What do you think?
Rate this book
Kitchen Therapy
Kitchen Therapy explains the rationale behind the use of food - cooking and eating it - as a therapeutic endeavour. Rather than focusing on physical nutrition, Kitchen Therapy directs attention onto the way we feed ourselves within social and nurturing environments, using the cooking process to understand ourselves and build a healthier, more integrated future, together. In a mechanised, materialistic world focused on what we can measure, this presents a return to the kitchen as a place of creativity, of nurture and connection, a place where one can listen and respond to the needs of the psyche.
This book is for anyone interested in creative, accessible, relevant, inclusive self-development, and edible spirituality that you can practise in a kitchen near you. Practitioners in the helping professions will find ideas for self-care, community and client practice, with useful material for creative therapy and attachment courses.
This book is for anyone interested in creative, accessible, relevant, inclusive self-development, and edible spirituality that you can practise in a kitchen near you. Practitioners in the helping professions will find ideas for self-care, community and client practice, with useful material for creative therapy and attachment courses.
Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Hastings
1 bookFrom the beginning of my life I have been moved from home to home, from Switzerland to London and from there into a number of different family homes. the various parental figures who each fed me differently formulated the relational significance and personal sensation of being fed on an emotional as well as physical level. As I grew up, being active in the kitchen would be the one place I felt safe and at home, playing with ingredients as extensions of my personality and powering my stability, creativity and appetite for life. Here I could feel worries and confusion slip away as I let a good sauce and chopping zesty ingredients engage my mind, body and spirit on a joint task. When people's noses began leading them to my kitchen, I realised that cooking meant more to me than one meal at a time, Making good food had a way of sustaining and supporting me during the day, feeling a sense of profound connection and rootedness in my world that otherwise eluded me.
My studies in anthropology and stint as a secondary teacher laid important groundwork in the development of Kitchen Therapy as a relational approach to feeding ourselves. When I began teaching community cooking classes in the same term I trained as a psychotherapist, the two enterprises found each other. As I researched addiction as an attachment disorder, the work of Gabor Mate helped me understand how we become focused on the physical fuel aspect of food, as opposed to the psychological aspect of loving nutrition we need in a meal - the sense of nurture, meaning and connection that giving and receiving a meal, however basic or sublime - a thin cut brown bread and butter given at the right moment or an imaginatively created dinner, hit that spot my great grandmother called the 'inner man' who intuitively recognises the taste of love in a dish.
My work with neurodiverse students and finding my own ADHD aspect has been key in developing this approach that seeks to focus mind body and spirit, develeop community networks and a sustainable approach to self care
My studies in anthropology and stint as a secondary teacher laid important groundwork in the development of Kitchen Therapy as a relational approach to feeding ourselves. When I began teaching community cooking classes in the same term I trained as a psychotherapist, the two enterprises found each other. As I researched addiction as an attachment disorder, the work of Gabor Mate helped me understand how we become focused on the physical fuel aspect of food, as opposed to the psychological aspect of loving nutrition we need in a meal - the sense of nurture, meaning and connection that giving and receiving a meal, however basic or sublime - a thin cut brown bread and butter given at the right moment or an imaginatively created dinner, hit that spot my great grandmother called the 'inner man' who intuitively recognises the taste of love in a dish.
My work with neurodiverse students and finding my own ADHD aspect has been key in developing this approach that seeks to focus mind body and spirit, develeop community networks and a sustainable approach to self care
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 24, 2024
I never knew that kitchen therapy existed until I read this book that is absolutely full of great advice about kitchen therapy.
Charlotte Hastings has been in the caring profession for over 30 years, who now uses her knowledge to help others that may have emotional needs about food.
One lady Linda Cunday is now a vegetarian, like so many other people. But when she was a lot younger, her mother, worried about her not eating meat, also without understanding much about vegetarians, Linda’s mother took her to the doctors thinking her daughter would have suffer from not enough nutrition.
