Kitchen Therapy

Kitchen Therapy is a cookery book and psychotherapeutic adventure in one, explaining the rationale behind the use of food as a therapeutic medium. Rather than focusing on physical nutrition alone, Kitchen Therapy explores the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions food holds for us. In a mechanised, materialistic world solely focused on what we can measure, this presents a return to the kitchen as a place of creativity, nurture and intuitive connection. A place where one can listen and respond to the needs of the psyche, rewilding the human spirit. This book is for anyone interested in applying creative, inclusive self-development, with edible spirituality that you can practise in the kitchen. Practitioners in the helping professions will find ideas for self-care, community and client practice, with useful material for creative therapy and attachment courses.

In this original, honest, unputdownable and loveable book, Hastings shows how communal cooking is both physiology and symbol, history and present moment, life support and social bond, convention and creativity, pleasure and therapy. Gnaw at it, enjoy it, try its recipes – satisfaction guaranteed.

Jeremy Holmes

Hon Professor of psychological therapies, University of Exeter, UK

Kitchen Therapy brings a surprising, playful, and embodied new dimension to psychotherapy. Food -- its preparation and consumption -- is replete with ancient, communal meanings. What a wonderful pathway into psyche!

Lisa Marchiano, LCSW, NCPsyA
Writer, Jungian Analyst, Podcaster

In this truly unique publication, Hastings integrates her expertise in the two seemingly disparate fields of psychotherapy and cooking with great creativity and optimism. I deeply recommend this extremely memorable book, based on a vast range of experience, to every single human being.

Professor Brett Kahr, author, and Senior Fellow at the Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology in London

Hastings has been working in the caring professions for thirty years where she uses knowledge of teaching to help people meet their emotional needs through food. Her initial training as a psychodynamic therapist has been combined with a systemic, family-informed practice, as well as her own anthropological background. A recipe of personal and professional experience following a childhood split between three generations of complex family and cultural dynamics, has paved the way for Kitchen Therapy.

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