welcome.


It is a joy and an honor that you have found your way to this space.

Spiritual direction is a companionship between a trained spiritual director and a directee. I offer spiritual direction to individuals in monthly one-on-one spiritual direction sessions, and to groups through speaking and retreat leading. I’m in the final project for my Masters of Arts in Leadership and Spiritual Direction from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and St. Catherine University. I am a licensed social worker with a background in waiver case management and eating disorders.

I am here to honor who you are in the world and to hold space for your heart. In session, we push pause on the ‘busy’ of our world and listen to where the Divine is present for you. Your questions, your reservations, your joy, your grief, your rage, your wondering…it is all welcome here.

You are welcome here.

This website is a communication tool - it’s a way for you to get to know a little about me and my offerings. You can also learn more about what spiritual direction is by poking around the menu, under “Frequently Asked Questions”. While online communication tools are a great resource, I believe nothing beats human connection, so send me a note with any questions you have! If you’re curious to explore individual spiritual direction, we will start with a 30 minute introductory session, online or in person. This is a space for you to ask questions and assess fit. If we are not a fit, I am connected to many wonderful spiritual directors throughout the country, and I would be happy to refer you.


 

Allison Rykken

LSW (she/her) 
Spiritual Director (MAL), Licensed Social Worker, Community Care Steward, Mom
 

I’m here to walk with you as you develop your personal relationship with the divine as you come to understand and experience it.

 
I’m Allison Rykken, (she/her): Spiritual Director, Licensed Social Worker, Community Care Steward, and most importantly, Mom to two wild ones. I am the founder and owner of A Spiritual Direction, LLC, named because of my fervent hope that every sector of our society will grow in ‘a spiritual direction’. I believe it’s what the world needs more of.
I’m here to hold sacred space for your seeking about Life, Spirit, and Purpose through individual spiritual direction, retreats, and community care.
WHILE I WORK WITH EVERYBODY, MY NICHE AREA OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION LIES in two areas: WITH PArents and with folks with a christian background; whether you identify with christianity now or don't. 

I view PARENTING as SPIRITUAL WORK and I ENJOY SUPPORTING PARENTS IN THEIR SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION WHILE THEY RAISE THE NEXT GENERATION OF HUMANITY. 

I have a christian background and also resonate with the 'spiritual, not religious' communities. i work with folks that have experienced 'church hurt', and harm at the hands of christian institution. 

my Values:
Above all, I value human sovereignty. We are who we are. We love who we love. i believe it is an inherent right for all people to be free in their body, mind, identity, expression, and spirit.
I stand for safe and sacred spaces for all people.
I value accessibility, equity and community care. I am committed to continued self-growth as I too, am an ever-evolving human being. 
I value curiosity as the antidote to judgement and am in continual practice with this in my work and life. 
Interested in seeking?
It is a great joy that you were guided to this space. If you are curious to learn more, I would be honored to walk with you in your spiritual journey. To assess if we would be a good fit, fill out the contact section on this site to schedule a free session.
 

Need a speaker for a workshop, retreat, event, or ritual?

I'm a social worker, spiritual director, and mom with a passion for lifting people up and helping them find their unique path and purpose in this world.

It is my fervent hope that every aspect of our society will move in  a spiritual direction. My goal in every speaking opportunity is to bring positivity, care, and meaningful substance to the room. 

I am here to partner with your group and shed light on the beautiful potential in every human being in it. 

“It’s amazing how deep one can go - and so quickly! With intention, stillness, invitation, silence, once all the distractions are removed.


As much as I found the silence, time and space, and as motivated as I now am to continue something similar on my own, I want to name that my “breakthrough moments” almost all happened during the offerings guided by Allison.

 

Silence prepared the soul, but Allie’s exercises, framing, and presence felt like the consistent element that allowed things to really take root. What a gift this experience was on so many levels. I have emerged slower, clearer, more awake, more myself.”

