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 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 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 reject the colonizing impulses of coercion and dominance that see the other as an object to control, subdue, convert. 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. We name the harm and injustice caused by particular expressions of this tradition, and we amplify every expression that nurtures flourishing. 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—at both individual and systemic/collective levels. 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

  • 2026/2027 Year One Cohort | Nashville, TN

    • August 21-22

    • November 6-7

    • January 15-16 (virtual)

    • February 26-27

    • April 23-24

  • 2026/2027 Year Two Cohort | Nashville, TN

    • November 8-9

    • January 17-18 (virtual)

    • February 28-March 1

    • April 25-26

YEAR ONE

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, September-May.

Apply for Year One

YEAR TWO

A small group cohort (6-12 people) will gather together for 3 weekends in Nashville and one weekend online. Students must be present for all five modules, and will complete assignments between modules. While most Year Two students will have completed Year One of The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation’s program, it is also open to students who have completed a portion of another certification program. In this scenario, applicants will need to discuss their prior training with Mallory to ensure appropriate overlap and resonance.

The Year Two program costs $3000, which includes meals (Sunday dinner and Monday breakfast/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, September-May.

Apply for Year Two

FAQs

  • Registration for the 2026/2027 cohorts will officially open March 1, 2026. However, prospective students are welcome to submit an application or inquiry before this date.

  • All applicants will complete the requisition 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.

    For those applying for Year Two who have completed the first year of another training program, applicants will need to discuss their prior training with Mallory to ensure appropriate overlap and resonance.

  • For Year One:

    • We will begin each day (Fri/Sat) at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m.

    For Year Two:

    • We will begin on Sunday at 5 p.m. and conclude by 9 p.m. Mondays will run 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Spero Dei—a church in Nashville, TN—will host both Year One and Year Two trainings. 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.

  • While most Year Two students will have completed Year One of The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation’s program, it is also open to students who have completed a portion of another certification program. In this scenario, applicants will need to discuss their prior training with Mallory to ensure appropriate overlap and resonance.

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.

  • "For years, I had been contemplating becoming a spiritual director, but never found a program that spoke to me—until I came across this one. This experience has been nothing short of amazing. I've learned so much from Mallory, the readings, and the other members of my cohort. I have a deeper understanding of my pastoral call and clarity around how I am being led in this season. Mallory models how to best show up as a director: she is kind, empathetic, listens attentively, and offers perspective without judgment or direction. She offers radical hospitality, and her work exudes an ethic of care. However you spend your days, the skills you will develop in this formation will have a significant impact on how you show up. As a university professor, learning the art of holy listening has shaped how I interact with my students. I ask better questions, and I listen more keenly. This has truly been a formational experience, and I feel well-prepared to walk alongside those who may seek me out to serve as their spiritual director."

    Angela L.

  • “Mallory is fully formed by the art of spiritual direction. She exudes a grounded and thoughtful presence. It is evident that she has cleared away the clutter and invisibly works to keep herself present and non-judgmental in spaces. She lives invitation while also modeling boundaries. She is masterful at giving gentle and yet clear feedback—even in disastrous scenarios. The program is helping me become a more thoughtful communicator and giving me tools and gentle reminders that linger from books and intensives, allowing me to better come alongside my hospice patients as well as my family and friends. In a season when I am estranged from the institutional church, it has provided a gentle framework to assist me in soul care. I would only recommend this program to people who are serious about their own ongoing work of excavating self-awareness. This is not just a good program to get a certification in a thing— this is an important opportunity to be shaped as a human being who can give the gift of themselves as host to others.”

    Sher S.

  • “I chose this program because I wanted to learn how to be a spiritual director from the perspective of an inclusive and expansive God. Everything about the program has helped me learn about spiritual direction as a practice of walking alongside someone, not dictating who they should become. That’s what I’ve appreciated most. It hasn’t been about getting someone to a place but learning to meet someone where they’re at and see where God is already present there. It has been deeply fulfilling and life-giving on a personal level, and provided me with practical skills that I can apply to my ministry. The weekends have felt like part retreat, part formation time, part family reunion (in a good way). The small cohort size has meant we get to know each other as people and build trust so that we can ask tough questions and feel more comfortable practicing being spiritual directors. And, it’s meant we get to know our amazing instructor, Mallory, as a fellow spiritual director and not an untouchable guru. Even if someone isn’t sure if they want to do specifically one-on-one spiritual direction, the program is a fantastic way to build one’s abilities to listen, ask meaningful questions, and support people in any ministry context. I would 100% recommend this program.”List Item

    Justin T.

  • “Mallory’s approach is kind and generous. When giving feedback, she offers validation, affirmation, and gentle instruction. As a participant in this program and with Mallory as facilitator, I have been introduced to spiritual practices that have created an internal shift, expanding the way I experience the Divine. The training has taught me to listen differently and ask better questions. Whether I am in a session with a directee, getting coffee with a friend, facilitating a book group, or sitting at the dinner table with my husband at the end of the day, the way I show up is being reshaped for the benefit of both myself and the folks I do life with.”

    Deb M.

  • “When so many feel unmoored, disoriented, and disenchanted, the world needs spiritual directors--those who can come alongside, help sort through what's stirring, and create space for healing. Mallory is nurturing these kinds of directors. Her spiritual direction certification program has unlocked something within me, honoring and expanding my sense of vocation. Through her lived experience, compassionate and compelling teaching, and assigned readings from diverse disciplines, I have sharpened my ability to listen and deepened my sense of the Spirit. I leave each module feeling settled, equipped, and renewed, and I am more convinced than ever that spiritual directors trained in this program will provide the reconnection, companionship, and healing that the world so desperately needs.”

    Brent L.

  • "When I was considering the possibility of pursuing certification in spiritual direction, I researched several programs. Finding The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation, and specifically Mallory Wyckoff, helped me to confirm that spiritual direction and this program was the right path for me. I have loved the study and actively relational approach of this good work. Mallory's thoughtful, encouraging way of engaging teaching and direction has been a gift to our cohort and to me personally. During individual evaluations, I find Mallory's reflections insightful and meaningful. The weekends I spend with the people in my cohort have been life-giving as we companion each other in practices that are formative for spiritual direction.The reading, direction, and practice I do in between sessions is invigorating and challenging, but absolutely manageable. I would highly recommend Mallory and The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation to anyone who longs to join others in their exploration of the Divine in their lives."

    Terri B.

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