with a yearly intake.
LIL is an ecumenical, contemplative program within the Christian tradition and open to those who sense a call to the work of spiritual accompaniment, and looking for a community where this vocation can be explored and nurtured.
Listen into Life partners with Tabor College to grant LIL graduates Recognition for Prior Learning for up to 50% in a Graduate Diploma of Spiritual Direction (GDSD) for those interested in tertiary qualifications.
Program Director: Sally Jones
‘Tending the Holy’ Spiritual Direction Formation Program
PIMLICO, QLD
The formation of Spiritual Directors / Companions has been the ministry of the House of Prayer for over 40 years.
This three-year part-time, face-to-face process comprises 200 hours of outcomes-based contemplative learning across 3 intensives each year. A 50-hour practical component involving group and individual supervision is required for those who discern a call. A personal formation stream is also offered for those who wish to enhance their reflective listening skills.
The House of Prayer partners with Tabor College to grant Tending the Holy Spiritual Directors Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for up to 50% in a Graduate Diploma of Spiritual Direction (GDSD) for those interested in tertiary qualifications.
Program Coordinator: Brianne Falconieri
St Francis College Spiritual Direction Program
MILTON QLD
St Francis offers an Internal Spiritual Direction Formation Program (AECSD recognised) and in 2026 a Grad Dip in Spiritual Direction through the University of Divinity. Contemplative learning and supervised practice are core as participants discern their charism and calling to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Program Director: Dr Lynette Dungan
Dayspring Community (WA) Inc.
Bassendean, WA
The heart of Dayspring's program is contemplative, emphasizing the importance of spiritual study, discernment, and prayer. Its focus is on the experience of a person's relationship with God, and on fostering this relationship as the foundation of one's life. Spiritual direction is seen as a contemplative ministry through which spiritual directors help others to notice and respond to God's movement in the personal and communal experiences of their everyday lives, and within all of creation. This approach to spiritual direction requires personal, interpersonal and spiritual maturity. It is understood as a significant, dynamic and potentially transformative process undertaken for the sake of the unfolding all of life.
Coursework Coordinator: Jenelle Pike
The Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Australian Province (SOJA)
Arrupe Program
Hawthorn VIC
The Arrupe Program is the approved national program of the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus for the formation of Givers of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and Spiritual Directors in the Ignatian tradition. The Arrupe Program runs in parallel with the Master of Spiritual Direction (MSD) and Graduate Diploma degrees offered by Australian Catholic University (ACU). We offer a number of pathways to becoming a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition, depending on the background and experience of each applicant.
Program Director: Dr Micheál Loughnane
Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Spiritual Direction Formation Program
ADELAIDE, SA
The Archdiocese of Adelaide Spiritual Directors Formation Program is a two-year program underpinned by Ignatian Spirituality.
We believe that spiritual direction is a vocation.
Consequently, this program is designed to help individuals who are feeling drawn to the ministry of spiritual direction to explore their desire and abilities for this ministry and to discern if God is calling them to this ministry.
Program Coordinator: Val de Brenni
Te Wairua Mahi
Christchurch, New Zealand
Ignatian Spirituality NZ offers Te Wairua Mahi, a course of Formation in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition and Formation for Givers of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola.
Below are the formation programs that have applied for and received recognition as complying with the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction’s Formation Guidelines.
THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED! THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
Other state-based formation programs
Please find below other spiritual direction formation programs listed by state or country. At this stage these programs have not sought recognition with the AECSD.
The Tree of Life Program in Spiritual Formation, Christian Spirituality and Spiritual Direction
Mt Claremont, WA
The focus of the program is on experiential and participatory learning. Spiritual formation and spiritual direction necessitate the formation and transformation of the person, and on learning through practical experience. So, whilst the program offers presentations and theoretical understandings, there is also the requirement for personal engagement, reflection upon and integration of that which is presented. Learning, formation and transformation also happen as participants observe the formation team and one another’s practice, and are attentive to their own experience. The Tree of Life Program is a community of adult learners who support and contribute to each other’s formation.
Program Director: Rev Judith Van Rossum
Living Well Centre for Christian Spirituality
Malvern, VIC
Under construction
Directors: Dr Cath Connolly and Fiona Garrigan
Spiritual Growth Ministries
Aotearoa -New Zealand
National Coordinator: Fran Francis
The Art of Spiritual Direction, Stillpoint
Wishart, QLD
The program emphasises the primacy of our relationship with God that deepens our relationship with others and all of creation; different forms of prayer and of prayerful attitude, the development of interior freedom and external justice, and attentiveness to the movement of God’s Spirit in all areas of our lives.
