Cooking up better mental health

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Counseling involves a lot of talking, but what if the client feels uncomfortable in a typical counseling scenario with chairs and eye contact?

Well, yesterday on the radio, I learned about cooking therapy or culinary art therapy (CAT) as an alternative modality that can augment traditional talk therapy. Cooking therapy can help with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Culinary art therapy can be done one-one-one or in groups such as families or employees in a workshop format.

Julie Ohana, a culinary art therapist, has said this about CAT, 'It is really an exercise in mindfulness. When you're lining up things, cutting things in a certain way, you really get into a groove. You're really able to focus on what you're doing, be in the moment, let other things go."

Many people already find enjoyment in cooking, but as a therapy, clients benefit by relieving stress, improving social skills, experiencing sensory awareness, finding better physical health, increasing focus, and boosting self-esteem as well as gaining time management skills and the ability to plan and organize.

Cooking with others boosts confidence and reduces feelings of depression.

CAT sessions encourage communication with others (in a group) or the therapist (one-on-one) which eases fears and lowers stress/anxiety levels while cooking or baking. This opens the door for meaningful discussions about the client's thoughts and feelings.

At the end of a successful CAT session, clients leave with food for thought and the anticipation of eating their creation.

Bon appetit!