Linda does go into detail about her suffering from anorexia, and what that meant for her. With Charlotte Hastings experience in Kitchen Therapy, this clever book that Charlotte has written is is ideal for any practitioner in helping with client care, creativity therapy and much more.
What I enjoyed the best was reading the recipes, with a little about the special back story to the recipe. This is a great gift for everyone who loves cooking healthy recipes. My favourite recipe in this book is chocolate and Banana cake. What was your favourite recipe inside this book?
The big plus is anyone can read this satisfying Kitchen Therapy book!
Charlotte Hastings has been in the caring profession for over 30 years, who now uses her knowledge to help others that may have emotional needs about food.
One lady Linda Cunday is now a vegetarian, like so many other people. But when she was a lot younger, her mother, worried about her not eating meat, also without understanding much about vegetarians, Linda’s mother took her to the doctors thinking her daughter would have suffer from not enough nutrition.
Linda does go into detail about her suffering from anorexia, and what that meant for her. With Charlotte Hastings experience in Kitchen Therapy, this clever book that Charlotte has written is is ideal for any practitioner in helping with client care, creativity therapy and much more.
What I enjoyed the best was reading the recipes, with a little about the special back story to the recipe. This is a great gift for everyone who loves cooking healthy recipes. My favourite recipe in this book is chocolate and Banana cake. What was your favourite recipe inside this book?
The big plus is anyone can read this satisfying Kitchen Therapy book!
July 5, 2024
What a lovely book so enjoyable and beautifully written. It is now being passed through my house as I have raved about it to all who would listen. it has a lovely bounce between reflections recipes on the author story and has given me lots to think about and also is very relatable. Worth the read Thank you so much for sending me a copy
July 3, 2024
Kitchen Therapy is a self help and cookery book by Charlotte Hastings.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the mix of self help and recipes interesting. It is the perfect self help/recipe book to dip in and out of and get back in the kitchen. I will definitely be having a go and trying the recipes. It is very well written and I highly recommend it.
❤️ Thank you to Literallypr and the author, Charlotte Hastings for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💓 Kitchen Therapy is released on 28th June.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the mix of self help and recipes interesting. It is the perfect self help/recipe book to dip in and out of and get back in the kitchen. I will definitely be having a go and trying the recipes. It is very well written and I highly recommend it.
❤️ Thank you to Literallypr and the author, Charlotte Hastings for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💓 Kitchen Therapy is released on 28th June.
June 29, 2024
Kitchen Therapy by Charlotte Hastings was a very interesting book from start to finish, it is a self help and cookery book. So, if you love Food and want to know and understand the meaning of food and what is behind the way of how and why we cook it and especially eating it; here is a book for you.
This wonderful book explains so much it focuses on physical nutrition and directs their attention on how we feed ourselves within our own social and environments, how we all use the cooking process to understand ourselves and how to try and eat healthier - sometimes it is hard but this book explains why we all have to try to do this.
"Kitchen Therapy was a breath of fresh air and a joy to read."
A good self help and memoir of Kitchen Therapy.
Big Thank you to Literallypr and the author, Charlotte Hastings for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This wonderful book explains so much it focuses on physical nutrition and directs their attention on how we feed ourselves within our own social and environments, how we all use the cooking process to understand ourselves and how to try and eat healthier - sometimes it is hard but this book explains why we all have to try to do this.
"Kitchen Therapy was a breath of fresh air and a joy to read."
A good self help and memoir of Kitchen Therapy.
Big Thank you to Literallypr and the author, Charlotte Hastings for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2024
Food can often be the one commonality which in times of celebration and crises draw people, community family together to create, produce, and to feed; to nurture one another with love and comfort.
As Charlotte Hastings, in her role as a psychotherapist, discovered through her love of food, cooking and nurturing, it is also a wonderful way of being able to break through barriers, to offer someone a neutral ground where they can relax, chat and discuss their anxiety or distress in a positive, productive manner. Creating a meal or enjoyable treat is therapeutic, relaxing and a delightfully relaxing way to begin to accept so many of life’s little lessons.