The practice of spiritual direction is central and will be supported by ongoing supervision and practice reviews. The focus is prayerful, reflective and contemplative.
Program Leader: Dr Irene Alexander
Heart of Life for Spiritual and Pastoral Formation Siloam Program
Croydon, VIC
The program’s approach to formation is soundly experiential and is based on solid theological, biblical and social sciences theory and praxis. A discerning, contemplative attitude is integral to all seminars and practical work. Regular reflection, prayer time and a commitment to one’s own spiritual direction are essential to the program.
It is open to people of all faiths and cultural traditions who are drawn to listen deeply to their own hearts, and the hearts of others, and seek to discern whether they may be called to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Director: Peter Hendricks
Kardia: Heart Wisdom
Spiritual Direction Formation
Online Program - Based in Victoria
This program invites participants to be immersed in the art and practice of spiritual direction. We begin by recalling the graces of praying the full Spiritual Exercises. We explore foundations of contemplative listening, ways of praying, and the inner dynamics that shape discernment and meaningful presence. Together we examine stages of growth in personal and faith development, generative listening, and ethical boundaries. With guidance in self-supervision and psychodynamics, participants learn to accompany others with authenticity, compassion and integrity. Whether you are beginning or seeking to deepen your practice, Kardia’s Heart Wisdom program offers a rich, supportive environment to identify and cultivate the heart and skills of spiritual direction.
Directors: Dr Bernadette Miles and Dr Marlene Marburg
Wellspring Centre - Art of Spiritual Companioning
Ashburton, VIC
Embark on the journey inward and discover the art of spiritual companioning.
Are you seeking to deepen your spirituality? Do you have a passion for accompanying others on their spiritual journeys?
Join an immersion in the ancient Christian path of spiritual direction with a contemporary, inclusive, ecumenical flair. Explore your inner life, become aware of thoughts, embodied felt-sense, patterns of being and connectivity with the Source of life and learn how to companion others.
Program Director: Dr Anne Pate
Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction
Adelaide, SA
Program Director: Dr Christine Gilbert
AECSD-recognised formation programs
Listen into Life: Residential Program in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation
MITTAGONG, NSW
LAUNCESTON, TAS
Listen into Life (LIL) is a four-year part-time residential program in spiritual direction and spiritual formation, with a yearly intake.
LIL is an ecumenical, contemplative program within the Christian tradition and open to those who sense a call to the work of spiritual accompaniment, and looking for a community where this vocation can be explored and nurtured.
Listen into Life partners with Tabor College to grant LIL graduates Recognition for Prior Learning for up to 50% in a Graduate Diploma of Spiritual Direction (GDSD) for those interested in tertiary qualifications.
Program Director: Sally Jones
‘Tending the Holy’ Spiritual Direction Formation Program
PIMLICO, QLD
The formation of Spiritual Directors / Companions has been the ministry of the House of Prayer for over 40 years.
This three-year part-time, face-to-face process comprises 200 hours of outcomes-based contemplative learning across 3 intensives each year. A 50-hour practical component involving group and individual supervision is required for those who discern a call. A personal formation stream is also offered for those who wish to enhance their reflective listening skills.
The House of Prayer partners with Tabor College to grant Tending the Holy Spiritual Directors Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for up to 50% in a Graduate Diploma of Spiritual Direction (GDSD) for those interested in tertiary qualifications.
Program Coordinator: Brianne Falconieri
St Francis College Spiritual Direction Program
MILTON QLD
St Francis offers an Internal Spiritual Direction Formation Program (AECSD recognised) and in 2026 a Grad Dip in Spiritual Direction through the University of Divinity. Contemplative learning and supervised practice are core as participants discern their charism and calling to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Program Director: Dr Lynette Dungan
Dayspring Community (WA) Inc.
Bassendean, WA
The heart of Dayspring's program is contemplative, emphasizing the importance of spiritual study, discernment, and prayer. Its focus is on the experience of a person's relationship with God, and on fostering this relationship as the foundation of one's life. Spiritual direction is seen as a contemplative ministry through which spiritual directors help others to notice and respond to God's movement in the personal and communal experiences of their everyday lives, and within all of creation. This approach to spiritual direction requires personal, interpersonal and spiritual maturity. It is understood as a significant, dynamic and potentially transformative process undertaken for the sake of the unfolding all of life.
