May 83 min read

Welcome to Cooking with Psycook.

Updated: Jun 30

Welcome to Psycook, where psychology meets the culinary arts. At Psycook, we believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open, kitchen counter conversations. We celebrate the joy of food, wellness, and community, offering a variety of enriching events. From immersive cooking workshops to rejuvenating wellness retreats, each experience is crafted to inspire and empower individuals on their path to holistic well-being.

Brief History

Psycook began as a primary prevention initiative with the goal of reducing the impact of mental health challenges within our communities. Originally focused on raising awareness of mental health issues among women, the initiative has expanded to include other community stakeholders such as men, youth, and couples. Participants come together in small groups to share stories and insights on mental wellness, using culinary art as a medium for interaction

The program was authored by Fatima Mapuke, who introduced Psycook as a community engagement program that she submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirements of her master's degree in Community Psychology.

Fatima is passionate about community mental health, the psychology of women, mentoring, and family matters. She is a self-taught cook who built a freelance career combining baking, catering, and cooking classes.

Our Approach

We facilitate kitchen counter conversations on topics that impact our mental health and mood, exploring the fascinating intersection of wellness and cooking. Nourishing minds, one recipe at a time, our approach combines the therapeutic benefits of mental health awareness with the joy of cooking. Join us as we delve into the connection between food and mood, discovering how the simple act of cooking can be a recipe for a healthier mind

We often engage in simple, everyday activities that enhance our physical wellness, like eating, bathing, and sleeping, without much thought. Similarly, we should normalize daily routines that boost our mental wellness, such as meditation, prayer, and emotional cleansing. It's also important to bring awareness to more challenging disciplines, like maintaining healthy relationships and dealing with fear, depression, anxiety, loneliness or grief..

Be the Exception

For too long, discussions around mental wellness have been hindered by the stigma attached to mental illness. The fear of being perceived as mentally unstable and incompetent, along with the deeply personal nature of mental health issues, has made these discussions challenging. As a result, many people withdraw from conversations about mental health, even though they may be suffering silently in an attempt to appear 'strong' or avoid labels. We aim to change this narrative by incorporating cooking skills into our wellness programs, offering a unique approach to reach various stakeholders in our communities. Be the exception and invest in our group and individual coaching opportunities

Let's Go

At Psycook, we are dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health while celebrating the joy of food, wellness, and community. We offer a variety of exciting events designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul. From cooking workshops to wellness retreats, each event aims to inspire and empower you on your journey to holistic well-being. Whether you're an amateur cook, homemaker, seasoned chef, or just beginning your wellness journey, there's something for everyone at Psycook. Join our community and discover the transformative power of food and mindfulness to start your journey to a healthier, happier you today.