Embracing the Narrative to Deepen Your Practice

We speak with Lauren Locke, ACC, PIECL who recently completed the Narrative Approaches to Organisational Coaching course. From powerful realisations to subtle shifts in practice, Lauren's reflections offer insight into how narrative work can profoundly shape how we hold space for others, and ourselves.

Q: What initially drew you to the Narrative Coaching course, and how is it relevant to where you were in your coaching journey?

At this stage in my journey, I was looking to “level up.” I wanted to coach in a way that felt deeper and more impactful. I was searching for a course that would stretch me and further professionalise my skillset.

I remember reading a quote that said, “You can only take someone as far as you’ve gone yourself.” That line stayed with me. I realised I needed to keep growing in my coaching skills. Not just for my counterparts, but for myself.

Q: Can you share a moment during the course when you experienced a shift in your understanding of narrative in coaching?

There was a moment when I realised that I had been unconsciously polishing my own story to make it more positive, always finding the silver lining, always moving forward. It helped me cope, but it also meant I had lost contact with the messier, unresolved parts of my own narrative. My career has been super tricky and it was a "lightbulb moment" for me to realise that I'm overly positive in the retelling of my own journey.

In essence, the course forced me to sit with what hadn’t been fully acknowledged for myself. That shift helped me see that coaching isn’t about tidying up beliefs...it’s about allowing space for the full truth, even when it doesn’t yet have language.

Q: How has learning to work with narratives changed the way you approach limiting beliefs or ingrained cultural stories within organisations?

It’s completely changed my perspective. I listen for different things in a counterparts language than I did previously. I'm listening for assumptions and deeply held beliefs that might not even be fully articulated. Now, instead of jumping to conclusions, I ask myself: What story am I hearing? What’s not being said? I approach these moments with far more curiosity, and that has changed the conversations I have with counterparts.

Q: Were there challenges in integrating narrative approaches into your coaching style? How did the course support you through that?

Yes, particularly with object-based externalising. I initially found it hard to connect with. But that resistance actually helped me grow. I had to confront my assumptions about learning and storytelling and realise that what doesn’t work for me might be transformative for someone else. It also reminded me how crucial psychological safety is.

Q: If another experienced coach was considering this course, what would you tell them about the value it brings?

This course isn’t easy, and that’s what makes it valuable. It will stretch how you listen and how you hold space. It asked me to sit with parts of myself I thought I had already worked through. In fact, it surfaced more questions than answers for my own coaching practice, but that’s where the gold was for me.

Narrative Coaching will ask you to unlearn, to experiment, and to listen differently. If you’re ready for that kind of challenge, it will transform how you coach.

Lauren Locke, ACC, PIECL Director of Client Development | Career & Leadership Coach | Helping Professionals & Organizations Navigate Career Transitions