1. A multi-directional deflectable catheter apparatus for thermally modulating renal nerves from within a renal artery of a patient, the catheter apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular shaft extending along an axis, the elongated tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle proximal to the proximal end of the elongated tubular shaft; a flexible tubular structure distal from the distal end of the elongated tubular shaft, the flexible tubular structure adapted to make a transitional bend from the aorta of the patient to the renal artery; a multi-directional deflectable assembly distal from the flexible tubular structure, the multi-directional deflectable assembly having a circumferentially-positioned spine; a flexure control element coupled to the multi-directional deflectable assembly; a flexure controller carried by the handle and coupled to the flexure control element, the flexure controller adapted to apply a first force via the flexure control element to the multi-directional deflectable assembly; a thermal element carried by or distal from the multi-directional deflectable assembly, wherein the thermal element comprises a single distal tip electrode having an atraumatic tip; and a distal flexure zone attached to and distal from the multi-directional deflectable assembly, wherein the thermal element is coupled to the distal flexure zone, and wherein the distal flexure zone is configured to allow passive flexure in any plane about the axis in response to a second force applied to the thermal element via contact with an inner wall of the renal artery; wherein the multi-directional deflectable assembly is adapted for flexure in at least two radial directions in a plane through the axis of the elongated tubular shaft upon application of the first force via the flexure control element; wherein the multi-directional deflectable assembly is adapted upon flexure to position the thermal element in contact with the inner wall of the renal artery.