Boundless Heart
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction provides a safe space with a trained listener who guides you in expressing your whole self while exploring life’s profound questions.Whether you're exploring your spirituality or just looking for a space to talk openly without judgment, experience the transformative impact of this meaningful practice.
What Is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is the practice of accompanying individuals as they seek to deepen their relationship with what holds meaning for them. It provides a nurturing space for personal growth and exploration of one’s spirituality, including the opportunity to grapple with it, or even to let it go and make space for something new.There’s no need to be a perfect saint here… come as you are.This isn't counseling or psychotherapy. While it may feel similar to engaging with a therapist, we do not diagnose or treat. Instead we acknowledge that spirituality encompasses the full scope of human life. Often, people find this refreshing.Many clients also work with a spiritual director in conjunction with other forms of mental and emotional care.
What Happens in a Session?
Sessions usually take place once a month and last about an hour.They can take place via Zoom, phone, or in person, depending on what is most convenient for you. Each session is confidential.A session usually begins with a short time of silence so that we can quiet ourselves and be present in our time together.Some people talk about their relationship or connection to God or a Higher Power. Some share their challenges with developing a spiritual life or with organized religion. Some are healing from past hurts and traumatic experiences at churches or in daily life. Others are looking for ways to bring ritual and meaning into their lives. Many just want to talk.
Who Benefits From Spiritual Direction?
Anyone can benefit from spiritual direction. Some of the people I’ve worked with before include:Seekers: Individuals who are exploring their spiritual beliefs and practices and seeking guidance or direction.Those in Transition: People experiencing significant life changes such as career shifts or relationship changes.The “Faithful”: Individuals who are committed to a particular religious tradition and seek deeper understanding, growth, or discernment within that tradition.The “Doubtful”: People grappling with doubts or questions about their faith or spirituality. Spiritual direction offers a supportive environment to wrestle with, challenge, or re-consider our spirituality.Leaders: Clergy, spiritual leaders, or community leaders who would benefit from working with a trained spiritual director.The Curious: Those who have a general interest in exploring spirituality or contemplative practices and are looking for help with their exploration.The Suffering: Individuals facing challenges such as illness, grief, or trauma who seek someone who offers unconditional compassion and a listening ear.The Discerning: People facing important decisions or crossroads in their lives who seek spiritual discernment and guidance.The Burnt-Out: Those experiencing fatigue or burnout who seek renewal, restoration, and deeper connection with their spirituality.The Growth-Oriented: Individuals who are committed to personal or spiritual growth and are seeking guidance and support in their journey.These are just some of the reasons people come to spiritual direction. No matter your belief system, spiritual, or religious background (including atheists and agnostics!), this is a space where all are welcome. I embrace sexual and gender diversity and extend a warm welcome to people of all ages and backgrounds. After all, this is your space and your time—come just as you are.
About Michael
I am a trained spiritual director committed to helping people better understand and enrich their spirituality.
Hi! I’m Michael Vollbrecht. I live in Lawrence, Kansas with my family that includes our eight-year old Siberian husky mix named Karma (that’s her, below!)
As a spiritual director in the Kansas City metro area, my practice also extends online wherever you live.In 2023, I completed a three-year program in the art of spiritual direction through the Sophia Center, a contemplative Benedictine retreat center located in Atchison, Kansas.
I am an ordained clergyperson in the United Church of Christ and I have worked inside of congregations since 2017. I’m the associate minister at Colonial Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, and I also serve on the national staff of our denomination.My spirituality isn’t limited to progressive Christianity. I am a meditator influenced by Buddhist practice and teachers like Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Gil Fronsdal. I am a student of the Enneagram, as well as the writings of Helen Shucman and Bill Thetford, in A Course in Miracles.
I have a Master of Divinity degree and a certificate in Social Justice Education from Auburn Seminary in New York City. I am a member of Spiritual Directors International.
Earlier in my life, I earned a business degree and worked in several fields including financial services, higher education, and information technology. In high school, I scooped ice cream (I’m Team Mint Chocolate Chip) and made sandwiches at an eatery in Seattle, where I grew up.
I volunteer with several organizations that are important to me, including PFLAG and the Q Christian Fellowship. At Q, I have facilitated workshops for queer divinity students and clergy, LGBTQ+ Spiritual Practices, a Coming Out Support Group, and more.
Outside of Boundless Heart, I like to read, travel, and take Karma for lots of walks. I love playing video games, reading all kinds of books, and visiting this art museum as often as I can.
You can also connect with me at www.michaelvollbrecht.net (check out my playlist!) or view my profile on Psychology Today.
My Approach
Although my training has placed me in the world of progressive Christianity, I believe our “Something Bigger” isn’t found only in a church. Contemplative practices belong to everybody, and as a practicing meditator influenced by Buddhist traditions, I embrace spirituality of all kinds. We have so much we can learn from one another.I have worked with people of faith and of no faith at all, seekers, people struggling to understand their spiritual or religious background, and those hoping to grow in their relationship to what is most important to them. Atheist or agnostic? Yep, you too.
