The Harmony Institute
Are you the person others turn to when life feels uncertain?Learn how to support others through life’s questions, losses, and transitions with compassionate listening, grounded presence, and spiritual wisdom.The Harmony Institute offers an interspiritual, practice-based certificate in spiritual companionship, sacred listening, and the way of the anam cara, for those who feel called to accompany others through grief, transition, longing, wonder, awakening, and the sacred questions of life.
The Harmony Institute offers The Anam Cara Path: Spiritual Companionship and Sacred Listenin, a foundational certificate program consisting of 12 sequential monthly courses organized into four phases. The program may be completed continuously in approximately 12 months or at a more flexible pace within three years. It may be taken as a complete formation experience for personal, spiritual, ministry, or community enrichment.
Students who wish to offer spiritual companionship in a professional practice or formal ministry setting may continue into the optional six-month Advanced Practicum and Professional Formation pathway. This advanced pathway includes group supervision, reflective practice, ethical integration, and guidance in developing a responsible and sustainable professional offering.---The Harmony Institute’s curriculum and formation practices are guided by SDI’s Five Principles of Spiritual Direction Training Programs and its Guidelines for Ethical Conduct. These principles and ethical guidelines are integrated throughout the program to support responsible, inclusive, and ethically grounded spiritual companionship.The Harmony Institute is a member of Spiritual Directors International and is included in SDI’s searchable directory of formation and training programs. SDI membership, adherence to its recommended principles and guidelines, and directory listing do not constitute accreditation, certification, approval, or endorsement of the Institute or its programs.
The Way of the Anam Cara
Anam cara is often translated as “soul friend.” At The Harmony Institute, we draw from this image as a spacious, interspiritual framework for sacred companionship. The anam cara is a trustworthy companion of the inner life; someone who offers presence, reverence, deep listening, and ethical care.
This work is not about fixing, advising, or directing another person’s path. It is about creating space where the seeker can discover the mystery, wisdom, and sacred movement already unfolding within their own life.
What is a Spiritual Companion?
A spiritual companion is a trained, ethical presence who accompanies another person’s inner and spiritual life. Spiritual companions help seekers listen for meaning, mystery, sacred presence, and deeper wisdom within their own lived experience.
This Program May Be a Good Fit If:
You are often the person others come to for support, reflection, or encouragement.
You feel called to companion others through grief, transition, spiritual questioning, meaning-making, or personal growth.
You want to support others without fixing, rescuing, advising, or imposing beliefs.
You are a coach, caregiver, group facilitator, wellness practitioner, lay leader, chaplaincy-adjacent helper, or spiritual seeker.
You want to learn ethical, grounded ways to offer spiritual support in your community or practice.
This program is designed for spiritual seekers, coaches, caregivers, group facilitators, wellness practitioners, and community leaders who want to support others with greater skill, humility, and care.
Please note: This program is not therapy, counseling, clinical training, or ordination. It is a formation program in spiritual companionship, sacred listening, ethical presence, and contemplative support.
Fall 2026 classes begin September 28, 2026
Listening for the Sacred
Reflections, essays, and gentle inquiries on spiritual companioning, sacred listening, and finding meaning in ordinary moments. Explore recent posts below or read full articles on our Substack
The Future of Faith May Be Older Than We Think:
As religious institutions change, humanity’s ancient need for spiritual companionship remains
by Dr. Lori Erwin-Johnson, DD, MS
August 2, 2026
It’s easy to believe that we are witnessing the end of faith. Congregations are shrinking. Churches are closing. Many people no longer identify with the religious traditions of their childhoods. Others still believe in a reality beyond the visible world, but they no longer feel called to join an organized religion.From one perspective, this can look like spiritual decline. Yet, it may be pointing towards something else. It may be a reminder that we are part of a much older trend. Throughout history, there’s been a recurring ebb and flow in the draw to commit to a religious life. Traditions become established, lose some of their strength, and eventually give rise to new spiritual expressions. Continue Reading ⟶
Self-Care Isn't One-Size-Fits-All:
A whole-person approach for those who hold space for others
by Dr. Lori Erwin-Johnson, DD, MS
July 26, 2026
If you’re a spiritual professional like me, you spend your life offering spiritual support. And like me, you may have realized that this work is very meaningful yet also very exhausting. People needing this work carry grief, have doubts, are in transition between one season of life and the next, and share their deepest fears. We sit with the questions that may not have easy answers. We also hold space for what’s stirring inside them.When the passion for caring for others becomes a daily vocation, it’s easy to lose touch with our own needs. We can easily become depleted before we realize it. Continue Reading ⟶
Explore Full Substack Archive ⟶
The Program
The Anam Cara Path is organized into twelve 4-week courses within four larger phases of formation. Courses within each phase are taken consecutively, with intentional breaks between phases for rest, integration, reflection, and preparation for the next stage of the journey.This rhythm allows students to remain steadily engaged while also honoring the contemplative and formational nature of the work.
