These roles can sometimes overlap, but they serve different purposes:
Spiritual Director – A companion who helps you notice and respond to the movement of God in your life. The focus is on deepening your spiritual journey, not problem-solving or clinical care.
Therapist/Counselor – A licensed professional who supports mental, emotional, and behavioral health. The focus is on healing, growth, and coping strategies for life’s challenges.
Chaplain – A trained caregiver who offers spiritual and emotional support in specific settings such as hospitals, the military, schools, workplaces, home health agencies, residential retirement communities, etc. The focus is on presence, comfort, and guidance in times of need, crisis or life transition.