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 (1) there is compelling scientific evidence that having a sense of purpose is important to our health and (2) there are very few 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. (2026). 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.
Abstract here.
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
FAQs
Why did the developers create a group-based Course rather than a self-study?
- The scientific literature pointed us towards developing a group-based “intervention”. Socially-mediated learning (that is, a process where people acquire new information and skills in conversation with others) contributes to cognitive growth and behavior change.
- Purpose in life is typically not a frequent topic of conversation. As a result, sometimes people who are trying to figure this out feel a little off or different from others. People find it enriching and motivating to talk with others who are also interested in this important topic.
What happens at a typical CC session?
- Participants receive a Guidebook before the Course begins that frames the contents of the Course.
- Each session builds on the next, focusing on topics relating to exploring your inner Compass at this juncture of your life and the everyday actions or behaviors that move you towards what matters most.
- We begin each session with a quick round robin question-response related to the topic of the day.
- The facilitators follow an administration guide that assures that each group receives the same material.
- Each session combines brief presentations from the Guidebook with self-reflection activities and small group conversations.
- We take a 5-minute stretch-break midway through the session.
- We review homework at the end of each session.
People who would like to learn more about facilitating the Course with other people are invited to stay for 30 minutes more.
What is expected of me if I decide to be part of the Course?
- Gift yourself this time of growth with a sense of openness – to yourself, other participants, and the process.
- Take responsibility for what you get out of the experience. Each week, we will create a buffet of options for self-reflection and growth but it’s up to you to choose in what areas you want to invest based on what fits for this time in your life.
- Be prepared to be a supportive/accepting presence. Note: this is not a support group; it’s a personal growth class. However, everyone contributes to the creation of a supportive learning environment.
- Arrive on time to sessions (a little early is even better!)
- Invest some time to do weekly homework as best you can, which is designed to help people begin to apply what they are learning in the Course. Most past participants report that they spend about 30 minutes doing homework in between sessions.
- Keep the camera on during our Zoom sessions and your microphone turned off except, of course, when you want to speak.
- Try to participate from a quiet space to minimize distractions for yourself and others and to create some level of privacy for other participants in the group.
Do I have to talk?
- No, you don’t. We appreciate that you have enrolled in the Course for yourself and your own goals. We use a round-robin method in many of our discussions or invite specific people to share, if they want. Anyone who does not want to speak simply says, “Pass” – no judgment.
- We want to promote conversation at Course sessions while making sure that we cover all of the material. Sometimes this means politely cutting people off as we shift to a new topic.
What if I miss a session?
- Because each session builds on the previous one, you will get the most out of the Course if you are present for all 8 sessions. But we understand if something comes up where you simply cannot.
- There are 2 options to get up to speed if you miss a session: 1) you can watch a brief video where the key points of a given session are summarized; 2) you and Mary can schedule a 30-minute Zoom session for an overview. With both options, you will need to read the material in the Guidebook ahead of time.
Why do convene the Course using Zoom?
- We can provide the Compass Course in-person or via Zoom.
- Our team has provided the Compass Course via Zoom to at least 15 groups so far, most as part of research. We designed our format to align with best practices in face-to-face synchronous videoconferencing (aka Zoom) and analyzed data related to participant experience. Overall, we’ve demonstrated that we can deliver the Compass Course material in a consistent manner whether in-person or Zoom and that even via Zoom, people like the experience.
- Obviously, using Zoom helps make the Course accessible to people outside of a specific geographic area. Even for people in the same community, it cuts out the drive time.
- We are committed to adhering to good Zoom etiquette during the Course, which we share with participants. This elevates the experience for everyone.
Please email Mary@choosingpurpose.com with any other questions.