Things to Know
Small class sizes of 8–10 students
12 sequential monthly courses organized into four phases
Three to four self-guided learning modules in each course
Two 90-minute live Gathering Circles offered online each month
Completion of 12 Gathering Circles required for certification
Integration opportunities woven throughout the program
Scheduled breaks, including a holiday break in December
Three of four formation checkpoints required for certificate completion
Checkpoint retakes available until successfully completed
A simple final integration project or personal practice statement
Digital badge awarded after completing each three-course phase
Standard completion in approximately 12 months, with up to three years allowed
Official transcript documenting completed courses and continuing education hours
Students will practice:
Listening deeply without fixing or advising
Asking spacious, non-leading questions
Holding silence and emotional tenderness with care
Recognizing and tending to their own inner responses
Companioning others through grief, transition, longing, and awakening
Honoring diverse spiritual paths and perspectives
Practicing ethical boundaries and knowing when to refer
Discovering mystery and meaning within ordinary life
Although the Anam Cara Path is offered online and organized into flexible monthly courses, The Harmony Institute is intentionally designed to be relational, personal, and connected. Spiritual companionship is not simply something we study; it is something we practice together through sacred presence, reflection, honest conversation, peer practice, and care.Gathering Circles and shared learning opportunities allow participants to develop meaningful relationships as they progress through the program. Whether moving continuously with a cohort or completing the courses at a more flexible pace, each student is known, supported, and personally engaged.The online format offers accessibility and flexibility, but the heart of the experience remains deeply human: learning to listen, companion, and grow in community.
Tuition
The Anam Cara Path is organized into 12 sequential monthly courses. Tuition is $199 for each monthly course and includes:
Three to four guided learning modules
Videos, readings, handouts, and contemplative practices
Reflection activities and formation checkpoints
Peer companioning practice
Access to Gathering Circles
Continuing education hours
Academic records and phase-completion badges
Students who move continuously through all 12 courses complete the core certificate program in approximately one year. The total tuition for the 12-course certificate is $2,388.
Choose the Path That Fits Your Life
The Cohort Path
Progress through the courses continuously with a consistent community of fellow learners. The cohort pathway offers a shared rhythm, ongoing relationships, and completion in approximately 12 months.
Flexible Course-by-Course Path
Enroll in one monthly course at a time and pause between courses when needed. There is no financial obligation to pay for courses you have not yet begun. Students have up to three years from their initial enrollment date to complete the certificate.New students begin with Phase 1A: Foundations of Spiritual Companionship, which is offered at scheduled entry points throughout the year.
Gathering Circles Are Included
Gathering Circles are an essential part of spiritual-companioning formation and are included in tuition at no additional charge.Two Gathering Circles are offered each month, providing students with flexibility in choosing dates. Students must complete 12 Gathering Circles during the core certificate program.
Recognition Along the Way
The curriculum consists of four phases, with three monthly courses in each phase. Students receive:
A digital badge after completing each three-course phase
Continuing education hours for completed courses
Access to a transcript documenting their progress
The full Certificate in Spiritual Companionship and Sacred Listening after completing all program requirements
| Program Element | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Each monthly course | $199 |
| Gathering Circles | Included |
| Complete 12-course certificate | $2,388 |
| Courses during approved pause | No charge |
| Optional Professional Development Path | Priced separately |
Ready to Explore the Path?
Begin by scheduling a discovery call or submitting your application. Accepted students will be invited to join the next available beginning course.
Apply
Are You Ready to Begin?
If you feel called to become a spiritual companion and are ready to begin learning the practices of sacred listening, ethical presence, and compassionate care, you're invited to apply for the program today. If something in you is saying yes to this path, we would be honored to hear from you.
There is no fee to apply. Accepted students reserve their place in the next available Phase 1A course by completing registration and submitting the $199 course tuition.
Contact
Contact / Interest Form
If you feel drawn to spiritual companionship, sacred listening, and learning how to hold space for others with greater care and clarity, We’d love to hear from you. Please use the form below to share your interest in The Harmony Institute’s program, ask a question, or let us know what is stirring in you as you consider this path.
