The Hidden
Narrative Method

Guiding leaders through their transitions by uncovering the hidden stories that shape their path.

coach sitting at desk with military leader client
executive coach sitting at table with private client

I believe in the power of inquiry and the truth that emerges when we dare to trust our own experience.

Through structured yet flexible coaching, I help leaders find their footing during profound shifts by uncovering their hidden narratives with genuine curiosity.

This work isn’t about arriving at a destination—it’s about fostering discovery of your authentic story and allowing new possibilities to unfold when you remain open to what you might find.

About Alison Carroll

headshot of coach Alison Carroll

My journey to coaching began in language. As a Harvard-trained linguist and professional translator working in French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, I spent years helping people express themselves across barriers of language, culture, and relationship.

This work revealed a profound truth: we are all shaped by hidden narratives—the underlying values, assumptions, and meanings that define how we see ourselves and our place in the world.

Understanding these stories became my passion after experiencing my own professional crossroads. Caught between perfectionism and never feeling “good enough,” I discovered firsthand how coaching could unveil new possibilities and restore meaningful connection to one’s own approach to life. This personal transformation sparked my transition from translator to executive coach, and I brought with me a deep appreciation for how language and story shape our lives and leadership.

Today, I partner with leaders around the globe who are moving through change. Drawing from extensive training in ontological coaching at The Newfield Network, narrative coaching through The Moment Institute, and certification from the International Coaching Federation (PCC), I help clients uncover the stories that have shaped their success—and sometimes limited their growth.

My approach integrates perspectives from Dr. David Drake’s work, Dr. Gabor Maté’s trauma research, and Dr. Richard Schwartz’s internal family systems, creating a framework that honors both structured progress and deep personal insight.

My Approach

I believe transformation begins with honest reflection. Whether you’re a senior executive contemplating your next move or a military leader shifting to civilian life, our work together will:

  • Illuminate patterns that have shaped your success and may now limit your growth

  • Explore what truly matters in this moment beyond traditional metrics of achievement

  • Build new narratives that align with your authentic values and aspirations

  • Transform professional uncertainty into purposeful direction

As an Advisory Board member for The Moment Institute and lifelong student of human development, I continue to evolve my practice through ongoing supervision and learning. This commitment ensures I bring both proven structure and fresh insight to each client’s unique path.

coach sitting at table talking with military client

“Coaching with Alison is a deep, insightful, and authentic ongoing conversation with someone who truly sees you…a transformative experience that has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life.”


— K.C., Clinical Research Executive

coach sitting at table talking with private client

My Commitment

I believe we all wish to belong to something greater than ourselves, and that connection happens through vulnerability, openness, and honest dialogue. 

My commitment is to generous listening and attentive presence—creating space where your story can unfold naturally in a world that demands constant motion and improvement. I stand firm in the power of genuine curiosity and deep respect for each person’s experiences, holding space for both the courage to question and the wisdom to pause, allowing what’s right for you to materialize.

I believe in hearing both what is said and what remains unspoken, offering reflections that invite you to see your world in new ways. Our work creates an environment where profound recognition can surface naturally, where uncertainty can coexist with possibility, and where your own wisdom has room to emerge.

The understanding we develop together often ripples outward over time, revealing deeper layers of meaning as you integrate them into your evolution. This is patient, important work—and I’m committed to honoring both the immediate discoveries and their lasting resonance in your life.