Recipe of Life: A Relational Narrative Approach in Therapy With Persons Living With Chronic Pain

Objective: This study aims to describe the effectiveness of applying an overarching narrative metaphor, the “spiritual seasoning of life,” among 30 older adults diagnosed with chronic pain in Hong Kong. Methods: Using a qualitative evaluative approach, interviews of participants from group-based Narrative therapy (NT) interventions were conducted. Thematic analysis was performed on their responses during group sessions. Results: The practice was effective in helping the participants to: 1) deconstruct their problem-saturated stories; 2) unearth their inner strengths, core values, and perceived knowledge; 3) co-construct their preferred life stories and identities; and 4) document how these participants reclaimed their meaning of life after living with chronic pain. Conclusion: Narrative conversations using such metaphors are useful to reconnect them with different relationships, their significant others, and the society as a whole, and has practical implications for promoting the quality of life of people living with chronic pain in the context of recovery.