So Gleeson turned to a spiritual director, but not a minister, priest or nun. It was Mary B. Doolen, a lay woman with a Roman Catholic background and an ecumenical point of view. Doolen is one of an increasing number of lay people who are offering spiritual direction to those who want help in discerning God's presence in their lives, deepening their spiritual side or even talking through their doubts.
Seekers come from all walks of life and religious backgrounds.
Even President Clinton recently turned to several spiritual advisers as scandal imperiled his office. That description fits Mary Doolen perfectly. I found a spiritual director myself and went to her for quite a while. It was really helpful in my life. And I found that people would seek me out to talk.