SSW students encounter much this summer. They learn about the psyche, and are immersed in a deep empathy with the suffering of others. They are asked by others and they ask themselves to question so many places within. Students are challenged on all levels to stretch and grow.
A tool that can help is Spiritual Direction. Spiritual Direction is space set aside to look at the spiritual/soul issues that can arise during the intense summer learning period. The use of contemplation, deep listening, and compassionate speaking help to clarify the path that one has chosen to walk.
Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser is the spiritual consultant to the Smith School for Social work. She has a D.Min in Spiritual Direction and is trained as an interfaith spiritual director. To schedule a time to chat contact her at rshapirorieser@smith.edu.