Recipe of life: A relational narrative approach in therapy with persons living with chronic pain

Abstract

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.

Method: Using a qualitative inquiry approach, interviews of participants from group-based narrative therapy (NT) interventions were conducted. Thematic analysis was performed on their responses to 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 have practical implications for promoting the quality of life of people living with chronic pain in the context of recovery.