Cate Alexander

Cate holds safe space for companions, as they explore spiritual experiences, beliefs, questions and next steps in their lives. She likes working with people who find themselves with an evolving faith, questioning the beliefs of childhood and seeking “a rock that is higher.” As a spiritual director/companion, she accompanies those wishing to grow in relationship with the God of their understanding. She respects the readiness of individuals to explore their experiences, even the most difficult and disconnecting.  
  
Reflecting three years of study with the Living School of the Center for Action and Contemplation, Cate brings contemplative approaches that support integrated living from one God-filled center, as opposed to the fragmentation of competing desires.  She guides spiritual practices that support awakening to God’s presence and illuminate personal attachments, which might prevent spiritual freedom in life’s decisions. 
  
Cate is certified to guide the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, a way of discernment and growing closer to God.  Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Cate trained in the Ignatian tradition at The Listening Place in Durham, NC. In addition to the Living School, she has pursued studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, West Virginia Institute of Spirituality, Spiritual Directors’ International and elsewhere.  Areas of extended education include spiritual formation, grief, contemplative prayer, discernment of vocation and commitment, sexuality, trauma-informed companionship, emotional sobriety, group spiritual direction, and faith and social justice. 
  
With a BA degree (Literature, Science and the Arts) from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, her graduate studies include communications (Johns Hopkins U.) and conflict resolution (George Mason U.).