Cooking and Counseling
A pantry staple of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy is a focus on values-based behavior and noticing moments of quality living with mindfulness. I appreciate the mindful value of embracing the Here-Now (often in my kitchen), eating food I make myself, and sharing my joy and experiencs with my loved ones.
ACT isn't just what I do, it’s who I am. I invite my clients to explore the kitchen with me and consider their values-based behaviors in the comfort and setting of the kitchen.
Clients are open to explore their topics of talk therapy while engaging with the many different ways we connect with food and cooking. In the safety of the kitchen, we can learn to take the skills learned into the other spaces of our lives.
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Everyone has stories to share.
The kitchen is often called “The Heart of the Home” and can be a safe space to explore matters of the heart and head. Blending the principles of ACT therapy with cooking techniques, clients can feel the support of a context different from traditional therapy. Together, we can share stories over an ever-evolving relationship with food.
Food for Thought:
Client Testimonial
“…my fondest memories (of our work) was cooking while talking with you.”
“It’s not about the goal. It’s the process- the more important thing.”
“It gave me a connection to food I didn’t have before.”
“It’s no longer about the chore of cooking.”
Expand your coping cupboard.
The tools we use in the kitchen can do more than just make food. By identifying and connecting with values in the kitchen, clients are learning ways to expand connection with quality living in other domains of their lives.
Whether Sharing a Meal or as a Party of One…
Having a relationship with food and cooking provides a buffet of ways to connect with others by sharing recipes, techniques, traditions, and stories. Individually, cooking can provide structure and routine, internal calming benefits, and create opportunities for curiosity, growth, and self-understanding.
Counseling can be accessible.
Working together through telehealth, clients can access therapeutic services right from their home and kitchen. And I can attest, there's nothing quite like a home-cooked meal.
Serving clients in the State of Maryland.
Telehealth means Culinary ACT therapy is a few clicks of the mouse and chops on the cutting board away.
For more to chew on…
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© 2022 Joey Salvatore, LCPC
