“We are the stories that we tell each other or that are told about us. »

Whether at the individual or collective level, stories shape our identities and profoundly influence our beliefs, behaviors and worldview. The narrative approach starts from this principle: by working on the “stories” we carry, we can transform our perspectives, reconnect with our resources and write new chapters more in tune with our aspirations.

What is the narrative approach?

The narrative approach is an accompaniment method (initially developed by Michael White and David Epston) who considers the story as a lever for change. By separating the person from the problem – as if observing a character in a story – it becomes easier to question limiting beliefs, reread events and bring out new angles.

• Outsource the problem : Rather than saying "I'm stuck", we talk about "the obstacle that stands in my way".

• Rewrite history : to promote the moments, skills and qualities often neglected, and thus build a richer and meaningful story.

Why use the narrative approach?

• break : By perceiving the problem as a story that we can question, we move away from the usual judgments and blockages.

• Valuing resources : The narrative stories emphasize the strengths and successes, even sometimes forgotten, to reactivate them.

• promote consistency : Find a common thread in your course, clarify your vision and build a project more aligned with your values.

• Stimulate creativity : The narrative approach invites you to approach situations differently, going beyond the usual framework of thought.

What are the benefits?

• A fresh look at yourself or the team : the dominant (sometimes limiting) story gives way to other more positive and momentum stories.

• Better management of emotions : Externally, the problem is designated differently, which reduces guilt or fear and facilitates awareness.

• A stronger sense of competence : Past successes and internal resources become visible again, offering a new breath to advance.

• Improved team cohesion : By sharing collective stories, we identify common values, we strengthen mutual trust and the shared vision.

• How do I integrate the narrative approach into my support?

• Metaphors and outsourcing : We describe the problem as a character or an external force, which makes it possible to question its influence and to discover new paths.

• Professional tree of life : This approach, inspired by the tree of life, brings out the roots (values, past experiences), the trunk (skills, know-how), the branches (dreams, projects) to build a positive and meaningful story.

• Team Forest : In a collective context, each “tree” represents a member of the team. The “forest” then reflects the Group’s dynamics, its synergies and its complementarities.

• The life journey : To clarify the trajectory, understand where you come from and where you want to go, while valuing past successes and future aspirations.

I practice a posture of non-knowing, curiosity and of decentralization, in order to be fully open to the vision of the “narrator” (the person or the team) and to explore new avenues together.

In individual or collective coaching, the narrative approach is particularly powerful to reconnect people with their resources, give new meaning to their experiences and make possible the co-construction of a desired future.

In summary

The narrative approach proposes to "rewrite one's story" to free oneself from limiting stories and reconnect with individual or collective capacities. Through metaphors, targeted questions and creative tools (tree of life, team forest, life journey), this method encourages everyone to Become aware of your resources, to Clarify your vision and to to act in alignment with its values.