Thank you for your interest!
After you submit the form, We'll be in touch. This is a relational program, so the application process is simply a way to make sure the program is a good fit for both you and the learning community.
Meet the FounderLori Erwin-Johnson brings together spiritual direction, interspiritual ministry, adult learning, wellness education, psychology, and contemplative practice. Her teaching style emphasizes depth, practice, reflection, embodied presence, and compassionate care.
She has experience as a learning experience and spiritual development consultant, instructional designer, continuing education coordinator, spiritual companioning instructor, course creator, and wellness coach. Through The Harmony Institute, Lori trains spiritual companions who want to support others with humility, clarity, and care.
PRIVACY POLICY
Last updated: July 1, 2026The Harmony Institute respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect the information you share with us through our website, Facebook lead forms, email, program inquiries, applications, and related online services.Information We CollectWe may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:
Your name
Email address
Phone number, if provided
Program interest or inquiry details
Responses submitted through forms, applications, or surveys
Any message or information you choose to send us
We may also collect basic website usage information through standard tools such as cookies, analytics, or similar technologies. This may include information such as pages visited, general location, browser type, device type, and how visitors interact with our website.How We Use Your InformationWe use your information to:
Respond to your questions or requests
Send information about The Harmony Institute’s programs, courses, events, or offerings
Follow up with individuals who complete a Facebook lead form or website inquiry form
Process applications or enrollment-related communications
Improve our website, programs, and communications
Maintain appropriate records for administrative, legal, or business purposes
Email and Marketing CommunicationsIf you provide your email address, we may use it to send program information, updates, invitations, or related communications from The Harmony Institute.You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link in the email or by contacting us directly.Facebook Lead FormsIf you submit your information through a Facebook or Instagram lead form, the information you provide may be shared with The Harmony Institute so we can respond to your inquiry and send relevant program information. Your use of Facebook or Instagram is also subject to Meta’s own privacy policies and terms.How We Share InformationWe do not sell your personal information.We may share limited information with trusted service providers who help us operate our website, email communications, forms, scheduling, payment processing, advertising, or program administration. These providers are expected to use your information only as needed to provide those services.We may also disclose information if required by law, to protect our rights, or to respond to lawful requests from public authorities.Cookies and Website AnalyticsOur website may use cookies or analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site and to improve the visitor experience. You may be able to adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being used.How We Protect Your InformationWe take reasonable steps to protect the personal information we collect. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.How Long We Keep InformationWe keep personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.Your ChoicesYou may contact us to:
Request access to the personal information we have about you
Ask us to correct or update your information
Ask us to delete your information, when appropriate
Unsubscribe from non-essential communications
Children’s PrivacyThe Harmony Institute’s programs and services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.Links to Other WebsitesOur website or communications may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external websites.Updates to This PolicyWe may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.Contact UsIf you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is used, please contact us:The Harmony Institute
Website: https://theharmonyinstitute.online
Email: [email protected]
Terms & Conditions
Last updated: July 2, 2026Welcome to The Harmony Institute.These Terms and Conditions explain the expectations, responsibilities, and limitations that apply when you use our website, submit an inquiry or application, participate in our programs, purchase a course or service, or interact with The Harmony Institute online.By using this website or participating in any program, course, gathering, or service offered by The Harmony Institute, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.1. About The Harmony InstituteThe Harmony Institute offers interspiritual education, spiritual companioning formation, sacred listening training, reflective practices, and related educational experiences.Our programs are designed for personal, spiritual, and professional formation. They are educational and spiritual in nature.2. Not Therapy, Medical Care, or Legal AdviceThe Harmony Institute does not provide psychotherapy, medical treatment, mental health counseling, legal advice, financial advice, or clinical supervision.Spiritual companioning and sacred listening are not substitutes for therapy, medical care, crisis support, or other licensed professional services.If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, medical emergency, or crisis, please contact emergency services or a qualified professional in your area.3. EligibilityOur programs and services are intended for adults age 18 and older.By submitting an inquiry, application, enrollment form, or payment, you confirm that the information you provide is accurate and that you are legally able to participate in our programs.4. Applications and EnrollmentSubmitting an application or inquiry does not guarantee acceptance into a program.The Harmony Institute reserves the right to review applications and determine whether a program is an appropriate fit for the applicant and the learning community.We may