- Silent Retreat Participant

“One of my favorite life lessons came last Christmas season when I had the opportunity to listen to a former speech student address 200+ women at an annual evening celebration of family and friendship. 

 

The keynote speaker was Allison Rykken.  With the evening theme of “Under the Gift Wrap,” Allison designed a beautiful tribute to the season, and the importance of self-care through the holiday, and beyond.

 

The stunning message of finding ourselves under the gift wrap by“savoring the moment, being mindful, and breathing” with great tips to accomplish such endeavors were all part of Allison’s very timely message.

 

Her engagement with the crowd, ranging from teens through great-grandmothers alike, makes her a wonderful choice for speaking at a treasured event.

 

Her message could easily have been directed to men as well. I will savor the message as I wait to hear her speak again.  Don’t let an opportunity to hear Allison pass you by.”

-Roxi Wakeen

Have a Question? 

Write an email

I’m happy to answer any further questions you may have as you embark on, or continue on your spiritual journey.

Allison RyKKEN

I value accessibility, equity, and community care. 

 

LET’S CONNECT

i’m here to support you in your journey

 

Follow Me on Instagram 

Hi there. I thought I’d share a bit more about me here, as I organize and form this space. It is important that my work be rooted in my values and my “why”, so here they are. ❤️ My Values: More than anything, I value human soverei
Hi there. I thought I’d share a bit more about me here, as I organize and form this space. It is important that my work be rooted in my values and my “why”, so here they are. ❤️ My Values: More than anything, I value human sovereignty. We are who we are. We love who we love. We believe what we believe. It is an inherent right for all people to be free in their body, mind, identity, expression, and spirit. I stand for safe and sacred spaces for all people. I value accessibility, equity and community care. I am committed to continued self-growth as I live and learn more each year. I value curiosity; I am continually in the practice of turning judgement over to curiosity. My Vision: To restore heart in the world through every human knowing their value, worth, and purpose. My Mission: To create more spaces in which Spirit is invited to support us in our journey through life.
I attended a home vigil training today, with Anne Murphy (look her up if you’re local to the Twin Cities- she’s a tremendous resource and brilliant home vigil guide). I got to learn among a group of community-focused practitioners that s
I attended a home vigil training today, with Anne Murphy (look her up if you’re local to the Twin Cities- she’s a tremendous resource and brilliant home vigil guide). I got to learn among a group of community-focused practitioners that strive to make death ritual accessible, personal, and truly community & family driven (in the sweet spot with our mortuary science practitioners and systems too). I’m really inspired and grateful tonight. 🕯️ Death is life too. It deserves just as much regard and thoughtfulness. Rose petals for gratitude, salt for grief, cedar for memories. https://athousandhands.com/ (Anne’s website) ⬆️
What is spiritual direction you ask? Imperfect, vulnerable, and real.
Happy 2023! Here are my offerings for you in the new year. 😘
Do your 2023 resolutions include something restorative? Something easeful? Something nurturing? Some sort of soul care? Here’s your gentle nudge to consider how you’ll tend to your spirit in the new year. 💜
Do your 2023 resolutions include something restorative? Something easeful? Something nurturing? Some sort of soul care? Here’s your gentle nudge to consider how you’ll tend to your spirit in the new year. 💜
Hi there. I thought I’d share a bit more about me here, as I organize and form this space. It is important that my work be rooted in my values and my “why”, so here they are. ❤️ My Values: More than anything, I value human soverei I attended a home vigil training today, with Anne Murphy (look her up if you’re local to the Twin Cities- she’s a tremendous resource and brilliant home vigil guide). I got to learn among a group of community-focused practitioners that s
What is spiritual direction you ask? Imperfect, vulnerable, and real.
Happy 2023! Here are my offerings for you in the new year. 😘
Do your 2023 resolutions include something restorative? Something easeful? Something nurturing? Some sort of soul care? Here’s your gentle nudge to consider how you’ll tend to your spirit in the new year. 💜