A: ‘Counselling’ and ‘therapy’ are types of applied psychology, whereas ‘spiritual counselling’ can be considered a form of pastoral support, such as might be offered under the banner of religious or spiritual care. Whilst spiritual counselling is not the same as psychological counselling or therapy, spiritual counselling can be informed by these therapeutic approaches. However, please note that it is not a replacement or substitute for traditional psychotherapy. This will also be made clear before starting spiritual counselling work.

A: Spiritual counsellors with specific training may be qualified and accredited to meet clients’ needs in this area. Anton Jarrod does not currently provide psychological counselling or psychotherapy. You may rest assured that if anything arises before, during or after a session that suggests further and specialised support is needed, suitable signposting and guidance about where to get that support can be offered. That being said, spiritual counselling is a beautiful, positive and enriching source of support. It is the perfect, safe setting in which to explore areas of difficulty that arise during a session. Simply get in touch to discuss any questions or concerns prior to booking.

A: Not at all. Spiritual counselling focuses on the present moment and what is arising for the client, irrespective of anyone’s beliefs or background. Many clients feel drawn to speak about their religious or spiritual beliefs or feelings where these play a part in what arises during their session, whilst for others these play less of a role. Spiritual counselling does not focus on the beliefs of either the client or the counsellor. At the same time, your spiritual or religious beliefs will be deeply respected, as further outlined and safeguarded in the code of ethics that applies to each session.

A: ‘Deep listening’ is a type of listening to a person that is active, attentive, non-judgemental and non-interrupting. ‘Depth’ is created through active facilitation and holding of the session, and through listening with a view of and respect for the whole person i.e. ‘a holistic approach’. Most importantly, depth is achieved by bringing into the session an awareness of the ‘sacred’ and that which is transpersonal, in whatever way we each understand this to be. It is not necessary to have a particular view of what the ‘sacred’ is to benefit from spiritual counselling.

A: Originally, the meaning of these words related only to the Latin ‘spiritus’, meaning breath, after the Greek word ‘pneuma’. It was a word used also in the Greek translations of Hebrew and Aramaic religious texts. For example, in the original texts of the Bible, ‘holy spirit’ or ‘holy ghost’ is the holy ‘pneuma’. Hence, the word ‘spiritual’ has been traditionally associated with religious ideas about ‘God’ or the ‘soul’.

Developments in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, particularly since the 1960s, have meant that the word ‘spiritual’ has taken on a much wider meaning and cultural currency that is no longer strictly related to Christianity, or even religious ideas (for example, the idea of ‘workplace spirituality’). This has made ‘spirituality’ both very difficult to define (some would say impossible) whilst also being easily and readily understandable to most people.

A: There are, of course, no ‘typical’ sessions since the present moment is always profoundly different. However, since it is Anton’s role as ‘counsellor’ to ‘create the space’ for the session, as well as facilitate and hold the session, Anton will first spend some time preparing the session and tuning in to what is present. This itself is an intuitive process. Whether the session will be in person, online or by voice only, Anton will then spend some time at the beginning to open or start the session. This too is a process guided as much by intuition as it is experience, with no set format. The session is dedicated to being there for you. Since it focuses on the now, the present moment, there is no script to follow, and no two sessions are necessarily similar. The session will be brought gently to completion just before the passing of an hour.

A: Once you have confirmed an appointment and paid for your booking, you will get a formal confirmation email. This email confirms all the details of the booking and any specific details relating to your session. It will also include a copy of the Spiritual Counselling Client Pack for your review.

A: Yes. The standard fee is currently £100.00 (approximately $130.00 USD, $180.00 AUD, €115.00). A range of local currencies is accepted. Options are available that can help make spiritual counselling affordable according to individual circumstances. Prior to booking a session, get in touch to explore what discounts or concessions might be available. Confirmation of fees and any other terms will be written into your ‘client agreement’ before proceeding, so you will always know what the fee is for each session.

A: Unfortunately not. Credit cannot be provided under any circumstances. All bookings must be paid at least 24 hours before the start of the session.

A: Unfortunately not. Discounts cannot be applied once a payment has been made. If you think you might be eligible for a discount or concession, simply get in touch before booking to get your discount code. Refunds and cancellations are available up to 24 hours before the start of the session, as per the refund policy.

A: Yes, payment can be made at any time. Simply get in touch to make an appointment and provide details of when you made a payment.

A: No. If you have scheduled an appointment that is within the next 24 hours but you have not yet made a payment, your appointment will be cancelled automatically. You will be notified by email that your appointment is cancelled, and you will be invited to make a new appointment. No charge is made for automatically cancelled appointments.

A: Aside from the information on this page, more information is available as follows: For the code of ethics that applies to each session, click here. For more information about the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, click here. For Anton’s registration details at OneSpirit, click here. For details about the complaints procedure, click here. For any other questions, use the contact form. Specific terms and policies apply to the Spiritual Counselling service, as outlined in the Spiritual Counselling Client Pack.