Compassion-Based Spiritual Direction (CBSD) Training
An immersive 9-month program in IFS Informed spiritual companioning.
Integrating Compassion Practices, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Contemplative Spiritual Direction

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:
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Deepen your ability to guide others with compassion.
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Learn practical spiritual companioning techniques.
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Gain IFS-informed spiritual direction skills.
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Earn certification in Compassion-Based Spiritual Direction.

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
Click HERE for ContentsProgram 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)
Module 1: The Heartbeat of Compassion Based Spiritual Direction
Module 2: An IFS Psycho-Spiritual Map of the Soul
Module 3: The Compassion-Based Process of Spiritual Restoration
Module 4: Facilitating Compassion Based Spiritual Direction
Module 5: Deepening Our Capacities for CBSD
Module 6: Cultivating the Spiritual Director’s Self-Presence
Module 7: A CBSD Approach to Supervision
Module 8: A CBSD Approach to Boundary Issues in Spiritual Direction
Module 9: Synthesis and Celebration
Meet the Faculty

Frank Rogers
Andrew (Andy) Dreitcer
Aizaiah Yong
Alane Daugherty
Karri Backer
Nancy Linton
Leslie Adams
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

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
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Complete the Online Application by Friday August 15th, 2025
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Receive Confirmation & Next Steps
APPLY NOW
Join Us & Begin Your CBSD Journey
Contact Us
You can email us at [email protected] or simply fill out the form below—we’d love to hear from you.