Cooking Therapy Reveals New Paths for Emotional and Cognitive Growth in Adolescents

Psychotherapy traditionally involves verbal communication between therapist and patient, but recent approaches emphasize nonverbal expression through actions. Cooking, a familiar daily activity, offers a complex process that reflects psychological patterns such as planning, decision-making, adaptability, and emotional responses to success or failure. This method, known as cooking therapy, uses the act of cooking not as a goal but as a medium within a therapeutic context to observe and explore patients' behaviors and emotions in real time.

Research conducted as part of a doctoral study involved 97 adolescents with ADHD randomly assigned to three groups: one participated in a 12-week group cooking therapy program, another engaged in group board games, and a control group received no intervention. The cooking therapy group showed significant improvements in executive functions, particularly self-monitoring and working memory, compared to controls. Additionally, participants reported increased self-efficacy and life satisfaction, highlighting emotional benefits alongside cognitive gains.

The study suggests that cooking therapy expands the therapeutic space beyond traditional talk therapy, offering a practical and engaging way for individuals, especially youth who may struggle with verbal expression, to confront challenges such as frustration, flexibility, and problem-solving. The presence of a trained professional is crucial to guide reflection and connect in-kitchen experiences to broader life patterns. This approach encourages viewing therapy as a multifaceted encounter where people express themselves through choices and actions, fostering resilience and self-discovery in a safe environment amid life's uncertainties.