The Harmony Institute
Interspiritual formation for companions of the inner life.A practice-based certificate in spiritual companionship, sacred listening, and the way of the anam cara — for those called to accompany others through grief, transition, longing, wonder, awakening, and the sacred questions of life.
The Harmony Institute offers a 12-month foundational certificate in Spiritual Companionship and Sacred Listening. This program 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 or formal ministry setting may continue into an optional 6-month Advanced Practicum and Professional Formation pathway, which includes group supervision, practice reflection, ethical integration, and support for developing a sustainable offering.The Harmony Institute is a member of Spiritual Directors International and maintains a formation school listing in SDI’s searchable directory. SDI does not accredit, certify, or endorse individual 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.
Click the button below to join the interest list and receive a student program guide.
Fall 2026 program begins September 28, 2026
The Program
Things to Know
Small class sizes with 8-10 students
44 weeks of self-guided lessons
Monthly 90-minute live, online gatherings on Zoom
Integration weeks throughout the year
A break for the holidays in December
3 of 4 formation checkpoints required for certificate completion
Retakes available until passed
Simple final integration project or practice statement
Students will practice:
Sacred listening without fixing or advising
Asking spacious, non-leading questions
Holding silence and emotional tenderness
Recognizing their own inner responses
Companioning grief, transition, longing, and awakening
Honoring diverse spiritual paths
Practicing ethical boundaries and referral wisdom
Discovering mystery and meaning in ordinary life
Although this program is offered online, The Harmony Institute is intentionally designed to be relational, personal, and connected. Spiritual companionship is not simply something we study; it's something we practice together through presence, reflection, honest conversation, and care. Our hope is that each participant feels known, supported, and personally engaged throughout the program. The online format offers flexibility, but the heart of the experience remains deeply human: learning to listen, companion, and grow in community.
Tuition
The full tuition for the 12-month Certificate in Spiritual Companionship and Sacred Listening (CSCSL) is $2,997.This tuition includes a year of guided formation, weekly lessons, contemplative practices, reflection prompts, monthly live gatherings, formation checkpoints, and a final integration project.
The Fall 2026 cohort participants will receive a $597 Founding Cohort Scholarship.
Students must apply for the program by August 31, 2026 to qualify.
Payment options include:
Pay in full: $2,400 using your debit or credit card
Flexible payment options may be available at checkout through third-party providers such as Affirm or Klarna, if approved.
The Harmony Institute may offer payment options through third-party providers such as Afterpay, Affirm, or Klarna. Financing approval, payment schedules, interest rates, fees, and eligibility are determined by the provider, not by The Harmony Institute.You may use the links below to check whether you prequalify and to review the terms offered by each provider before choosing a payment option.
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.
Contact
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.
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.
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: July 2, 2026The Harmony Institute is committed to offering clear and fair enrollment policies. Please read this Refund and Cancellation Policy carefully before submitting payment for any program, course, or offering.Program TuitionTuition and fees vary by program and will be listed on the applicable program page, enrollment form, invoice, or payment page.By submitting payment, you agree to the refund and cancellation terms provided for that program.Application FeesApplication fees, if required, are non-refundable.Application fees help cover the administrative time involved in reviewing applications, communicating with prospective students, and preparing enrollment materials.DepositsProgram deposits, if required, are non-refundable after acceptance into the program.Deposits are applied toward the total program tuition unless otherwise stated in writing.Refunds Before the Program BeginsStudents who withdraw at least 14 calendar days before the program start date may receive a refund of tuition paid, minus any non-refundable application fee, deposit, administrative fee, or payment processing fee.Withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing by email.Refunds After the Program BeginsFor year-long certificate programs, students who withdraw within the first 7 calendar days after the program begins may receive a 50% refund of tuition paid, minus any non-refundable application fee, deposit, administrative fee, or payment processing fee.After the first 7 calendar days of the program, tuition is non-refundable.Payment PlansIf a student is enrolled through a payment plan, the student is responsible for payments due up to the date of withdrawal.If withdrawal occurs within the refund window, future scheduled payments may be canceled, and any applicable refund will be calculated according to this policy.After the refund window has passed, students remain responsible for completing the agreed-upon payment plan unless The Harmony Institute provides a written exception.Buy Now, Pay Later and Third-Party FinancingThe Harmony Institute may offer payment options through third-party financing providers such as Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, or similar services.
If you choose to use a third-party financing provider, your payment agreement, installment schedule, interest rate, fees, approval terms, and payment obligations are managed by that provider and are subject to the provider’s own terms and conditions.The Harmony Institute’s Refund and Cancellation Policy determines whether you are eligible for a refund. However, any approved refund for a purchase made through a third-party financing provider will be processed through that provider according to its procedures and timeline.The Harmony Institute cannot cancel, modify, pause, or adjust your financing agreement directly. If a refund is approved, the financing provider will determine how the refund is applied to your balance, installment schedule, or original payment method.You may still be responsible for scheduled payments, interest, late fees, or other charges until the financing provider processes the refund or updates your account.Please contact the financing provider directly with questions about your payment schedule, account status, fees, or refund timing.Refunds will not be issued separately by cash, check, direct transfer, or another payment method when the original purchase was made through a third-party financing provider, unless required by law or agreed to in writing by The Harmony Institute.Transfers to a Future CohortIn some cases, The Harmony Institute may allow a student to transfer enrollment to a future cohort instead of receiving a refund.Transfers are not guaranteed and are offered at the discretion of The Harmony Institute.Missed Classes or Incomplete ParticipationNo refunds are provided for missed classes, missed live gatherings, incomplete coursework, lack of participation, technology issues on the student’s end, or changes in personal schedule after the refund window has passed.Program Cancellation by The Harmony InstituteIf The Harmony Institute cancels a paid program before it begins, students will be offered a refund or the option to transfer their enrollment to a future cohort when available.If a class session or gathering must be rescheduled, The Harmony Institute will make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative date, recording, or equivalent learning opportunity.How to Request a Withdrawal or RefundTo request a withdrawal or refund, please contact us in writing:The Harmony Institute
Website: https://theharmonyinstitute.online
Email: [email protected]Refund requests must include the student’s full name, program name, payment date, and reason for withdrawal.Approved refunds will be processed using the original payment method when possible. Processing times may vary depending on the payment provider.
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