Kitchen Therapy has taken more than twenty years to evolve and over that time Hastings has built into the narrative so many wonderful aspects of conscious living, life lessons, along with a keen understanding of the human psyche, drawing on her own life experiences to illustrate the carefully made points of self-care and understanding.
Set in three definite sections the first deals with The Departure – moving away from the normal and learning to view time spent in the kitchen as therapeutic, essential and enjoyable. There are several case studies which make interesting reading and how food, or rather the creation of delicious recipes, has helped people move towards a healthier, happier lifestyle.
The Enchanted Kitchen which for those who love to cook or desire to understand far more about holistic, conscious cooking is an absolute treasure trove of fascinating information broken down into the four seasons of the year.
Continuing on with the seasonal theme the final section The Return is full of wonderful recipes which are broken down into wonderful ‘bite sized’ pieces, each one with a backstory, Who it is and then a gentle message from the ingredient used to form the tantalisingly, must cook dish.
Built around a platform of psychotherapy, cooking and a love of family, Kitchen Therapy is a wonderful book for anyone who desires to expand their love of all things culinary, but would like to add a further few layers of understanding about the importance of good food well cooked and presented.
As Charlotte Hastings, in her role as a psychotherapist, discovered through her love of food, cooking and nurturing, it is also a wonderful way of being able to break through barriers, to offer someone a neutral ground where they can relax, chat and discuss their anxiety or distress in a positive, productive manner. Creating a meal or enjoyable treat is therapeutic, relaxing and a delightfully relaxing way to begin to accept so many of life’s little lessons.
Kitchen Therapy has taken more than twenty years to evolve and over that time Hastings has built into the narrative so many wonderful aspects of conscious living, life lessons, along with a keen understanding of the human psyche, drawing on her own life experiences to illustrate the carefully made points of self-care and understanding.
Set in three definite sections the first deals with The Departure – moving away from the normal and learning to view time spent in the kitchen as therapeutic, essential and enjoyable. There are several case studies which make interesting reading and how food, or rather the creation of delicious recipes, has helped people move towards a healthier, happier lifestyle.
The Enchanted Kitchen which for those who love to cook or desire to understand far more about holistic, conscious cooking is an absolute treasure trove of fascinating information broken down into the four seasons of the year.
Continuing on with the seasonal theme the final section The Return is full of wonderful recipes which are broken down into wonderful ‘bite sized’ pieces, each one with a backstory, Who it is and then a gentle message from the ingredient used to form the tantalisingly, must cook dish.
Built around a platform of psychotherapy, cooking and a love of family, Kitchen Therapy is a wonderful book for anyone who desires to expand their love of all things culinary, but would like to add a further few layers of understanding about the importance of good food well cooked and presented.
July 5, 2024
Kitchen therapy by Charlotte Hastings wakes all your senses: taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing. It associates food with memories, such as meaningful times with family or friends. If you are a conscientious cook, this book takes cooking to the next level—the joy of creating a meal and its effect on oneself and others.
Charlotte Hastings writes, ‘Cooking is a doable task, resulting in a complete story and full tummy’. This very doable task appears to be a low priority in some busy lives but beware: It has physical and mental benefits, too.
Kitchen therapy is not only a recipe book. It highlights the therapeutic advantages of being in the kitchen, cooking a meal from A to Z, and the memories it creates.
The book prompts one’s own story with food. My father made me eat peas that had gone cold once (I don’t have a good relationship with peas). I always ate cold Sunday roast meat when I visited my grandmother on a Monday, bringing back mixed emotions. I loved my grandmother, but her cold roast meat was memorably disgusting. Fortunately, I was an au pair in Italy and learned how to cook fabulous food, which changed my life.
Kitchen Therapy has three parts; the easy-to-read layout contributes to this very readable book.
Part one explains kitchen therapy and part two describes its implementation. Both parts are dotted with small “Time to Reflect” areas to inspire you to reflect on your journey with food.
