Our Mission
In our present times, significant economic, technological and social progress has led to a better quality of life, enhanced connectivity and more opportunities. However, along with these improvements, urgent issues related to anxiety, loneliness, alienation, and other forms of fragmentary living have grown, reinforcing a sense of hopelessness.
Although awareness raising has brought topics about wellbeing and mental health to the forefront, the survival mindset of going it alone still lingers when it comes to these deep-rooted issues. This mindset often makes it difficult for individuals to seek out the care and support they need in a timely fashion, leading to perpetual feelings of isolation, resentment and despair.
Beside You is an approach to providing mental health support through the style of spiritual accompaniment. This approach is inspired by the Christian heritage of pastoral ministry, spirituality, and the mystical tradition. It's important to note that while our approach is rooted in these traditions, we are committed to providing support that is inclusive and respectful of all belief systems.
At its core, accompaniment embodies the spirit of being a "companion," or compañero in Spanish. This term, derived from the Latin phrase ad cum panis, meaning to break bread together, inspires us to walk alongside one another on our shared journeys, creating bonds of support and understanding that empower us all.
Through accompaniment, the focus is on walking alongside someone on a shared journey, rather than establishing a hierarchical relationship where one expert imposes solutions on a passive recipient. Instead, the accompanier offers solidarity, a supportive presence, a sounding board, and guidance, while the person being accompanied drives their own path, empowering them to take control of their journey.
Thank you for being here. My name is Christopher, the face behind the Beside You initiative. The creation of this space and service is not just a result of my academic and professional experience, but also a response to the urgent need for spiritual companionship. I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to be present for others in their spiritual journey.
My academic journey has been deeply personal. I earned my Doctor of Philosophy in Theological and Religious Studies from the University of Glasgow, following a Master of Arts in Spirituality and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Malta. Professionally, I've had the privilege of assisting others through mental health crisis intervention, community work, and end-of-life care, while also being deeply involved in voluntary activities.
My approach to spirituality and spiritual accompaniment is shaped by an array of philosophical, literary, and spiritual figures, too numerous to enumerate in detail here. However, the primary foundations of my work are firmly rooted in the profound teachings of Saint John of the Cross and the psychoanalytic principles of Carl Gustav Jung. Throughout my academic journey, I have authored two publications: Reclaiming Men's Spirituality (2024) and A Journey to the High Places (2012).
More importantly, behind my academic and professional mask, I am an ordinary human being. Just like you, I've grappled with a range of emotions like meaninglessness, resentment, anger, betrayal, humiliation and rejection. The fear of trusting was present, but with the wonderful support of the right people at the right unplanned moments, incredible inner peace, comfort and growth were discovered through the practice of spiritual companionship.
Spirituality is not an isolated activity away from others or a delusion of self-righteousness. It is a faithful journey towards inner meaning, peace and fraternity, a journey we can all take together. At its core, spirituality is a loyal, open, and honest quest for truth, love and wholeness.
It is my aim through the Beside You project to expand the gift of accompaniment with you.
"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being."
— Carl Gustav Jung
Code of Conduct
The ethical principles guiding this accompaniment service are in accordance with the Spiritual Directors International Guidelines for Ethical Conduct. These principles highlight the significance of confidentiality, respect for individual autonomy and dignity, maintaining appropriate boundaries to prevent exploitation, ensuring informed consent, and appropriately referring clients when limitations of competence are observed.