Spiritual Direction Groups for Parents

Learn to quiet your mind and find what’s meaningful in your journey as you parent a child with difference. Spiritual Direction is a non-denominational approach to deep listening in small, leader-facilitated groups. Once a month set aside your to do lists, your goals and agendas for therapists, doctors, teachers, team meetings and IEPs. Instead, listen deeply to yourself, to one another and to silence. Share what brings you meaning, joy and pain among companions on parallel paths. What you learn – about what’s most important to you and where you are in your life – may surprise you and nourish your soul in new and unexpected ways.

Groups for parents of children with extra challenges are being formed by Andrea Madden, parent, educator and Spiritual Direction facilitator. Each group is limited to five participants who meet for two hours once a month, with an initial commitment of six sessions. Participants honor the confidentiality of discussions.

Facilitator Andrea Madden is the parent of two young adults, one of whom has significant cognitive and physical challenges. Andrea’s approach to Spiritual Direction is non-denominational and nondeity centered. She participated in a two-year training program for Spiritual Direction leaders through Lev Shomea, a Jewish Spiritual Direction program offering supervised training and in-depth immersion in transformative practices aimed at repair of the world. Andrea holds a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, has earned two master’s degrees in education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and taught middle school in Teaneck, New Jersey, for 13 years. She has since been a full-time caregiver for her child with multiple handicaps. Andrea has trained children and adults for bar/bat mitzvahs for nearly a decade.

To learn more about Spiritual Direction fees and schedules contact Andrea Madden at andreamadden@comcast.net.

"Spiritual Direction is where we can share our parenting challenges, deepest fears and moments of inspiration in an atmosphere of emotional safety and mutual respect. No one tries to fix anything or tell you how to do something. There is no judgment. The experience of listening deeply and of being a companion to one another is transformative for each of us. Together, we look for what will sustain us, for what is meaningful, joyful and real.”

Andrea Madden
Spiritual Director & Parent