Part three was my personal favourite: the pleasingly illustrated Magic Card section. These are Oracle cards dedicated to food with insightful messages. Each card holds a meaningful recipe for the author and a description of why it has magic.
Whether chocolate and banana cake or tomato soup, the ‘Backstory’, as Charlotte Hastings calls the descriptions, will make your taste buds tingle, and the aromas will flood the senses.
It’s a book you’ll want to dive into frequently, as it offers inspiration for the kitchen and life.
Five stars for Kitchen Therapy
Charlotte Hastings writes, ‘Cooking is a doable task, resulting in a complete story and full tummy’. This very doable task appears to be a low priority in some busy lives but beware: It has physical and mental benefits, too.
Kitchen therapy is not only a recipe book. It highlights the therapeutic advantages of being in the kitchen, cooking a meal from A to Z, and the memories it creates.
The book prompts one’s own story with food. My father made me eat peas that had gone cold once (I don’t have a good relationship with peas). I always ate cold Sunday roast meat when I visited my grandmother on a Monday, bringing back mixed emotions. I loved my grandmother, but her cold roast meat was memorably disgusting. Fortunately, I was an au pair in Italy and learned how to cook fabulous food, which changed my life.
Kitchen Therapy has three parts; the easy-to-read layout contributes to this very readable book.
Part one explains kitchen therapy and part two describes its implementation. Both parts are dotted with small “Time to Reflect” areas to inspire you to reflect on your journey with food.
Part three was my personal favourite: the pleasingly illustrated Magic Card section. These are Oracle cards dedicated to food with insightful messages. Each card holds a meaningful recipe for the author and a description of why it has magic.
Whether chocolate and banana cake or tomato soup, the ‘Backstory’, as Charlotte Hastings calls the descriptions, will make your taste buds tingle, and the aromas will flood the senses.
It’s a book you’ll want to dive into frequently, as it offers inspiration for the kitchen and life.
Five stars for Kitchen Therapy
July 5, 2024
Charlotte Hasting gives an interesting book that looks at food and cooking, laid out for us in what I found to be an unusual and interesting way.
Instead of ready meal, in the microwave in a rush, this book gives you the chance to slow down, look at yourself and enjoy the process of cooking in a more zen way than we might normally engage in.
To my mind there are two connected halves to this book. Initially reading I expected recipes but there didn’t seem to be any. I wondered if the whole book was going to be the reflective, health and wellbeing look at food and cooking that you find in the opening chapters. This part of the book is all about being given the chance to reflect about ourselves and lives and food. You are given lots of little prompts at the end of each section to reflect on.
Then about halfway through the recipes did appear. Personally I enjoyed this part the most. Each recipe is given a section, which includes information about the ingredients and the recipe or food’s name, and again you are given a chance to reflect about health benefits. The recipes are all simple and sound scrumptious. Think I need to put a little time aside to reflect, discuss and eat with family and friends. Thank you to Charlotte Hasting and LiterallyPR for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Instead of ready meal, in the microwave in a rush, this book gives you the chance to slow down, look at yourself and enjoy the process of cooking in a more zen way than we might normally engage in.
To my mind there are two connected halves to this book. Initially reading I expected recipes but there didn’t seem to be any. I wondered if the whole book was going to be the reflective, health and wellbeing look at food and cooking that you find in the opening chapters. This part of the book is all about being given the chance to reflect about ourselves and lives and food. You are given lots of little prompts at the end of each section to reflect on.
Then about halfway through the recipes did appear. Personally I enjoyed this part the most. Each recipe is given a section, which includes information about the ingredients and the recipe or food’s name, and again you are given a chance to reflect about health benefits. The recipes are all simple and sound scrumptious. Think I need to put a little time aside to reflect, discuss and eat with family and friends. Thank you to Charlotte Hasting and LiterallyPR for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
July 22, 2024
I didn’t have much time to explore this book as I planned to. Maybe in the summer I’ll be able to focus on it better. With more time, I can focus on the text, consider the reflections and practise some cooking - as soon as I figure out how to cook without specific measurements. I have to admit this challenge will be difficult as reading a recipe without specific/concise measurements does not compute with how my brain works.
