BA (Hons) P.G.C.E PGCert
Spaces & Places
To Explore Your Spirituality
& Walk With God
Welcome
My name is Sam Whiley. I am a spiritual director, educator, and retreat facilitator rooted in the Christian tradition.
There are times in life when we begin to sense the need to slow down, listen more deeply, and pay attention to our inner life. Whether you find yourself in a season of change, a place of uncertainty, or quietly sensing there is more, there is space for you here.
I offer spiritual direction, retreats, debriefing, and contemplative gatherings for individuals, groups, leaders, and teams. Here, there is often opportunity to engage in soul-nourishing practices and meaningful conversation that deepens life with God. These are nurturing spaces to pause, listen, and reflect —to notice what's present interiorly and to gently attend to the outward journey as a loving response.
You are warmly invited to explore these offerings and what might feel most supportive in this season.
What People Are Saying
Spiritual Direction with Sam has been a wonderful sacred space to stop, explore and notice the mysterious movements of God in my life. She has given me the freedom to come exactly as I am, and I often come away from a session with greater clarity and peace.
Helen Hicks | Worship Pastor VUKI
I had never had a Spiritual Director and, to be honest, wasn’t quite sure what it was, but I knew, as a leader, I needed something more to live well. Then I met Sam. She explained the role of spiritual direction and has accompanied me on this incredible journey, focusing on how I am experiencing God in MY life.
Lynne Archer | Church Planter & Leader
I was in a spiritual wilderness once again due to big questions of faith and belief. I had consistently struggled to stay in community. This had become a pattern that recurred many times over the last 6 or 7 years. After listening to what I was experiencing, Sam suggested that spiritual accompaniment might be helpful. Within the first session, I gained insight into what was keeping me stuck. Sam never told me what I should think or do. She skilfully and lovingly asked questions that created internal spaces where God could minister to my heart and spirit. This has been life-changing. Thank you, Sam.
C.C | Life & Business Coach
Have Questions?
What draws people to spiritual accompanyment?
There are many reasons why people are drawn to spiritual accompaniment. For some, it begins with a quiet longing for a deeper and more sustaining relationship with God—one that can be lived more fully within the rhythms of everyday life. For others, it may arise during times of change or transition, when familiar ways of understanding faith begin to shift, and new questions emerge. At times, people come feeling stretched or weary, particularly when they hold responsibility in service of others. Often, what people are looking for is a companion —someone to walk alongside them as they reflect on their experience, explore what matters most, and notice what feels real and life-giving. A space where both the joys and struggles of life can be held with care, and where there is freedom to be honest, open, and attentive to the deeper movements of the soul. However you come, and wherever you find yourself on your faith journey, you are warmly welcome.
What is the role of a spiritual director?
The role of a spiritual director is to walk with you on your journey, helping you explore your inner life and notice where God may be present. This can take many forms — one-to-one sessions, retreats, or group gatherings such as the School of Contemplation or Loam. Spiritual directors do not tell you what to do or think, but may offer gentle guidance, practices, or questions to support reflection, growth, and discernment. The focus is on listening deeply to your experiences — joys, struggles, doubts, and longings — and attending to what is most life-giving and authentic for you.
What has shaped your journey into this work?
My interest in spiritual formation began early in my faith journey; however, it was my own desire and need for a deeper and more sustaining spirituality that led me towards contemplative practices and spiritual accompaniment. Over time, these rhythms helped me to slow down, notice, and encounter God’s presence in a way that would nourish and help me experience the sacred in the ordinary moments and challenges of life. As my passion for formation developed, I trained as a Spiritual Director and, having worked in education and church leadership for over 30 years, it is now my delight to offer this kind of accompaniment for others also seeking a richer and more fulfilling experience.
Who do you work with?
I accompany people from a wide range of backgrounds and life stages. Many of those I work with are leaders, CEOs, therapists, spiritual directors, and creatives — often people who hold significant responsibility or regularly create space for others. Alongside this, I welcome anyone seeking a safe, reflective space to slow down, listen deeply, and attend to God’s presence, whatever season they are in.