Spiritual Direction
What Is Spiritual Direction?
In spiritual direction, people are free to bring their real selves, including questions, longings, doubts, fears, and joys. Together, the directee and director create space to listen deeply and notice where God is present, paying attention to the sacred thread that runs through everyday life.
Sessions are typically one hour and usually take place once a month, either online or in person. The director may offer questions, reflections, or simple practices to help the directee notice and respond to what is stirring within. Everything shared in spiritual direction is held in confidence.
Spiritual direction can be especially life-giving for those who are:
Seeking a deeper connection with God
Healing from spiritual harm
Exploring new language or images for the Divine
Navigating a life transition or discernment
Longing for a safe, affirming space to listen to the soul
Meet Our Spiritual Directors
Matt Nightingale
Matt is a spiritual director, writer, speaker, and musician who is passionate about creating safe, sacred spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and their allies. He offers deep listening and gentle guidance, helping people notice and respond to God’s presence in their lives.
Matt works with individuals and groups both online and in person, and he has been offering spiritual direction since 2019. He also leads Common Sanctuary’s Monday night contemplative spirituality group. His approach to spiritual direction is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and trust in the wisdom that emerges through attentive listening.
Matt is married to Alejandro and is the parent of four adult children. He brings experience of family life, long-term relationships, and vocational ministry into the work of spiritual direction with humility and care.
Alejandro Corona León
Alejandro is a spiritual director, Bible study leader, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ Christians. Originally from Mexico, he immigrated to the United States in April 2025 and offers spiritual direction in both Spanish and English.
Alejandro completed the Journey Center Association’s Spiritual Director Formation Program in 2024 and has led a weekly Thursday night Bible study for Latin American LGBTQ+ Christians since 2019. His work is rooted in hospitality, deep listening, and a commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces for spiritual growth and community.
Alejandro lives in the Bay Area with his husband, Matt, and brings warmth, care, and attentiveness into his work as a spiritual director.
Rev. Annie Steinberg-Behrman
Annie is a spiritual director and ordained pastor who brings decades of pastoral experience, deep listening, and warmth to her work. She retired from full-time ministry as Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco in January 2023, after more than 30 years in parish ministry and spiritual direction.
A graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary, Annie has served as a chaplain, as the solo pastor of a rural church, and in large urban congregations. She approaches spiritual direction with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience.
Annie loves music, is active in local improv theater, and enjoys singing. She also loves to cook, garden, read, and watch British mysteries. She lives in Berkeley, California with her wife of 18 years, two dogs, and four cats. They have four grown children.
Fees and Accessibility
Spiritual direction at Common Sanctuary is offered with a commitment to both accessibility and sustainability. We trust each person to choose the rate that best fits their situation and capacity, knowing that cost should never be a barrier to this kind of sacred companionship.
Accessible Rate: You choose the amount that feels possible right now.
Sustainer Rate: The standard rate of $85 per session for new clients and those who are able to pay the full cost of a session.
Supporter Rate: Any amount you give beyond the $85 session rate will be treated as a tax-deductible donation, directly supporting this ministry and the wider community it serves.