I’d go off in a tangent if I started talking about The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs - a book that delves into the lives of the women who took recipes from vague ingredients and instructions to specific, clear and concise recipes - thank you very much ladies. But Kitchen Therapy made me remember this book and how recipes used to be. Even if I don’t figure out the recipe aspect there is still a lot of material to use in this very interesting take on food.
The layout of this book is very appealing its lovely illustrations and colourful pages. I enjoyed skimming the reflections - I will spend more time on these. Actually, I know I will spend more quality time with this book - season by season.
I’m grateful for the copy to read, enjoy and review. Thanks to the author and Literally PR for the gift of a special book that will give me so much - once I get to explore it in greater detail.
I’d go off in a tangent if I started talking about The Language of Food by Annabel Abbs - a book that delves into the lives of the women who took recipes from vague ingredients and instructions to specific, clear and concise recipes - thank you very much ladies. But Kitchen Therapy made me remember this book and how recipes used to be. Even if I don’t figure out the recipe aspect there is still a lot of material to use in this very interesting take on food.
The layout of this book is very appealing its lovely illustrations and colourful pages. I enjoyed skimming the reflections - I will spend more time on these. Actually, I know I will spend more quality time with this book - season by season.
I’m grateful for the copy to read, enjoy and review. Thanks to the author and Literally PR for the gift of a special book that will give me so much - once I get to explore it in greater detail.
July 10, 2024
3.5 STARS
What drew me instantly to this book was the title, Kitchen Therapy. I find that as a writer myself, a lot of the memories that come up have to do with the kitchens of my childhood. A lot of my writing is done at the kitchen table or while I wash the dishes. I play with words as I get chores done. I do enjoy cooking but the preparation is not where it's at for me. Now, that is a whole other post, my relationship with food. As I read this book, what I found most helpful were the reflective questions (Time to Reflect) and the recipes. I left the book taking those with me as I think about my own relationship to food, cooking and eating. It is something I want to explore more. Full disclosure, I sometimes did gloss over the author's personal stories. I enjoyed the psychology and the examples, but did find it a bit difficult to read cover to cover. I would suggest if you do read this, you take it in chunks. Use this book as you need.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Literary PR . Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
What drew me instantly to this book was the title, Kitchen Therapy. I find that as a writer myself, a lot of the memories that come up have to do with the kitchens of my childhood. A lot of my writing is done at the kitchen table or while I wash the dishes. I play with words as I get chores done. I do enjoy cooking but the preparation is not where it's at for me. Now, that is a whole other post, my relationship with food. As I read this book, what I found most helpful were the reflective questions (Time to Reflect) and the recipes. I left the book taking those with me as I think about my own relationship to food, cooking and eating. It is something I want to explore more. Full disclosure, I sometimes did gloss over the author's personal stories. I enjoyed the psychology and the examples, but did find it a bit difficult to read cover to cover. I would suggest if you do read this, you take it in chunks. Use this book as you need.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Literary PR . Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
June 12, 2024
I absolutely loved Kitchen Therapy by Charlotte Hastings! This book not only teaches you how to cook delicious meals, but it also delves into the emotional and psychological benefits of cooking and eating together. Who knew that the simple act of chopping vegetables could be so therapeutic?
I found myself nodding along as Hastings discussed the importance of connecting with our food and using cooking as a way to understand ourselves better. Plus, the idea of edible spirituality really resonated with me - I never realized that a batch of homemade cookies could be so spiritually fulfilling!
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to add a little more mindfulness and intention into their daily meals, I think the kitchen Witches out there may flock to this one. But whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Kitchen Therapy will inspire you to whip up something delicious while also nourishing your soul. Happy cooking!
