A Coaching Model Created by Kylie Johnstone
(Health and Wellness Coaching, AUSTRALIA)
Introduction
The MORPH Life Atlas is both the model of coaching undertaken by MORPH Complete Wellness, and an interactive coaching tool which actively engages clients in a reflective, cognitive, and kinaesthetic process of exploration and discovery during coaching sessions.
The MORPH Life Atlas is based on three key principles:
- Health and wellbeing are holistic concepts which are dynamically influenced by a broad range of cognitive, physiological, emotional, behavioural, spiritual, interpersonal and environmental factors
- Health and wellbeing are personally defined and constructed concepts, experienced and interpreted uniquely by each individual
- Health and wellbeing are resources for living, and not just ends in themselves. Their enjoyment supports human potential, the achievement of life goals, and quality of life generally
The MORPH Life Atlas is a physical tool designed to be used by clients during their coaching sessions to support them consciously navigate their own explorative and developmental process. This process commences early in the coaching session, when the client is invited to turn the cog, locating themselves and their chosen area for discussion within the Atlas. This occurs via two steps:
- The client identifies the Domain (one of the 6 broad axis) or Sub-Domain (found on the circumference of the cog) that they wish to discuss
- The client identifies their Present and Desired States in relation to the Domain (The seven “A words” surrounding the cog)
From here, clients share their thoughts, feelings and perspectives about their identified Domain and State, and an explorative coaching conversation unfolds. With powerful listening and questioning, the client often finds themselves transitioning from one Domain to another, as the interrelationships between them are exposed and the client’s personal and situational awareness increases. The client may also witness themselves manoeuvring the Atlas Cog, as they process and shift toward their expressed Desired State, or toward another unanticipated State. As they move through various Atlas configurations, the client is encouraged to reflect on and celebrate their process and progress.
Life Domains
The Life Atlas offers six domains which are commonly associated with holistic definitions of health and wellbeing. These domains are also purposefully broad enough to be inclusive of most topics likely to arise, and can be interpreted as literal, abstract or symbolic representations of the client’s topic of choice.