decline or discontinue enrollment if we determine that participation is not appropriate, safe, or aligned with the purpose and expectations of the program.5. Program ExpectationsStudents are expected to participate with respect, integrity, confidentiality, compassion, and openness to learning.Participation may include reading, reflection, discussion, practice exercises, live gatherings, written responses, peer interaction, and other educational activities.Students are responsible for managing their own participation, technology access, pacing, and completion of assigned work.6. Community ConductThe Harmony Institute is committed to creating a respectful and compassionate learning environment.Participants agree not to engage in harassment, discrimination, abusive behavior, intimidation, exploitation, disruptive conduct, or behavior that compromises the safety or dignity of others.The Harmony Institute reserves the right to remove a participant from a course, gathering, community space, or program if their behavior is harmful, disruptive, unethical, or inconsistent with the spirit of the program.7. ConfidentialityStudents may share personal reflections, spiritual experiences, stories, or sensitive information in classes, discussions, practice sessions, or group settings.Participants agree to respect the privacy of others and not share another person’s personal story, identifying information, or private reflections outside the learning environment without permission.The Harmony Institute cannot guarantee confidentiality in group settings, but we ask all participants to honor confidentiality as a core ethical practice.8. Certificates and CompletionCertificates are awarded only when the stated requirements for a program have been successfully completed.Requirements may include participation, reflection assignments, practice exercises, ethical engagement, attendance expectations, and completion of course materials.The Harmony Institute reserves the right to determine whether a student has met the requirements for completion.A certificate from The Harmony Institute does not constitute licensure, ordination, mental health credentialing, medical certification, or authorization to practice in a regulated profession.9. Tuition, Payments, and FeesTuition and fees vary by program and will be listed in program materials, enrollment documents, or payment pages.By enrolling in a paid program, you agree to pay the stated tuition and fees according to the payment terms provided at the time of registration.If payment plans are offered, students are responsible for completing all scheduled payments unless otherwise stated in writing.Failure to make required payments may result in paused access, removal from the program, or withholding of certificates until the account is current.10. Refunds and Cancellations
Refund and cancellation terms may vary by program.Any refund policy provided on a program page, enrollment agreement, invoice, or written communication will apply to that specific program.Unless otherwise stated in writing, deposits, application fees, administrative fees, and completed course payments may be non-refundable.The Harmony Institute reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a course, gathering, or program. If we cancel a paid program before it begins, participants will be offered a refund or transfer option when appropriate.11. Intellectual PropertyAll course materials, videos, handouts, written content, slides, images, recordings, practices, curriculum, and other resources created by The Harmony Institute are the intellectual property of The Harmony Institute unless otherwise stated.Students may use course materials for their own personal learning and formation.You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, sell, publish, teach, upload, share, or modify The Harmony Institute materials without written permission.12. Recordings and Online GatheringsSome live sessions, classes, or gatherings may be recorded for educational or program access purposes.When recordings are used, participants will be informed when reasonably possible.By participating in recorded sessions, you understand that your name, voice, image, chat comments, or contributions may appear in the recording.Participants may not record, download, distribute, or share class sessions, group gatherings, or private program content without written permission.13. Website UseYou agree to use our website lawfully and respectfully.You may not attempt to interfere with website function, misuse forms, submit false information, upload harmful content, or use the website for unauthorized commercial, unlawful, or abusive purposes.14. Third-Party ServicesThe Harmony Institute may use third-party platforms for website hosting, email communication, payment processing, forms, scheduling, video meetings, course delivery, advertising, or analytics.Your use of those third-party services may also be subject to their own terms and privacy policies.The Harmony Institute is not responsible for the content, policies, security, or practices of third-party websites or platforms.15. PrivacyYour use of our website, forms, Facebook lead forms, applications, and services is also governed by our Privacy Policy.Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect personal information.16. No GuaranteesThe Harmony Institute makes no guarantees regarding specific personal, spiritual, professional, financial, emotional, or vocational outcomes.Participation in our programs may support learning, reflection, growth, and formation, but each participant’s experience and results will vary.We do not guarantee employment, clients, income, certification recognition by outside organizations, or acceptance by any professional body.17. Limitation of LiabilityTo the fullest extent permitted by law, The Harmony Institute is not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from your use of our website, participation in programs, or reliance on educational materials.You are responsible for your own choices, actions, interpretations, professional boundaries, and use of the material provided.18. Changes to Programs or TermsThe Harmony Institute may update programs, schedules, course materials, fees, policies, or these Terms and Conditions from time to time.Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.
