A Coaching Model Created by Glenda M Francis
(Life Coach, UNITED STATES)
ARISE: A Unique Coaching Model
Life is a process of the natural unfolding of our consciousness, a dynamic process of growth and evolution. Many spiritual thought leaders agree that this process is designed to help us achieve enlightenment, that is, to be more like the Mighty Force (Creator, God) that created us. When we fail to consciously grow—that is, learn willingly and with clear intentions—or resist evolution, we become stagnant and tend to experience deep unhappiness and loss of meaning in our lives.
ARISE! My unique coaching model is not only a logotype visual reminder of our life’s purpose but a powerful learning framework by which to engage clients to self-discover, access their own internal power, and ascend into new ways of being that allow for immense possibilities and breakthroughs. As a life coach whose primary mission is to empower women, the clients that I attract (and am desiring) are those seeking deeper self-knowledge, to sift through the murkiness of their lives to achieve more clarity and fulfillment, to grow their self-confidence, or to gain more professional competence.
ARISE aims to address these deep needs and desires to facilitate my clients’ self-agency and transformation. Using a 5-stage, iterative approach, ARISE draws from critical coaching techniques and frameworks such as Appreciative Inquiry (AI)and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and is predicated upon the following qualities:
*Throughout this paper, I’ve chosen to reference the “client” using the gender pronouns of she/her.
ARISE!
Graphic representation depicting the interrelationship of the various stages of the ARISE model. Each successive stage expands the sphere of influence from the internal (attuning inner work) to the external (evolution as reflected in self-actualization and transformation).
Here’s what the ARISEiterative model could look like across a series of coaching sessions:
Attune:
In this important foundational stage, the coach partners with the client to gain clarity and alignment about what the client wants to achieve from life, in general, and coaching, in particular. Through conversations and the use of tools as appropriate, the coach supports the client to gain deeper insights into her unique ways of being such as her gifts, strengths, passions, and experiences that have informed her sense of self, and to tap into any latent or undefined life visions. The coach also supports the client to set learning goals and implement self-directed learning opportunities for the journey. Connecting the client to her own sense of self, eliciting new insights, broadening her perspectives, and setting learning goals are important hallmarks of this stage.
Possible Questions to Explore:
Reflect:
In this stage, the coach engages the client in an exploratory process to generate and reflect on possibilities for achieving the agreed outcomes. The client’s beliefs, mindset, attitudes, and emotions are always at play and are especially explored during this stage. Through the use of powerful questioning aimed at unearthing underlying beliefs as well as exercises such as visualizing/envisioning as appropriate, the client will be supported to examine the impact of her beliefs on the outcomes she’s wanting, reframe her language and thoughts, and imagine new ways forward. Supporting the client to align mindset, beliefs, and attitudes with her aspirations is an essential hallmark of this stage.
Possible Questions to Explore:
Inquire:
All human ingenuity is first envisioned, whether spiritually, cognitively, or emotionally before it is birthed in the physical world. That is because human beings are coded with a spiritual blueprint for infinite possibilities and greatness. This is our God-given power. When we are afraid to make decisions or embrace change, we tend to seek advice, searching outward rather than within for support and validation. And yet, no one except the omnipotent, omniscient Creators qualified to know your spiritual curriculum. You are the only person who can change your life. We must learn to go within and awaken!
In this stage of introspection, the client will be intentionally directed and supported to inquire of self first as a basis for problem solving and creative design. In recognizing and valuing herself as a resource, the client will tap into her internal reservoir of power to access and connect to her own intellect, creativity, heart’s desires, history of decision-making, and a toolbox of strategies. To self-inquiry is also to seek Divine clarity and guidance, which builds the client’s faith and trust in herself and a Universe conspiring on her behalf.
Possible Questions to Explore:
Set:
In this goal-setting and planning stage, the client is supported to assume a more self-directed, active role in formulating realistic goals and designing a plan of action to move forward. The coach acts more like a sounding board, offering actionable feedback and powerful questioning, to facilitate self-agency and deeper self-learning.
Possible Questions to Explore:
Evolve:
During this stage of action and accountability, the client is supported—and challenged—to walk out of her plan to manifest her goals and life vision. The coach supports the client in identify successes and challenges and trying out new behaviors/ways of being.
The client evolves when she
Possible Questions to Explore:
Conclusion
ARISE is both a reminder of what we, as “spiritual beings having a human experience,” are called to do as well as a unique coaching model designed to guide clients towards that end to achieve meaning and fulfillment. At the heart of the ARISE model is the development of the client’s deep self-knowledge, which is critical for self-awareness and growth in our life’s journey. Essentially, as we evolve, we ascend to new dimensions and consciously, powerfully, participate in the unfolding of life. This is what the ARISE model aims to accomplish.
References
Beckwith, Michael Bernard. 2019. Prosperity, Plenitude, and Infinite Possibilities. Amazon.com: That Guy’s House.
__________. 2016. “Questions to Ask the Universe to Help Unfold Your Biggest Gift to the World.” YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDfgPoYm03k
International Coach Academy. 2019. “Appreciative Inquiry.”
International Coach Academy. 2019. “Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).”
Vanzant, Iyanla.2008. Tapping the Power Within A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women, Revised and Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition. New York: SmileyBooks [sic].
__________. 2000.Until Today: Daily Devotions for Spiritual Growth and Peace of Mind. New York: Fireside.
Warren, Rick. 2012. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?, Expanded Edition. Michigan: Zondervan.
Winfrey, Oprah.2019. The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose. New York: Flatiron Books.
Zukav, Gary. 2014. The Seat of the Soul, 25th Anniversary Edition. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.