Coursework Coordinator: Jenelle Pike
Jesuit College of Spirituality
Arrupe Program
PARKVILLE VIC 3052
The Arrupe Program is the approved national program of the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus for the formation of Givers of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and Spiritual Directors in the Ignatian tradition. The Arrupe Program is concomitant with and adjunct to the Master of Spiritual Direction (MSD) degree offered by Australian Catholic University (ACU), yet distinct from it.
Program Director: Dr Micheál Loughnane
Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Spiritual Direction Formation Program
ADELAIDE, SA
The Archdiocese of Adelaide Spiritual Directors Formation Program is a two-year program underpinned by Ignatian Spirituality.
We believe that spiritual direction is a vocation.
Consequently, this program is designed to help individuals who are feeling drawn to the ministry of spiritual direction to explore their desire and abilities for this ministry and to discern if God is calling them to this ministry.
Program Coordinator: Val de Brenni
Te Wairua Mahi
Christchurch, New Zealand
Ignatian Spirituality NZ offers Te Wairua Mahi, a course of Formation in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition and Formation for Givers of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola.
Below are the formation programs that have applied for and received recognition as complying with the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction’s Formation Guidelines.
THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED! THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
Other state-based formation programs
Please find below other spiritual direction formation programs listed by state and territory. At this stage these programs have not sought recognition with the AECSD.
The Tree of Life Program in Spiritual Formation, Christian Spirituality and Spiritual Direction
Mt Claremont, WA
The focus of the program is on experiential and participatory learning. Spiritual formation and spiritual direction necessitate the formation and transformation of the person, and on learning through practical experience. So, whilst the program offers presentations and theoretical understandings, there is also the requirement for personal engagement, reflection upon and integration of that which is presented. Learning, formation and transformation also happen as participants observe the formation team and one another’s practice, and are attentive to their own experience. The Tree of Life Program is a community of adult learners who support and contribute to each other’s formation.
Program Director: Rev Judith Van Rossum
Living Well Centre for Christian Spirituality
Malvern, VIC
Under construction
Directors: Dr Cath Connolly and Fiona Garrigan
NEW ZEALAND
Spiritual Growth Ministries
P. O. Box 33, Dannevirke 4942,
Aotearoa -New Zealand
The Art of Spiritual Direction, Stillpoint
Wishart, QLD
The program emphasises the primacy of our relationship with God that deepens our relationship with others and all of creation; different forms of prayer and of prayerful attitude, the development of interior freedom and external justice, and attentiveness to the movement of God’s Spirit in all areas of our lives.
The practice of spiritual direction is central and will be supported by ongoing supervision and practice reviews. The focus is prayerful, reflective and contemplative.
Program Leader: Dr Irene Alexander
Heart of Life for Spiritual and Pastoral Formation Siloam Program
Croydon, VIC
The program’s approach to formation is soundly experiential and is based on solid theological, biblical and social sciences theory and praxis. A discerning, contemplative attitude is integral to all seminars and practical work. Regular reflection, prayer time and a commitment to one’s own spiritual direction are essential to the program.
It is open to people of all faiths and cultural traditions who are drawn to listen deeply to their own hearts, and the hearts of others, and seek to discern whether they may be called to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Director: Peter Hendricks
Kardia: Heart Wisdom
Spiritual Direction Formation
Doncaster, VIC
This program invites participants to journey deeply into the art and vocation of spiritual direction. Through reflective practices and experiential learning, we will explore the foundations of contemplative listening, the pathways of apophatic and kataphatic prayer, and the inner dynamics that shape a spiritual director’s presence. Together, we’ll examine the delicate balance of personal growth, professional boundaries, and the power of generative listening. With guidance in self-supervision and an awareness of psychodynamics, participants will emerge equipped to serve others with authenticity, compassion, and integrity. Whether you are beginning this journey or seeking to deepen your practice, this program offers a rich, supportive environment to cultivate the heart and skills of spiritual direction.
Directors: Dr Bernadette Miles and Dr Marlene Marburg
Wellspring Centre - Art of Spiritual Companioning
Ashburton, VIC
Embark on the journey inward and discover the art of spiritual companioning.
Are you seeking to deepen your spirituality? Do you have a passion for accompanying others on their spiritual journeys?
Join an immersion in the ancient Christian path of spiritual direction with a contemporary, inclusive, ecumenical flair. Explore your inner life, become aware of thoughts, embodied felt-sense, patterns of being and connectivity with the Source of life and learn how to companion others.
Program Director: Dr Anne Pate
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction
Tabor Adelaide
181 Goodwood Road
MILLSWOOD SA 5034
P: (08) 8373 8777