Embracing diversity in all its forms is at the core of who I am. I know that some people have experienced harm within faith communities or church circles, and I am dedicated to fostering environments of safety and acceptance within these communities. At Boundless Heart, you are not just accepted, but celebrated for everything that makes you, you.
About the Practice
With our busy lives, finding time for self-reflection and connection can be a challenge. Yet, research consistently highlights the transformative power of cultivating an open heart and mind. Boundless Heart explores a way of living that leads to greater authenticity, expansion, awareness, and self-growth.I believe that it is our felt connection to the deepest parts of ourselves that can lead us to greater wholeness and peace. Whatever your name for “something bigger” in your life – God, Self, the Universe, Friend, Higher Power – discovering or re-discovering this connection can unleash boundless creativity, generosity, freedom, and joy in your life.For over a decade, I’ve accompanied individuals through life’s greatest and most challenging moments. It has been my privilege to work with spiritual seekers, students, families, retreat groups, those in transition, active and retired clergy, and people of all ages and experiences.If spiritual direction sounds like a practice you’d like to experience, contact me.I look forward to connecting with you!
Disclosures & Information
Prior to your first session please complete the online information form below so that I can learn more about you and your interest in spiritual direction. I also invite you to review the guidelines for ethical conduct that I follow as a trained spiritual director, and the webpage, “Seeking Connection,” to learn more about how Spiritual Direction may be right for you at this point in your life.My Definition of Spiritual DirectionSpiritual Direction offers us an experience of not only being listened to but of being seen and heard. It offers an opportunity to discover what is sacred and meaningful in our lives. It connects us to what is wider and deeper than ourselves.A typical spiritual direction session may include moments of silence, readings, prayer or meditation, dreamwork, and conversation. I tend to go where you’d like to go – and often, we don’t have a set agenda. We listen together for where we’re being led, and we head that way. This is your time.CredentialsCertificate in Spiritual Direction, Sophia Center
M.Div., Theology & Community Advocacy, Central Seminary
Ordination, United Church of ChristPlease note that although there are currently no state or federal licensure requirements for the practice of Spiritual Direction, I take seriously my commitment to continuing education and ethics. I stay current in the field of spiritual direction and companionship, and I am a member of Spiritual Directors International, the leading educational outreach and advocacy organization for spiritual directors.Our RelationshipYou have chosen to meet with me, your Spiritual Director, to explore and deepen your spiritual life. While I believe it’s appropriate to address psychological and relational challenges within the context of spiritual direction, it’s important to note that I am not a psychotherapist and do not provide such services.There may be instances when, together, we discern that counseling could be more beneficial than spiritual direction alone. I might also recommend counseling in conjunction with spiritual direction. Indeed, at times, issues may surface during our sessions that require further exploration, healing, and the expertise of professional therapy provided by a qualified therapist.Time of Sessions & ChangesWe will commit to begin and end our sessions on time. If you need to change or cancel your session please contact me at least 24 hours in advance. You will be charged for half of the session that is missed or cancelled without 24 hour notice (unless due to sickness or emergency). You may schedule an appointment by contacting me via email or phone.FeesPayments are expected at each session and can be made online or by check, payable to Boundless Heart, LLC. Special rates are available for active or retired veterans, educators, and clergy. Many of my clients benefit from a sliding scale, and we can work together to determine a rate that is mutually beneficial and equitable for all of us. It is important to me that a fee is not a barrier to spiritual direction. We take time to discuss payment during our introductory conversation prior to the first session.PrivacyYou have the right to expect confidentiality for the information shared between us.As part of my professional practice, there may be instances when I consult with my supervisor regarding our work together. This consultation is solely intended to gain additional perspective, allowing me to be fully present, attentive, and effective in guiding you on your journey. Rest assured, your identity will always be treated with the utmost confidentiality.However, there are rare situations where I may be permitted or required by law to disclose information without your consent. This includes instances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person, or if there is reasonable suspicion of child harm due to physical, mental, emotional abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse. While such situations are uncommon in the context of Spiritual Direction, if they do arise, I am committed to discussing them with you before taking any necessary action.TerminationThe format of Spiritual Direction may not be for everyone. All of us need different things, or we may find that we work better with someone with different talents. Know that you may discontinue Spiritual Direction at any time, with or without a reason. I do ask that you give at least one month advance notice if you decide to discontinue our meeting together. This allows our final session to be one of reflecting on where you started, where you are now, and to head toward something new with my blessing and support.
Please click here to complete the information form. I will be in touch with you soon to schedule our first appointment. Thank you!
Have a Question or ready to get started?Let Me Know.