"What defines us is how well we RISE after falling. I believe in change. I believe that human beings are capable of transformative growth, if they are willing to look at their lives and learn to live in its possibilities."
-Miles
Culinary Art Therapy
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Culinary Art Therapy is rooted in Expressive therapies; which were founded by humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers. According to his daughter Natalie, "the term expressive therapy or expressive art therapy generally includes art, dance and music therapies; as well as journal writing, poetry, imagery, meditation and improvisational drama. Using the expressive arts to foster emotional healing, resolve inner conflict and awaken individual creativity is a relatively new and expanding field."
Before becoming a Marriage and Family therapist I spend over (3) decades in the culinary industry. I have been preparing a table for individuals to come together for a long time, and I can really help you in addressing complex issues. My therapeutic philosophy recognizes the influence of circular causality on behavior & in maintaining negative patterns of interaction and communication.
I'm working to expand upon the foundation of work Carl Rogers inspired. His work explored other avenues to connection & authentic expression which invited individual mindfulness, relational repair & restoration. We will do this work together through the use of food.
Culinary therapy at Sunrise encompasses cooking and cooking-related activities, in your home or office with a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with culinary training. Their role is to assist in meal preparation, and to facilitate communication & intervention(s) around family goals or areas of need.
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I understand the importance of having a safe restorative space to express, repair, and heal.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CULINARY THERAPY?
Cooking is a basic skill for daily living, yet many people don’t feel comfortable around food or in the kitchen. In addition to learning a valuable life skill, culinary therapy offers the following benefits:
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Stress relief
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Improved social skills
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Balance and coordination
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Sensory awareness
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Improved physical health
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Enhanced ability to plan and organize
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Time management skills
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Relief from boredom
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Improved memory, attention and focus
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Self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment
WHAT CONDITIONS/DISORDERS DOES CULINARY THERAPY TREAT?
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Although cooking may seem like a common day-to-day activity, it can be therapeutic for a diverse group of people.
Culinary therapy can be part of treatment for:
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Eating Disorders
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Learning Disabilities and ADHD
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Autism
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Depression
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Anxiety
SUNRISE-Culinary Therapy (CT)
Culinary therapy at Sunrise encompasses cooking and cooking-related activities with a professional Chef, or Cooking Coach and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed mental health counselor or equivalent mental health specialist.
Their role is to assist in meal preparation, and to facilitate communication & intervention(s) around family goals or areas of need. It’s during these moments of safety and connection real healing can occur.
We work with individuals and groups to explore food safety and prep; recipe development; cooking demonstrations and more. We will prepare small plate items; salads, appetizers, specialty sandwiches, petite desserts and more.
Sessions are available in-office or in-home.
Our group sessions are conducted at varies local restaurants.
Contact us for pricing
75 or 90 min sessions available
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Professional Chef, or Cooking Coah and Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with culinary training whose role it is to assist in meal preparation, and to facilitation communication around family goals or areas of need.
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75- or 90-min session that consists of an initial introduction/ framing of the session/event, actual cooking time, an informal yet guided discussion, and, of course, time to eat and process.
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An opportunity to connect, reflect and share in the experiences for yourself and of your partner. Start having conversations that invites honest feedback and healing.
Families Session (75 or 90 Mins)
Contact us for pricing
75 or 90 min sessions available
*additional fee $15pp for more than (4) attendees
Why the Family Meal Is Important?
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According to Stanford Children’s Health, "For many parents, it would be much easier and simpler to forget about family dinners. Jobs, children, after-school activities all contribute to families being constantly on the go, thus feeling the need to eat on the run.
But more and more parents are realizing the importance of shared family time at the dinner table. Often, this is the only time when all family members are all together in one place.
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Although family dinners are viewed by some people as another burdensome chore at the end of a tiring day, more American families realize that the benefits of sharing time at day's end cannot be measured by calories alone. Numerous studies show that eating together not only is an important aspect of family life but helps make weight control easier.
When a family sits down together, it helps them handle the stresses of daily life and the hassles of day-to-day existence.
Eating together tends to promote more sensible eating habits, which in turn helps family members manage their weight more easily.
What you’ll get:​
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Pre-session consultation to meal plan (meal selections, ingredients, preparation time, etc.…), as well as discuss family goals and desired outcomes. (via video or phone) approx. 15-20 mins
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Professional Chef, or Cooking Coach and Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with culinary training whose role it is to assist in meal preparation, and to facilitation communication around family goals or areas of need.
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75- or 90-min session that consists of an initial introduction/ framing of the session/event, actual cooking time, an informal yet guided discussion, and, of course, time to eat and process.
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An opportunity to connect and share in the experiences of your family. Have actual dinner conversation that invites honest feedback and healing.
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Create more opportunities to be present in the lives of those that matter to you by spending more quality time together. (No cell phones at the table!)
Small Corporate Group Session (75 or 90 Mins)
Contact us for pricing
75 or 90 min sessions available
Inspire, motivate, inform and connect with your employees/staff through team-building and fun. We will come to your location or use one of our restaurant partner(s) kitchen. Professional Chef, and Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with culinary training whose role it is to assist in meal preparation, and to facilitation communication around goals or areas of need. Participates are encouraged to suggest or request specific topics and areas of focus. This is your time and your group; it’s all about you, so let’s hear your voices.)
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Healthcare | Sales | Administration | Construction | Law Enforcement | Military and more.
Weekly Small Group Events (75 mins)
Come out and meet like-minded individuals, couples and families…. looking for opportunities to connect, share and heal. Groups are held at local restaurants Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings. Education and entertaining. What a great way to spend a few hours with others.
Contact us directly for event specifics (location, menu and fee)
Groups and Topics include:​​
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Domestic Violence/Anger
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Sexless Marriage
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Infidelity
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Blended Families
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Daughters and Moms
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Grand-parenting
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Men’s Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Couples & Conflict Intimacy
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Learn Communication Skills
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Couples Prepare & Enrich Certification
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*This list represents only a few possible topics. Participates are encouraged to suggest or request specific topics and areas of focus. This is your time and your group; it’s all about you, so let’s hear your voices.
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Contact us for more details and a calendar of our group events; weekly topic and which local restaurant location will be hosting. This is a fun and affordable way to get the support, affirmation and connect you deserve; while cooking, then eating a great meal in a profession kitchen/restaurant setting.
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Culinary Art Therapy in a safe non-judgmental group setting is a unique way to connect with other people who really understand your challenges and hold no judgments.
Additionally, you can improve overall confidence, communication, increase connection, and boost your problem-solving skills; all while having fun!
What you’ll get:
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To eat what you make
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Affordable participation fees
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Learn to prepare an appetizer, entree, or dessert from trained restaurant professions.
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Group sessions are facilitated by peer advisers/survivors.
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Guest speakers and presentations (licensed mental health counselors, therapists and other professionals)
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Coached cooking, as well as facilitated discussions
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Participants will be assigned specific dishes and guided all the way through from the preparation stage to the serving stage
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Resources to take home