The Healing Collective

Center for Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Director Certification Program

There exist so few spaces wherein people can bring their soul into speech and know it’s safe to do so. When people speak about things of faith and spirituality, the safe spaces are even fewer. Spiritual direction provides one such space, holding doors wide open for one to name and question and wonder and reject and embrace everything. Spiritual direction is an ancient practice of joining others in their exploration of the Divine in their lives and in the world. This practice leads to an increased awareness of God’s presence and of self-understanding, an expanding sense of self and of the Divine.

Mallory Wyckoff (DMin, MTS, MA) has nearly a decade of experience serving as a spiritual director in private practice. After five years of training folks to become certified directors through a Nashville-based institute, she has launched The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation in order to equip, form, and inspire new directors to participate in the healing of all things through spiritual direction.

The Center prioritizes spiritual care that is generous, expansive, and trauma-informed.

  • We do not approach this work as experts in others’ lives. We come humbly as companions in the spiritual journey, committed to our own formation as much as that of others. We seek to journey with one another in a continual process of learning and unlearning, neither inflating nor devaluing our calling to hold space for others.

  • Rooted in the Christian tradition and drawn to the life and teachings of Jesus, we draw deeply from this well and the story it tells about the world. At the same time, we recognize that no faith or tradition owns a monopoly on truth. We remain open to wherever and however Spirit is at work—in ourselves and in those we companion—as we explore the Mystery of God and of the human spirit.

  • Much of the human experience is oriented around and shaped by trauma, in various forms and to varying degrees. We seek to take seriously the ways these traumas shape how folks interact with God, themselves, and the world, offering thoughtful and informed care that nurtures healing rather than perpetuating wounds.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

This cohort-based program offers two options for folks depending on their intentions and aims for the training:

Year One

Year One has two emphases: 1) exposing students to the history, practice, and sensibilities of spiritual direction, and 2) deepening students’ spiritual formation. These two foci are interconnected both in principle and in practice, each endeavor informing the other. Students will learn the basic functions and mechanics of facilitating individual and group spiritual direction sessions, while also engaging formative practices that orient them towards their inner worlds. As students become more attuned to the ways God is moving within them, they are better able to companion others in their journeys. Completion of Year One earns a certificate in spiritual formation. 

Year Two

Year Two is designed for folks who have completed Year One and intend to facilitate formal spiritual direction sessions. The training provides a deeper exploration of the practice of spiritual direction where students can hone and refine their skills, while also exploring its theological underpinnings. Students will continue to engage various spiritual disciplines for their own formation while strengthening their understanding and practice of spiritual direction to ensure competency. Completion of Year Two earns a certificate in spiritual direction. Year Two is required for anyone seeking formal certification as a spiritual director.

Current Offerings:

2025/2026 Year One Cohort | Nashville, TN

  • August 22-23

  • October 10-11

  • January 16-17 (virtual)

  • February 20-21

  • April 17-18

A small group cohort (6-12 people) will gather together for 4 weekends in Nashville and one weekend online. Students must be present for all five modules, and will complete assignments between modules. These assignments include:

  • Reading books/articles and preparing to discuss them

  • Monthly sessions with a spiritual director (minimum of 8)

  • Offering spiritual direction to 2 directees (10 total session, 5 each) and submitting recordings/verbatims for supervision

  • Engaging assigned and selected spiritual disciplines

  • Submitting a monthly report of reflections

The Year One program costs $3000, which includes meals (breakfast and lunch) during the weekend modules. Once a student’s application has been accepted, a $300 deposit is required to confirm their spot in the program. The remainder can be paid at the same time or in 9 monthly installments of $300, August-April.

FAQs

  • Registration opened March 1, and will close August 1. All applications must be submitted within this window. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the cohort will not exceed 12 persons.

  • All applicants will complete the above form submission providing information about their interest in and aims for the program. Mallory will follow up with each applicant for a 30-minute phone call to answer questions and help determine fitness for the program, then provide final confirmation of acceptance. At that time, the deposit is due to confirm one’s spot in the cohort.

  • We will begin each day at 8:00 a.m. and conclude by no later than 4:30 p.m.

  • Spero Dei—a church in Nashville, TN—will host this Year One training. The church is located in the Sylvan Park neighborhood of Nashville, and is a 25-minute drive to the Nashville airport.

  • Students will be responsible for their travel arrangements to/from and accommodations in Nashville, as well as purchasing the assigned books (approximately 10). Once the cohort has been finalized, Mallory will share students’ contact information should they like to book shared accommodations and/or coordinate rides to reduce expenses.

  • Students must be present for all five weekends. Should an emergency situation arise, students can seek approval to attend via Zoom for one module.

  • This depends on the student’s aims. If students seek certification as a spiritual director, they must complete Year Two per accepted standards for the field. If students seek to learn the mechanics and sensibilities of spiritual direction in order for it to inform their approach to ministry/life/faith but do not intend to facilitate spiritual direction sessions with individuals/groups, Year One is sufficient. Students do not need to determine whether they will pursue Year Two until they have completed Year One.

