We live by stories.
Stories we've inherited.
Stories we've learned to tell ourselves.
Stories that once protected us—but now might be quietly shaping our lives in ways we no longer choose.
Narrative coaching is a practice rooted in the belief that these stories matter. It invites us to become aware of the personal narratives that shape how we see ourselves, relate to others, and make decisions. And then, gently, it offers the possibility of rewriting them.
I'm a certified narrative coach through The Moment Institute, and I can tell you: this approach changed how I work with people, and also how I live my own life.
What Narrative Coaching Is
Developed by Dr. David Drake at The Moment Institute, narrative coaching works with the stories people tell about themselves and their lives. Unlike approaches that focus mainly on setting goals or following step-by-step plans, narrative coaching focuses on being fully present with people as they explore their stories and discover new possibilities.
Put simply, narrative coaching helps people make meaningful changes by becoming more aware of the stories that shape their lives and learning how to reshape those stories when needed.
At its heart, narrative coaching is about:
Being present: Paying full attention to what's happening in the moment rather than following a rigid plan
Seeing the whole picture: Looking at someone's complete story—past experiences, current situation, and future hopes
Doing just enough: Supporting people in finding their own insights rather than telling them what to do
Working with the now: Recognising that real change happens in the present moment, when we see our stories in a new light
What Narrative Coaching Is Not
To better understand this approach, it helps to know what narrative coaching is not:
It's not following a cookbook of techniques or exercises
It's not mainly about setting targets or creating action plans
It's not just analysing stories intellectually without involving feelings or experiences
It's not the coach directing or controlling someone's journey
It's not something that only happens during scheduled sessions
My Personal Journey
Narrative coaching freed me from rigid structures. It gave me permission to move beyond frameworks and formulas, and instead trust what naturally emerges in conversations. It taught me to listen more deeply—to words, yes, but also to silence, body language, and the deeper meanings hidden beneath the surface.
This approach has carried me through different seasons of life: across countries, through career changes, and into those quiet moments when life doesn't offer simple answers. It's shown me that the stories I live by can change, and that I have a voice in how they unfold.
How Narrative Coaching Works
Rather than starting with an agenda, narrative coaches meet people exactly where they are. We begin with presence. We listen. We notice what's said and unsaid. And we invite curiosity about the stories that rise to the surface.
Through thoughtful conversations, people often find clarity, insight, and a new sense of possibility—not by trying to be someone else, but by reconnecting with who they already are beneath the noise.
Why It Matters
In a world that loves quick fixes, narrative coaching offers something different: a space to pause, reflect, and reimagine. It respects the richness of human experience and works with life's natural flow rather than forcing it into a box.
The stories we tell ourselves shape everything—our relationships, our work, our sense of what's possible. When we become aware of these stories and learn to work with them thoughtfully, we open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
As I bring narrative coaching into my work, I hope to offer others what it's offered me: a chance to pause, reflect, and reimagine. To notice the stories that no longer serve us. To honour the ones that do. And to create new ones that feel more true.
If this resonates with you—if you're in the middle of a life chapter that feels uncertain, challenging, or in transition—I hope this gives you a glimpse of what narrative coaching can offer.
Because your story is still being written.
And in the telling, you find yourself.