Continued use of the website or participation in programs after changes are posted means you accept the updated Terms and Conditions.19. Governing LawThese Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Washington, United States, unless otherwise required by applicable law.20. ContactIf you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:The Harmony Institute
Website: https://theharmonyinstitute.online
Email: [email protected]
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Last updated: August 1, 2026The Harmony Institute is committed to providing clear and fair enrollment policies. Please review this Refund and Cancellation Policy carefully before submitting payment for any course, program, or other offering.Course-by-Course EnrollmentThe Anam Cara Path is offered one monthly course at a time. Enrollment in one course does not create a financial obligation for future courses.Students may pause after completing a monthly course and return at a later date. All certificate requirements must be completed within three years of the student’s initial enrollment date.Refund eligibility is determined separately for each monthly course in which a student enrolls.Cancellations at Least 14 Days Before a Course BeginsStudents who submit a written cancellation request at least 14 calendar days before the scheduled course start date are eligible for a refund of the tuition paid for that course, minus any clearly disclosed nonrefundable payment-processing fees.Cancellation and refund requests must be submitted by email.Cancellations Fewer Than 14 Days Before a Course BeginsStudents who cancel fewer than 14 calendar days before the scheduled course start date may transfer their tuition to one future offering of the same course, subject to availability.A tuition transfer may be used only once and must be requested in writing before the original course begins. Transferred tuition is nonrefundable and may not be transferred to another student or applied to a different course.Withdrawals After a Course BeginsOnce a course begins, tuition paid for that course is nonrefundable and nontransferable.Withdrawal from a current course does not create a financial obligation for subsequent courses. Students who wish to continue their training may enroll in a future course, subject to course availability, current tuition rates, and the three-year program-completion requirement.Missed Classes or Incomplete ParticipationRefunds, credits, and transfers are not provided for:
Missed classes or Gathering Circles
Incomplete coursework
Lack of participation
Technology problems originating on the student’s end
Changes in a student’s personal schedule after the applicable cancellation period
Failure to complete the course or certificate requirements
Students are responsible for confirming that they have the technology, availability, and ability to participate before a course begins.Course Cancellation by The Harmony InstituteIf The Harmony Institute cancels a course before it begins, enrolled students will be offered either:
A refund of the tuition paid for that course; or
The opportunity to transfer their enrollment to a future offering of the course, when available
If a class session or Gathering Circle must be rescheduled, The Harmony Institute will make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative date, recording, or equivalent learning opportunity. The rescheduling of an individual session or Gathering Circle does not constitute cancellation of the course and does not ordinarily qualify the student for a refund.How to Request a Cancellation, Transfer, or RefundAll requests must be submitted in writing by email and must include:
The student’s full name
The name of the course
The scheduled course start date
The payment date
Whether the student is requesting a cancellation, tuition transfer, or refund
Requests should be sent to:The Harmony Institute
Website: https://theharmonyinstitute.online
Email: [email protected]Approved refunds will be issued through the original payment method whenever possible. Processing times may vary depending on the payment provider and financial institution.
Bookstore
Welcome to The Harmony Institute Bookstore
Books have a way of becoming companions—meeting us at the right moment, opening a door, offering language for something we have felt but not yet known how to name.This bookstore is a carefully curated collection of books for those drawn to spiritual companioning, sacred listening, contemplative practice, interspiritual wisdom, and the path of the Anam Cara. Some titles are part of our formal course of study, while others are offered as invitations for deeper reflection and continued exploration.May you find here a book that speaks to your questions, strengthens your practice, or accompanies you gently along the way.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for visiting.
Our bookstore is still being stocked and thoughtfully curated. New titles and categories will be added regularly, so please check back soon.
Anam Cara Books
Interspiritual Books
Classes
The Way of the Anam Cara: A Free 5-Day Guided Journey
Begin your companioning journey with five days of gentle reflections, daily contemplative practices, and simple lessons in presence delivered straight to your inbox.Over five days, you will receive a brief lesson introducing you to spiritual companionship, sacred listening, and the ancient Celtic image of the anam cara (the soul friend).This course is self-paced and free. There is nothing you need to prepare. Simply bring your curiosity, your experience, and a willingness to listen inwardly.
More Pathways Coming SoonWe are currently crafting additional courses and formation experiences to support your journey in sacred listening and spiritual companionship. Join our newsletter or interest list to be the first to hear about upcoming cohort dates and new course offerings!