Understanding Narratives:
Narratives are the stories we tell ourselves. They shape our identity, behavior, and perception of the world.
Some narratives are inherent (based on gender, culture, etc.), while others emerge from lived experiences and choices.
Narrative Coaching recognizes that these stories are at the core of our being.
Self-Awareness:
Before embarking on change, clients explore their current narratives. They inquire into questions like, “What story am I telling myself right now?”
This inquiry fosters self-awareness, allowing clients to recognize the narratives that define them.
Agency and Alternatives:
Armed with awareness, clients gain agency. They can consider alternative narratives they might want to embrace.
They discover which narratives serve them and which they’d like to change.
Authoring New Stories:
Narrative Coaching encourages clients to create new narratives.
It shifts from coaching people to succeed in the present to exploring how to coach them to create what could be.
Benefits of Narrative Coaching:
Provides deep awareness and reflection.
It helps clients to recognize ongoing stories/narratives in their lives and limiting beliefs that keep them stuck
It helps clients to reframe and reclaim their difficult life stories and embrace the unique strengths that give them the power and carry them in difficult times.
With these new skills and more accurate and empowered views of themselves, clients learn how to handle life's ups and downs with a full arsenal of their individual strengths, values, and long-term goals.
“Every person's journey is a unique narrative waiting to unfold.”