Elizabeth Morton

As a young 20-something, while pursuing an acting career in New York City, I became a full-fledge seeker. I couldn’t get enough of conversations and books about ritual, reverence, the soul, the teachings of the mystics, the influence of spirituality on social justice movements, etc. I was also incredibly aware that many folks in my generation seemed to be allergic to, even repulsed by, any talk of God or spirituality. They associated it all with the Christian Right and patriarchal oppression and wanted nothing to do with it. This fascinated me.

 

So I thought maybe I could be an unconventional minister (no dogma!) for any individual, from the devout to the atheist, who wanted companionship along life’s journey. I began a two-year study of interfaith ministry with the New Seminary and was ordained on the campus of St. John the Divine in 2005. Since that time, I've officiated dozens of weddings, memorial services, and various other ceremonies honoring life transitions. It’s been, however, in deep conversations regarding an individual’s unique path that I’ve felt most purposeful. 

 

My process is essentially intuitive though I am always honing my skills. In 2010, I took a course in Coaching at NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. In 2013, I began leading a biannual workshop for women that focused on exploring the shadow self. (A workshop I myself had taken in 2009 that was life-altering.) Over the years, I’ve attended various other workshops, seminars and conferences, and have read countless books on spiritual leadership and facets of the human journey. And I’m fortunate to have had incredible mentors, friends, and experiences along the way.

 

It is with this foundation that I entered the formal study of the Art of Spiritual Direction with Stillpoint in Los Angeles. After a two-year internship, I graduated from the program in May of 2020. Through Stillpoint, I've also earned certificates in Group Spiritual Direction, Internal Family Systems as a Model for Spiritual Companions, and Supervision for Spiritual Directors.

 

In 2022, I trained to become a community crisis chaplain with the New York State Chaplain Task Force. In 2023, I joined the staff of Stillpoint as a mentor for the 1st year interns. I’m also a member of Spiritual Directors International and the International Thomas Merton Society.

 

This vocation of spiritual companionship in many forms has coincided with my longtime career as an actor and writer in the entertainment industry. It’s sometimes been tricky to follow three vocations but it’s also been a terrific adventure.