Both women and men seek direction, in just about equal numbers. The people that I see are not all Catholic or Christian. I've seen people who were Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish. I notice that what is central among them is this hunger for the Source of all Life. They want to walk with someone and explore deeply their values, and if they have particular traditions, to notice how their particular life experience blends with that.
People usually come on a monthly basis.
Occasionally they choose to come more often, and some people come just three or four times a year. When they come, the director has to set aside his or her own ego or agenda, and receive the guests as they are, with all of their own language. It is incombent on me to listen for what is underneath a person's words, asking clarifying questions. The director listens to the Spirit present and honors the unique expression within the person. Sometimes the individual just needs to be affirmed and validated in their prayer.