July 3, 2024
Kitchen therapy ! It is just that, my book arrived and I took to the garden with my favourite cup of tea. I allowed my self an hour to sip and read.
What a delightful read.
I can relate to making porridge the time is precious protected time in my eyes. Same with risotto.
A couple of new recipes for me to try here , the flat breads being one. I wasn’t aware they were so simple and the granola summer crumble is another I shall be trying.
The chocolate back story and the authors chocolate story both very interesting to read. A good book, not what I expected but pleased with it.
As said , a delightful read.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a delightful read.
I can relate to making porridge the time is precious protected time in my eyes. Same with risotto.
A couple of new recipes for me to try here , the flat breads being one. I wasn’t aware they were so simple and the granola summer crumble is another I shall be trying.
The chocolate back story and the authors chocolate story both very interesting to read. A good book, not what I expected but pleased with it.
As said , a delightful read.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
This book does have some fresh thinking when it comes to being in kitchen.
As someone who hates cooking and wanted to change my mindset, I think this is a helpful starting point.
I think more links to eating disorders, and cooking for one would have been beneficial. There is a lot packed in, so this feels more like a dip into read when you want something rather than a read from start to finish type of book.
As someone who hates cooking and wanted to change my mindset, I think this is a helpful starting point.
I think more links to eating disorders, and cooking for one would have been beneficial. There is a lot packed in, so this feels more like a dip into read when you want something rather than a read from start to finish type of book.
July 21, 2024
Kitchen Therapy delves beyond physical nutrition, emphasising the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of cooking and eating. By returning to the kitchen as a place of creativity, nurture, and connection, the book encourages self-understanding and a healthier future.
This book is very therapy based. Case studies are interesting. It has many points for reflection, such as in the modern day, we are rushing to make even porridge, making it in the microwave rather than on the stove. There were a small number of recipes in this book.
The book is targeted to practitioners more so than the home cook. Those with caring or therapy roles should find some interesting approaches in here to working with clients through food.
July 1, 2024
As a dietitian I have a good understanding of the role of food for nourishment and the use of therapy to heal people’s relationships with food. I was quite curious about this book as I hadn’t come across the concept of using cooking as a form of therapy and was quite intrigued by the idea of it.
In Kitchen Therapy, Charlotte Hastings takes us on both a hero and heroine’s journey to help us learn how to be a more conscious cook. It is divided into three parts, the first outlining the inspiration of Kitchen Therapy and outlining its roots, the second part is a more practical guide on becoming a more conscious cook and the final part a beautiful set of recipe cards to help you on your journey. It is designed to help you identify where you’re currently at and I like that it is adaptable and encourages you to pick and choose the parts that are right for you at the time.
I found Kitchen Therapy interesting mix between cookbook and self help book. I enjoyed learning the origins of the therapy and learning how it evolved from Charlotte’s background in anthropology and Cale Jung’s work and attachment theory. I appreciated the more practical elements in the second part and loved the recipe cards. I have taken away a few things to incorporate into my own cooking. I can see myself going back to it to re-read and take away something new from it each time.
Thanks to @literallypr for a copy of the book to review.
In Kitchen Therapy, Charlotte Hastings takes us on both a hero and heroine’s journey to help us learn how to be a more conscious cook. It is divided into three parts, the first outlining the inspiration of Kitchen Therapy and outlining its roots, the second part is a more practical guide on becoming a more conscious cook and the final part a beautiful set of recipe cards to help you on your journey. It is designed to help you identify where you’re currently at and I like that it is adaptable and encourages you to pick and choose the parts that are right for you at the time.
I found Kitchen Therapy interesting mix between cookbook and self help book. I enjoyed learning the origins of the therapy and learning how it evolved from Charlotte’s background in anthropology and Cale Jung’s work and attachment theory. I appreciated the more practical elements in the second part and loved the recipe cards. I have taken away a few things to incorporate into my own cooking. I can see myself going back to it to re-read and take away something new from it each time.
Thanks to @literallypr for a copy of the book to review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews