Jen Eckles, Spiritual Director

Jen Eckles
Spiritual Director, Life Coach

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(480)525-7284 ext. 3

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Client Focus

LGBTQ+
Adults
Teens

Specialties

Coming Out
Crisis of Faith
Decision Making
Doubt
Deconstruction
Existential Crisis
Forgiveness
Grief and Loss
Parents of LGBTQ+ Children
Religious and Spiritual Abuse
Reclaiming Spirituality
Self-Image and Self-Esteem
Spirituality and Faith
Spiritual Direction

Qualifications and Experience

Hi, my name is Jen Eckles and I am a Spiritual Director and Life Coach who works with LGBTQ+ young adults and teens. I received my Certificate in Spiritual Direction from The Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction and am a member of Spiritual Directors International (SDI). I recently completed 48 hours of mental health first aid training through the ACPE Pastoral Care Specialist program. I also have a Doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Stills University and worked as an audiologist for 20 years, so I have many years of previous experience caring for people in various capacities both in ministry and in healthcare.

After leaving my career in audiology, I felt God calling me to the work of spiritual direction. As a Spiritual Director, I love sitting with and holding space for people as they journey to deepen their relationship with God. As part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, my passion is for young adult LGBTQ+ persons of faith who have been outcast from their churches and have become spiritual refugees, yet long to maintain and nurture their relationship with God.

Who I Work With

Having been in church my entire life, I recognize the good that church can do, but also recognize and acknowledge the damage it can do. Having experienced spiritual abuse myself by some in a church family after coming out, I have wrestled with the idea of the need for safe, sacred spaces outside of the church. A gentle space where those who have been hurt by the Church may feel invited and be seen, heard, and valued exactly as they are. A place for individual growth, as well as the chance to interact in a spiritual community through classes and retreats. Most importantly, a space where people can come, knowing that God is inside them, and listen as God whispers the truth into their lives that they are a beloved child of the Creator. They are welcome and have a place of belonging at the table.

My Approach

My practice is centered in prayer and contemplative listening. I welcome all persons, including pastors, from diverse denominations and faith backgrounds. I also sit with those who are Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR). I utilize the evocative method, which means I engage in deep listening. You can expect a 90/10 approach from me, where I listen 90% and speak 10% of the time. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and walking with you through this journey we call life.