There is also a difference between the two disciplines. The focus of spiritual direction is the inner spiritual connection, in other words, the relationship between the individual and the Divine. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, focuses on the relationship between the therapist and client as the source of healing and growth.

A spiritual director normally prays with and for a directee. The practice of direction attends to spiritual communion not only through traditional disciplines such as prayer and meditation, but also through art, dream work, body movement (dance, prayer walking), song, mantras, drumming, connections with nature, sensual conditioning, and many other means. Actually, almost any activity can be a spiritual exercise when experienced with spiritual awareness and intent.

Psychotherapy is similar to spiritual direction, but rather than focusing on direct spiritual communication, therapists draw on their own deep resources of wisdom in relating to the client. They recognize the sanctity of every human life and seek to become connected to the client in a way that the power of this truth is experienced. The goal is ultimately the same as spiritual direction: soul healing and growth. If a client fails to establish a connection with the Source within, then he or she will be left dependent on the therapists or others who can never be adequate in communicating who one is or what one is called to in a specific situation. Successful therapy always involves a client connecting with and trusting his or her own deep knowing.

However, the “psychotherapy” which managed care insurance companies are willing to reimburse is not really psychotherapy, but counseling. Counseling has to do with giving counsel or advice.

Managed care companies are focused primarily on symptom management and can actually be a hindrance to therapy. For example, a man recently came in for therapy with complaints of insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and intrusive thoughts when driving of wanting to smash into a bridge. If we focused solely on the symptoms, he would be referred to a psychiatrist for medication and probably be able to reduce the symptoms. However, this would be ignoring the function of symptoms, which is to say: “There is something wrong; you need to change the way you live your life.” It is a message from one's soul. When we do not listen to the messages from our souls, the result is that other, more serious symptoms occur. Psychotherapy and spiritual direction both use symptoms as helpful tools pointing in the direction of healing and wholeness.