Here’s what some prior students have said about their experience:

  • "Mallory embodies all the traits of a good instructor. She brings her full and vivacious presence to each cohort meeting, and she has a preternatural giftedness at bridging the gap between the students and the curriculum. As a career educator, I found her acuity in the classroom inspiring. Mallory’s ability to listen and hold space for others amazes me. She offers spiritual direction with kindness and focused attention. When she offered spiritual direction to me, she brought her full attention to what I shared and I felt completely heard and seen."

    Jan H.

  • "As a spiritual direction training facilitator, Mallory is one of the best. Her years of experience in spiritual direction combined with her gifts for teaching and her attentiveness to the movement of the Holy Spirit made my training not only informative but also deeply transformative. After finishing spiritual direction training with Mallory, I felt fully equipped to direct others. More than that, however, I grew deeper in my relationship with God, in knowledge of myself, and in compassion for others. I would highly recommend Mallory for anyone who is interested in becoming a spiritual director."

    Becky F.

  • "Mallory’s spiritual direction training was a crucial experience for my development as a human and as a pastor. Mallory was kind, hospitable, and wise. I loved having a safe and guided atmosphere to experiment with new spiritual practices. I went from feeling very insecure about how to lead a spiritual direction session to feeling fully confident and equipped. I am thrilled to have spiritual direction as a ‘tool’ in my toolbox as I continue my vocation in ministry.”

    Molly C.

  • "Mallory combines the intellectual rigor of a wise theologian with the patient ear of a seasoned listener to foster a transformative program in spiritual direction. She is a gifted guide for novice or seasoned directors who are seeking to develop their skills. During my time in the training cohort that she facilitated, I felt both challenged and equipped to grow in the spiritual direction that I give. Each session invited the cohort into practices rooted in silence and discernment, necessary ways of life for any director. I highly recommend Mallory as a mentor if you are searching to mature in your ability as a director."

    Sam G.

  • "As my facilitator in the spiritual direction cohort, Mallory consistently created an atmosphere of peace that was conducive to listening and learning. She helped us practice the art of spiritual direction while offering sage insight and allowing for our own curiosities to surface. I felt so seen and known in Mallory’s cohort. I’m so grateful for the encouragement to lean into my spiritual gifts during this program!"

    Renna C.

  • "Mallory is a humble and inspiring instructor—giving each individual her undivided presence, an attentive ear, a posture of receptivity, and wisdom. Under her instruction, I was repeatedly exposed to her natural attentiveness which honored everyone in their own walk of faith. Because of her spaciousness with others, I am now learning to respond with a greater capacity of love and discernment with others."

    Cheryl B.

  • "Being guided by Mallory through spiritual direction training was one of the biggest blessings I've encountered in my life. Mallory leads her students while journeying alongside them. She is a true teacher and companion, leading gentlly and provacatively. Thinking back on spent time with Mallory during training weekends, I remember how I laughed, cried, thought deeply, felt challenged in the most encouraging ways, and was invited into a depth within myself and with God. Mallory demonstrates what it is to be a midwife of the soul, and I'd highly recommend learning this art form from and alongside her."

    Callie B.

  • "Learning how to be a spiritual director under the tutelage of Mallory was truly a gift. Each time she entered into the instructional space of our class, she did so with a tender grace that was comforting, with a generous acceptance of our individuality, and with a vast knowledge on what it means to be a companion to others in the spiritual direction relationship. I was extremely grateful to have learned from Mallory. "

    Trishia W.

  • "Mallory has a blend of skills of leadership, creativity, and hospitality by which she created a productive and relaxed space for God’s Spirit to move in each of our hearts. In our times together, she taught us knowledge and needed skills by explanation as well as role-modeling. I found the year to be rich in training but also rich in space where I grew in understanding God’s deep love for me. Whether one is certain he/she wants to formally offer spiritual direction or not, time under Mallory’s leadership will be a rewarding and enriching experience."

    Ginger G.

  • "Mallory is a midwife, facilitator, director, and teacher as you step out on the path of companioning others through spiritual direction. She is an intuitive, experienced, and well-versed guide at the doorway to this adventure with God. She has a gift of listening—listening both in the silence and in words people share as she enters into their stories."

    Diedre K.

  • "Mallory's gentle spirit, wisdom, and expertise created a wonderful atmosphere to learn and grow. I love how she provided a safe space to develop my skills in accompanying others while also giving attention to my journey. Under her instruction, I developed confidence in offering spiritual direction and experienced personal healing. I highly recommend Mallory to anyone wanting to learn how to hold safe spaces, as well as anyone looking for a safe space themself."

    Zach B.

  • "Mallory was a close guide for me during one of the most spiritually rich years of my life, as she shared her own experiences and mentored me and my fellow cohort members in the art of spiritual direction. She offered guidance and gentle instruction as she created room for us to explore and grow into our own style of holy listening. I would encourage anyone who had the opportunity to place themselves under her direction and instruction."

    Courtney S.

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