Spiritual Direction Conference Schedule 2027

Voices, Visions and Dreams: Listening, Meaning-Making and Responding in Spiritual Accompaniment

Monday 17th May 2027
12.30 – Arrivals
13.00 – Lunch
14.00 – Welcome & Prayer
14.20 – Introduction
14.30 – Session 1 Rev Prof Chris Cook Voices 1: Hearing voices
The session will include a short account of the phenomenology and theological/psychiatric significance of voice hearing and its relationship to spiritual/religious/mystical experiences. This will lead on to a consideration of processes of discernment of the meaning of voices. Clinical and historical examples will be used to explore the theme.
16.00 – Break
16.30 – Session 2 Rev Prof Chris Cook Voices 2: Voices case studies
The session will draw on 2 or 3 case studies provided by the tutor and organiser, as well as cases brought by participants from their own experience and practice. There will be opportunity for discussion in small groups and in plenary.
17.30 – Break
18.30 – Supper
19.30 – Session 3 – Spiritual Direction Shared Experiences
20.30 – Evening Prayer
21.00 – Social Time

Tuesday 18th May 2027
08.00 – Breakfast
09.30 – Morning Prayer
09.45 – Session 4  Working with Dreams in Spiritual Direction 1: Lisa Cornwell
11.00 – Break
11.30 – Session 5 Working with Dreams in Spiritual Direction 2: Lisa Cornwell
13.00 – Lunch
14.00 – Session 6: Boundaries and referrals Prof Chris Cook
The interface between mental health and spiritual direction will be explored. Firstly, the need for spiritual direction for those with mental illness will be considered. Secondly, the professional boundaries of spiritual direction will be examined, with indications for when referrals to mental health professionals are appropriate.
15.30 – Break
16.00 – Extended Break with time for friends and networking
18.30 – Supper
19.30 – Session 7: Reflective activity – Dreaming your dreams, attending to your call Bruce Stanley
20.30 – Evening Prayer
21.00 – Social Time

Wednesday 19th May 2027
08.00 – Breakfast
09.30 – Morning Prayer
09.45 – Session 8: Mystics, visions and dreams. Dr Michael Hahn
11.00 – Break
11.30 – Session 9: Bruce Stanley: Dreaming Dreams, Bruce Stanley
12.30 – Reflections and Closing Prayer
13.00 – Lunch
14.00 – Departures