This podcast and free briefing document synthesises the core principles of narrative
psychology and its application in life coaching, as outlined in "The Secret
Power of Seeing Your Life as a Story."
The central thesis is that humans are storytelling beings who construct their
identity and make sense of their lives through internalised narratives.
These life stories are not fixed truths but malleable interpretations that
profoundly shape an individual's wellbeing, sense of agency, and future
possibilities.
The effective practice of narrative coaching involves helping clients recognize
their existing life stories, identify limiting patterns, and consciously re-author
more empowering narratives.
Key concepts include the contrast between "redemption sequences," which
frame adversity as a catalyst for growth, and "contamination sequences,"
which see positive events inevitably spoiled by negative outcomes.
An individual's psychological health is strongly correlated with their ability to
construct a coherent, meaningful life story.
Narrative coaching employs a range of evidence-based techniques, including
the Life Story Interview, Narrative Reframing, Future Authoring, and Narrative
Externalisation.
These tools empower clients to move from passive characters in stories
written by circumstance or culture to active authors of their own lives.
The approach is broadly applicable to challenges such as career transitions,
relationship difficulties, identity shifts, and finding purpose.
Crucially, this work demands a high degree of ethical consideration, including
cultural sensitivity, maintaining scope of practice, and avoiding the imposition
of the coach's own values.
Effective narrative coaching is not about creating fantasies but about
expanding the range of authentic, empowering interpretations available to the
client, ultimately fostering resilience, agency, and lasting change.