Putting together the life you want now.

Spiritual companionship for wherever you are, whatever you believe.

A smiling woman with short gray hair, wearing glasses and a purple sweater, against a dark gray background.
A close-up view of a spiral pattern on concrete pavement, with decorative geometric designs inside the spiral and some scattered leaves and dirt.

Hi, I’m Marylen Marty-Gentile, a certified spiritual director with years of experience walking alongside people through various stages of their lives. Walking with them through their questions and doubts, through their griefs and transitions, through their confusion and their longings. 

But if you feel skittish about spiritual direction, I totally get it. 

It raises a lot of questions, right? Like: 

Where would I be directed? And is it any place I’d ever want to go?

Is someone going to try to stuff me into some sort of spiritual Tupperware? 

Would a spiritual director try to change my spirituality or tell me I’m “doing spirituality” wrong?

The answers are – No, we would journey together. No. No!

What can spiritual direction offer you?

When you work with me, you might come with an issue you’re ready to explore. Or you might come tentatively, and we wonder together what’s stirring just under the surface. You might come wanting to deepen your spirituality or because you’re deconstructing the faith you’ve been practicing and trying to find your way forward.  You may want to explore life’s big mysteries, pour out grief, talk about death. 

In spiritual direction, you set your agenda, not me. You want and deserve to be heard, and my role is to listen and wonder with you.

I believe you have the wisdom inside you to make meaning out of your life’s journey. We can access it together.

Abstract watercolor painting featuring a Yin-Yang symbol with a yellow and red sphere, and the phrase 'my cup overflows with blessings' written at the bottom right.

Testimonials

“Marylen has a depth of understanding through listening to others and asking open questions that let you explore your own existence and experience. Her insights are helpful and hopeful.”

— Sue C, Ketchum, ID

"At a time of loss and uncertainty, Marylen was there: her presence a comfort, her words speaking to my soul.  She was the steadfast balm in a sea of uncertainty.

Marylen knows how to listen, really listen.  She hears beyond the words to sense the feeling that goes with each sentence I utter.  She is gifted at asking just the right question that opens my heart to a deeper comprehension of what is really going on.  She leads one on the sacred path to self-discovery calling upon Holy Wisdom every step of the way."

— Beth D, Darien IL

“I find Rev Marylen and our sessions to be delightful. Whatever she shares, I bounce off my own knowing. I’m grateful for her gifts of insight and wisdom. Also, her home office is welcoming, comfy and beautiful.”

— Gina O, Forest Park, IL

Wondering if this could be right for you?

SCHEDULE A FREE 20 MINUTE PHONE CALL OR ZOOM

We can get to know each other a little, and you can explore if this might be what you need. And don’t worry. This call comes with no strings, no pressure, no obligation to continue.