The Compass Course
The Compass Course is an 8-session in-person or virtual group to renew or support purpose in daily life.
The Course was developed by researchers and rehabilitation clinicians because of compelling scientific evidence that having a sense of purpose is important to our health coupled with the lack of approaches to renew purpose in life that are supported by research.
The goal of the Compass Course is to support purpose in daily life, defined as intentional use of our time and energy in ways that align with our values, strengths, and sources of personal meaning in the moments that compose a day.
We do this by helping participants become reacquainted with their inner Compass (values, strengths, sources of personal meaning); chart their Course through purpose planning; and then figure out how to navigate with purpose in their lives going forward.
Our work is premised on the notion that every life is whole-enough right now to be purpose-full.
Compass Course developers (left to right): Mattie Anheluk, Joette Zola, me, Ginger Carroll, Jerry Halsten
How does it work?
People attend 8 professionally-facilitated group sessions (Zoom or in-person) over a two-and-a half month period to reconnect with what matters most (their inner Compass), the everyday endeavors that most align, and the direction their arrow points.
How do we know that it is helpful?
We have conducted five feasibility studies on the Compass Course with participants who have had cancer, long haul COVID, or persistent symptoms from concussions. Overall, these studies suggest that:
Most people who lacked purpose direction before the Compass Course endorsed purpose direction upon completing the Course.
People tell us they like it.
In addition to research, the Compass Course is offered in the community. Over 200 people have taken the Course.
“I am so grateful that I participated in this experience. Truly, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself and it has benefited my marriage, my role as mother and my friendships. Thank you so very very much for this opportunity. Your sessions and homework are put together perfectly to bring success. I am so thankful to you all.”
“The Compass Course inspired me to think more deeply, and do further study, about ideas around purpose and meaning in my own life. It helped me understand how critically important a sense of purpose and meaning is to my self-identity.”
“I learned that no matter how purposeful one’s life is, it’s worthwhile to periodically invest time in a “searching and fearless moral inventory”. Are there some new ports of call that beckon? Are there other ports that no longer entice me and can be removed from the itinerary? Are my gifts being used in alignment with my values so my journey is fulfilling? Have I got a map (aka purpose statement and purpose priorities) that are my foundation for the road ahead? The Compass Course invited me to drop anchor and take inventory before I set off on the next leg of the adventure.”
“It was extremely helpful to me after recently retiring and transitioning to the next stage of my life. The materials helped me in developing a purpose plan and action steps to implement the plan. The discipline and process helped solidify my path going forward.”
“The Compass Course helped get me out of my funk and feeling “stuck” post cancer. I believe it started me on a trajectory towards growth.”
Read more about our research.
Gowdy Wagener S, Radomski MV, Castro-Pearson S, Anheluk M, Carroll G, Grabe K, Kath K, Kocian A, Lindenfelser L, Rademacher J, Somlai B, Yunek J, Zola J. (in press). Purpose in Life Renewal for COVID-19 Survivors: A Feasibility Study. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research. DOI: 10.1177/15394492261464079/ ID: OTJR-25-0188.R3.
Covington NV, Radomski MV, Kocian A, Castro-Pearson S, Herrmann AA, Kath K, Lindenfelser L, Schwalbe SA, Wagener SG, Zola J. (2026). Purpose Renewal in Adults With Persisting Symptoms After Concussion: Results of a Non-Randomized Feasibility Trial. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 41(2), 110-119. doi: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000001073
Abstract here.
Radomski MV, Anheluk M, Carroll G, Kath K, Kreiger R, Zola J (2023). Feasibility of a Group-Based Purpose Renewal Intervention for Cancer Survivors Via Zoom. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 43(3), 399-407. doi:10.1177/15394492231156119
Abstract here.
Radomski MV, Anheluk M, Carroll GL, Grabe K, Halsten JW, Kath K, Kreiger RA, Lunos ME, Rabusch S, Swenson KK, Zola J (2022). Preliminary efficacy of an occupation-oriented purpose in life intervention after breast cancer. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 89(2), 115-126. doi: 10.1177/00084174211073264
Abstract here.
Radomski MV, Swenson KK, Anheluk M, Zola J, Kreiger R, Rabusch S, Halsten J, Kath K, Carroll G, Zust BL (2020). The feasibility of a purpose-renewal intervention after treatment for early stage breast cancer: A brief report. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 38(4), 501-9. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2019.1692990