Topic: In the heart of a story – Liberating Narratives of Dignity Free for ACTO members. $25 USD for prospective members. CCE pending.
Presenter: Dr. Sanjyot Pethe
Date: July 23, 2025, 8:00 US PT, 11:00 US ET, 17:00 CET, 20:30 IST (90 minutes)
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People live into stories—some we embrace, some we suppress, and others we inherit from socio-cultural influences. But how do we liberate our preferred narratives? How do we uncover our true potential hidden within these stories? As coaches, we hold space for our clients to explore, reclaim, and reshape the stories that define their lives. In this presentation, I will explore how narratives reside in the psyche and body, influencing how we experience ourselves and the world. We can help clients uncover stories of dignity, resilience, and possibility by integrating storytelling, somatic awareness, and systemic perspectives.
Narrative practices have expanded my lens to include systemic influences, recognizing that neither the client nor their story exists in isolation. Social identities are heavily influenced by and influence narratives. This in turn influences biases, prejudices, self esteem, sense of belonging and how we treat others. How do we use stories to reflect on these and promote inclusion and equity?
Drawing from my journey as a coach, OD consultant, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I have come to see that the body holds stories—stories of trauma, struggle, protest, and liberation. Mythology, fairy tales, and even children’s picture books have served as powerful mirrors, allowing clients to recognize and liberate their own narratives. By weaving together these insights, I have developed a framework that integrates story and body, helping clients shape the narratives they truly want to live into.
This session will be structured around four ICF coaching competencies:
- Cultivates Trust and Safety – Clients need a space where they feel seen and heard without judgment. Storytelling and body awareness create a non-threatening way to access deeply held beliefs and emotions. By honoring their existing narratives and gently exploring alternatives, we foster safety in transformation.
- Creates Awareness – Stories hold patterns that often go unnoticed. By listening to the stories embedded in a client’s body—through tension, movement, or breath—we can illuminate unconscious narratives. Through reflective storytelling, metaphor, and somatic inquiry, we help clients gain new perspectives on their experiences.
- Maintains Presence – Working with stories and the body requires deep presence. A coach’s ability to stay attuned to verbal and nonverbal cues allows clients to connect with their own wisdom. Using somatic attunement and narrative exploration, we remain fully engaged in the unfolding story.
- Enables Client Growth – True transformation occurs when clients recognize their agency in shaping their stories. By offering tools to reframe experiences and embody new narratives, we empower them to move toward stories of dignity and possibility.
In this presentation, I will introduce my framework for working with stories and the body, offering practical insights into how coaches can apply these principles in their practice. I will also share lessons from my workshop Narratives of Dignity, where participants engaged with storytelling and somatic work to reclaim their authentic narratives.
By the end of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how narratives live in the body and how to facilitate a process that honors, liberates, and transforms them. Through this work, we do more than help clients rewrite their stories—we support them in stepping into lives that align with their values, strengths, and dignity.
Prospective members will receive a payment link after submitting the registration form, registration is not complete until payment is received.
I am an OD consultant and coach passionate about helping individuals and organizations transform their narratives to create purpose and meaning. With 30 years of experience, I have supported mid and senior-level professionals in leadership development, self-belief enhancement, and skill-building. My approach integrates mind, body, and spirit.
I have worked across IT, pharmaceuticals, insurance, infrastructure, manufacturing, and NGOs, designing leadership programs, facilitating OD initiatives like change management, culture building, and diversity and inclusion. As a coach, I support leaders, professionals, and social sector workers in navigating complexity and growth. I have also worked extensively with assessments, diagnosis, and research-based interventions.
As a human process consultant and OD facilitator, I help organizations understand culture, diagnose systems, and facilitate change. My key projects include accountability culture, ambiguity management, and visioning. Unique programs I have designed include Embodied Leadership, Creativity Lab, Reflective Storytelling for Transformation, and Trauma-Informed Coaching.
I hold an MBA and Ph.D. and am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Transformation Coach and narrative practitioner. My work incorporates psychometric tools, mythology, and body wisdom. I am also a Wellness Associate at Parity Lab, integrating trauma-informed perspectives into OD and leadership. I enjoy storytelling, writing, and nature.