Culinary Grief Therapy: Cooking for One Series.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Grief Counseling
• Culinary Arts Therapy

Background:

• Loss of loved ones is universal, but complicated grief can disrupt daily life.
• Complicated grief involves trauma symptoms affecting activities like meal planning and cooking.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses maladaptive grief behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address difficulties in meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking for one after bereavement.
• To develop a grief counseling program focused on solo meal management.
• To introduce "Culinary Grief Therapy: Cooking for One Series".

Main Methods:

• Partnering a hospice bereavement program with a community college culinary arts program.
• Utilizing an interactive venue for CBT focused on meal planning and mealtimes.
• Integrating demonstrations, hands-on cooking experiences, and bereavement counseling.

Main Results:

• Initial reactions to Culinary Grief Therapy have been positive.
• Attendees have participated in multiple workshops.
• The number of participants in the series is growing.

Conclusions:

• Culinary Grief Therapy offers a novel approach to bereavement support.
• This therapy may reduce or prevent complicated grief related to solo meal preparation and consumption.
• Addresses practical and emotional challenges of grief in daily living.