Ethics, Scope & Boundaries

This work is grounded in attentiveness, respect, and the autonomy of each person. It is offered as a form of reflective accompaniment rather than instruction, advice, or intervention.

Nature of the Work

Soul accompaniment (sometimes referred to as spiritual direction or spiritual accompaniment) is a non-directive, non-clinical practice. Sessions may include conversation, silence, ritual and prayer. We may explore a gentle engagement with dreams, imagination, memory, and embodied experience as these arise within the scope of soul accompaniment. The emphasis is on being with what is present, rather than analyzing, diagnosing, or treating. This work does not provide psychotherapy, counselling, medical care, or crisis support, and does not involve diagnosis, treatment, or professional advice. This work does not provide legal or financial advice or direction of life decisions. You participate in this work taking full responsibility for your own interpretations and decisions.

Participation and Consent

Participation is voluntary and collaborative. You are free to pause, redirect, or end a session—or the working relationship—at any time. Consent is ongoing and may be withdrawn without explanation. Responsibility for personal decisions, actions, and outcomes remains with you.

Scope and Limitations

This work may sit alongside other forms of support but does not replace them. If you are experiencing acute distress, or navigating significant mental health concerns, it is important to seek support from a qualified healthcare provider. Where appropriate, referral to other forms of support may be suggested.

Professional Practice

This practice is offered within the limits of my training, experience, and scope of practice, and is undertaken with regular professional supervision.

I operate in alignment with the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct of Spiritual Directors International (SDI).

The practice operates in alignment with the Australian National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers. Tasmania (where I am located) is currently undergoing consultation regarding implementation of the Code. The national framework, as implemented in Queensland, may be viewed here. The National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers (Queensland) | Queensland Health

Professional indemnity insurance is maintained appropriate to the scope of this work.

Spiritual direction / spiritual accompaniment is not a government-regulated profession in Australia or most other countries, and practitioners may hold a wide variety of backgrounds, training pathways, certifications, and experience. In light of this, I aim to practice transparently regarding my own qualifications, formation, supervision, ethical commitments, and scope of practice.

My qualifications, training, and formation relevant to this practice include:

Qualifications & Professional Training

  • Bachelor of Arts with an Extended Major in Philosophy — The University of Queensland

  • Master of Arts in Theology — Australian Catholic University

  • Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) — Australian Catholic University

  • Certificate in Jungian & Post-Jungian Clinical Studies — Centre for Applied Jungian Studies

  • Embodied Imagination® Practitioner Training (2025–2028, ongoing) — International Society for Embodied Imagination / Robert Bosnak

  • Mental Health First Aid Australia — training scheduled June 2026

  • Ongoing trauma-informed training and professional development through Blue Knot Foundation

    Formation, Experience & Ongoing Practice

  • Five years of formation within an Eastern Orthodox monastery: three novitiate & the final two years as a tonsured Rassaphore Monk.

  • Professional experience in senior education

  • Five years one-to-one disability support and accompaniment

  • Ongoing independent study and research in spirituality, phenomenology, archetypal psychology, trauma awareness, dreams, imagination, and contemplative traditions

  • I undertake regular personal spiritual accompaniment/spiritual direction for myself as well as separate and additional regular professional supervision in relation to this soul accompaniment practice.

  • My ongoing 3-year training in the method of Embodied Imagination as it relates to dreamwork takes place with regular training-specific professional supervision by certified ISEI practitioners. As I adapt aspects of this training to the scope of Soul Accompaniment (e.g. accompanying dreams in spiritual life), this work is supervised within that narrower scope and capacity by my regular professional Spiritual Accompaniment supervision.

Professional Memberships & Affiliations

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Confidentiality

What is shared within sessions is treated respectfully and confidentially within the ordinary limits of professional spiritual care practice.

There are, however, some circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be limited or disclosure may be required. These may include:

  • where there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or another person

  • where disclosure is required or authorised by Australian law

  • where there are concerns relating to abuse, neglect, or the safety of a child or vulnerable person

  • where records are subpoenaed or otherwise lawfully requested by a court or relevant authority

  • where consultation with a professional supervisor is undertaken as part of ethical and accountable practice (with care taken to protect personal privacy wherever possible)

As this practice is conducted online, reasonable steps are taken to maintain privacy and secure communication, though no digital platform can guarantee absolute security.

Clients are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns regarding confidentiality, privacy, or record-keeping at any time.

Online Sessions (Zoom)

Sessions are conducted online using platforms such as Zoom. While reasonable steps are taken to support privacy and confidentiality, electronic communication carries inherent risks, including potential limitations in data security and privacy. By participating in online sessions, you acknowledge and accept these limitations.

Privacy and Records

Brief records may be kept for professional, ethical, and administrative purposes. These are stored securely and handled with care. Personal information is not shared without consent, except where required by law.

Feedback and Complaints

If you have any concerns or feedback, you are encouraged to raise them directly with me. If a matter cannot be resolved, or you prefer to contact an independent body, you may contact Health Complaints Commissioner Tasmania.

Jurisdiction

This practice is offered from Australia and operates within Australian professional and ethical frameworks.

Sessions are offered online within jurisdictions compatible with my professional insurance arrangements and scope of practice.

At present, I do not offer ongoing paid one-to-one spiritual accompaniment services to individuals located in the United States or Canada.