Premium Distance Learning with Residential Institutes
Interfaith/Interspiritual Spiritual Guidance Training & Certificate Program
October 2023 - January 2025
A 16-month, hybrid (online) learning program
Cohort 7 will be taught by Dr. Jeanette Banashak and Dr. Tejai Beulah Howard
A 16-month, hybrid (online) learning program
Cohort 7 will be taught by Dr. Jeanette Banashak and Dr. Tejai Beulah Howard
Our Leading Edge Training Model
Our certification program for interfaith/interspiritual guidance will teach you the art and practice of spiritual guidance/direction and prepare you to establish a private, client-based practice or work/serve within an organization of your choosing.
Our andragogy (adult learning model) focuses on the inner development of the spiritual seeker and guide, compassionate sacred activism, familiarization with the world's religions and prominent spiritual movements; and the many ways spirituality is being experienced today, including "spiritual but not religious." This approach helps us deepen our knowledge of how seekers experience the Sacred in their own unique ways. Over time, this leads to an unfolding awareness that beneath each tradition runs a river of ultimate truth shared by many. Our 16-month journey takes us from interfaith to interspiritual, deepening our personal understanding of how the divine reveals itself in each person's life, across time and traditions. By mastering the art of deep listening we can be available to all individuals, thereby expanding the role of the spiritual guide to be a compassionate leader in the world.
If you are already a trained spiritual director, we have another program that is better suited to your needs. Read more here. |
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"SGTI has not only opened me up to the beauty and diversity of the spiritual traditions and practices our world holds, but it has offered me a deeper understanding of myself and my own spiritual life and by extension the potential I hold to compassionately serve others on their spiritual journey."
K. G., Energy Worker, Michigan
Program Structure

Our curriculum begins with a hybrid residential institute, online OR in Racine, WI (your choice), October 18-22 ideal for international students. Led by Dr. Jeanette Banashak and Dr. Tejai Beulah Howard. we launch our discussions on interfaith and interspiritual guidance and are introduced to our model of compassionate sacred activism and non-judgmental, compassionate listening. We participate in contemplative practices from various traditions to deepen our self-awareness.

We continue to learn and grow together in an online format (one learning module every two - four weeks) and by offering spiritual guidance to seekers in our own cities (or virtually) from January 2024 through January, 2025. We go deeper into our inner lives and learn with and from the voices in our texts, guest speakers, peer groups, and clients. Our instruction includes written, audio, video and "real time" interaction with one another. In an online format, we are able to focus on the practice of spiritual guidance, peer groups, and one-on-one supervision. Each participant receives mentoring one-hour per month (via Zoom) from a trained supervisor to ensure success in the program.

Short learning institutes of 1-2 days throughout the year (via Zoom) offer a continuation of our central themes and relevant topics. We continue to deepen our understanding and practice of spiritual guidance, embodiment of deep listening, Enneagram studies, and learning to offer group spiritual direction among other topics.

Our concluding module in January 2025 represents a celebration of our work and dedication to our practice. Graduation is held January 2025 online.
Course Requirements
To be certified as an Interfaith/Interspiritual Guide students must demonstrate completion
and mastery of:
and mastery of:
• 1 Hybrid Residential lnstitute in Racine, WI. (in person or via Zoom, your choice); and 2-3 virtual Institutes of 1-3 days each throughout the year. • 30 learning modules (1-2 per month) • 12 Peer group sessions via Zoom • 14 Group learning sessions via Zoom • 28 hrs. of in-person practice of spiritual guidance with your own seekers (directees) • 12 One-on-one mentoring sessions with a supervisor provided by SGTI • Maintain a regular contemplative practice and receive spiritual direction/guidance monthly • Reading, papers and projects as assigned (8-10 hrs. of study per week) |
Areas of Study and Mastery
Each module includes elements of compassionate sacred activism and sacred listening.

SGTI students are trained in our unique protocol for sacred listening, "Pure Presence®." Developed by Dr. Janice L. Lundy, this curriculum benefits spiritual care professionals who desire to provide unconditional, non-judgmental, compassionate listening and presence to individuals from all walks of life and every spiritual persuasion. Students use the Pure Presence Workbook and Journal throughout their studies. Learn more about this aspect of our curriculum here.
Tuition and Fees
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Earn an Advanced Degree |

Earn your Certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Guidance from SGTI and go on to earn an advanced degree through our PRIME partner, The Graduate Theological Foundation. Our graduates receive full credit toward their Master of Pastoral Counseling degree and the Doctor of Ministry degree, each with a specialty in Interfaith/Interspiritual Guidance. The Graduate Theological Foundation, an ecumenical, inter-religious institution, is celebrating its 5th decade providing advanced educational opportunities to practicing ministry professionals, including flexible and convenient online, on-site and distance learning opportunities.
Learn more.
Note: You may study concurrently with SGTI and GTF. You do not have to have completed your SGTI studies to enroll in an advanced degree program with GTF .
Learn more.
Note: You may study concurrently with SGTI and GTF. You do not have to have completed your SGTI studies to enroll in an advanced degree program with GTF .