Compassion-Based Spiritual Direction (CBSD) Training

 

An immersive 9-month program in IFS Informed spiritual companioning.

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Integrating Compassion Practices, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Contemplative Spiritual Direction

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What is CBSD?

Compassion Based Spiritual Direction (CBSD) is an approach to companioning others that uniquely integrates compassion practices of spiritual restoration, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and contemplative approaches to spiritual direction.

CBSD offers a concrete process for soul care that invites those we companion into an ever greater freedom from the cacophony of emotions, impulses, and interior self-chatter that so often swirl within us; a deeper connection with their own spiritual essence that can tend to one’s interior life with healing and restorative care; and a more aligned connection with the Sacred Source of loving energy that sustains all things. 

 Key Benefits: 

  • Deepen your ability to guide others with compassion.

  • Learn practical spiritual companioning techniques.

  • Gain IFS-informed spiritual direction skills.

  • Earn certification in Compassion-Based Spiritual Direction. 

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 Is This Training Right For You?

 

Who is this program for?

 

This program is designed for spiritual directors, chaplains, pastoral counselors, faith leaders, life coaches, somatic practitioners and other soul-care workers who seek to deepen their practice.

Program Overview 

Duration: 9 months (September to May)

 

Month 1-3: Foundations of Engaged Compassion & IFS Framework

Month 4-6: Deepening Spiritual Companioning Skills

Month 7-9: Practicum & Integration

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 Program Format 

Live online sessions + practice groups 

 

Sessions: 9 full-day Saturdays training sessions / 9:00 AM - 5:00PM Pacific Standard Time

Supervised practice with IFS trained spiritual directors

Supervised group work between sessions

One-on-one mentorship & certification

Weekly practice exercises

Required readings & assignments

  What You'll Learn 

 Course Modules & Topics: (Click right arrow for details)

 

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Meet the Faculty

What you will receive from the successful completion of the training:

  • Intensive and practical training in the skills of CBSD—IFS Informed facilitation
  • The equivalent of an IFS Level 1 training program adapted for spiritual caregivers
  • Personalized attention from trained CBSD practitioners and supervisors
  • Certification by the Center for Engaged Compassion in CBSD
  • Your profile and contact information on the CEC website directory of certified CBSD directors
  • CEU’s for recognized spiritual caregiving associations
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Tuition & Application Process

 

 Tuition Includes

  • Live instruction, supervised group sessions, and one-on-one mentoring
  • Course materials (excluding textbooks)
  • Certification upon completion

 

Tuition | Payment Plans | Scholarship & Financial Aid

  

How To Apply

  • Complete the Online Application by Friday August 15th, 2025

  • Receive Confirmation & Next Steps 

 

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Join Us & Begin Your CBSD Journey

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Contact Us 

You can email us at [email protected] or simply fill out the form below—we’d love to hear from you.

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