"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you."
-Ephesians 1:18
Guy Roberts, M.Div.
Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, Tai Chi Therapy
Guy has practiced spiritual direction and pastoral counseling for more than 26 years. His approach is strongly influenced by the desert ascetics of the early church (apophatic tradition/via negativa) and Carmelite Spirituality (John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila).
Guy received a B.A. in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Butler University in 1989. In 1998 he earned a M.Div. from Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. Currently he is working toward a second master’s degree in mental health counseling through Butler University. He is a Tai Chi instructor and 13th generation lineage holder of Chen style Taijiquan. Guy studied Tai Chi under Master Jesse Tsao for many years, and is certified through Tai Chi Healthways. He also holds a 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo and has taught children for nearly 20 years.
In 1998 Guy was ordained a Catholic Priest in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM, at one point pastoring eleven mission churches spread across 3,000 square miles. After several years, Guy returned home to Indiana and served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis until 2024, when he decided to retire from pastoral ministry. One thing he enjoyed most about parish work was the personal interactions in spiritual direction and pastoral counseling.
What is the difference between spiritual direction and pastoral counseling? Pastoral counseling involves using one’s faith in God to work through life’s challenges. Such challenges may be grief, job loss, marital problems, morality issues, and other personal or family crises. Spiritual direction is more about growing in one’s relationship with God, discerning one’s spiritual path, exploring the interior life and how we relate to the world and to others.
Guy’s approaches are uniquely tailored to each individual, but include the following:
- Discernment of God’s will and of spiritual gifts
- Deepening one’s prayer life and experience
- Setting spiritual goals
- Challenging beliefs and behaviors
- Holding up the mirror
- Navigating the “dark night of the soul"
Although Guy comes from a Catholic background, he will counsel individuals according to their beliefs, faith tradition, and spirituality. His goal is always to see people go out the door more hopeful and peaceful than when they came in. Every person is a unique child of God and their journey is sacred.