At Mountain Valley Treatment Center, healing extends beyond traditional therapy sessions—it permeates every aspect of daily life, including the kitchen. Under the guidance of Chef Aric Eagleston, food has become a pivotal component of the therapeutic journey for residents grappling with anxiety and related disorders.

From Culinary Arts to Therapeutic Cuisine

Chef Aric joined Mountain Valley after a long tenure in the restaurant industry. Trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, he honed his skills in various culinary disciplines, including international cuisine and charcuterie. Seeking a more meaningful application of his craft and a respite from the demanding restaurant environment, Aric found his calling at Mountain Valley.

“I wanted to get out of the normal restaurant business,” Aric shared. “Mountain Valley popped up, and it sounded more meaningful—being able to help people.”

Customized Nutrition for Healing

Understanding that proper nutrition is essential for mental health, Aric ensures that every meal caters to the diverse dietary needs of residents. The kitchen at Mountain Valley is equipped to handle:

  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Diets: Using alternative flours like chickpea and rice flour, Aric creates dishes that accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Options: With products like vegan chorizo and cheese, residents enjoy plant-based versions of their favorite meals.
  • Kosher Meals: An oven blessed by a rabbi and carefully sourced kosher ingredients allow for the preparation of meals that meet kosher dietary laws.
  • Nut-Free Environment: To ensure the safety of all residents, Mountain Valley maintains a nut-free campus.

“There are so many products available now that weren’t when I first started,” Aric noted. “We try to accommodate everyone’s needs.”

Incorporating Residents into the Culinary Process

Food at Mountain Valley is not just something to consume; it’s an integral part of therapy. Residents actively participate in cooking through various programs:

  • Occupational Therapy (OT) Modules: Designed and led by the residents themselves, these modules help develop leadership and communication skills. Aric acts as a sous-chef, assisting as needed while residents take charge.
  • Cooking Club and Farm-to-Table Programs: These initiatives allow residents to engage hands-on with food preparation, from harvesting ingredients to cooking meals. They learn about local sourcing and sustainability, often working with produce from Mountain Valley’s gardens and eggs from on-site chickens.

“It’s rewarding to see them overcome their fears,” Aric said. “Whether it’s cracking an egg or trying a new vegetable, they’re making progress.”

Exposure Therapy Through Cooking

Many residents at Mountain Valley struggle with anxiety, OCD, and contamination fears. Cooking serves as a practical form of exposure therapy:

  • Handling Ingredients: Activities like breaking eggs or breading chicken help residents confront tactile sensitivities and fears of contamination.
  • Trying New Foods: Preparing and tasting unfamiliar dishes encourages flexibility and reduces food-related anxieties.
  • Community Meals: Sharing meals they helped prepare fosters a sense of accomplishment and community belonging.

One memorable example involved residents making chicken parmesan. Initially hesitant to touch the ingredients, they eventually participated fully, overcoming their discomfort and enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Celebrating Individuality and Traditions

Mountain Valley honors the personal journeys of its residents by involving them in menu planning for special occasions:

  • Graduation Meals: Residents design their own graduation menus, which Aric brings to life. From comfort foods like grilled cheese and tater tots to more complex dishes like matcha bread and steak, these meals celebrate their achievements.
  • Holiday Feasts: For those staying during holidays, Aric collaborates with residents to create menus reflecting their family traditions, making the season feel more like home.

“It’s about making it a fun and meaningful experience,” Aric explained. “We want them to feel connected and valued.”

Sourcing Local and Sustainable Ingredients

Mountain Valley emphasizes community and sustainability by sourcing ingredients locally:

  • Dairy and Eggs: Milk and eggnog come from McNamara Dairy, just down the road, and eggs are collected from Mountain Valley’s own chickens.
  • Cheeses and Yogurts: Products from Cabot Cheese and Stonyfield Farm provide high-quality, often lactose-free options.
  • Maple Syrup and Produce: Staff members contribute maple syrup tapped from local trees, and seasonal fruits and vegetables are incorporated whenever possible.

“Using local ingredients not only supports the community but also connects residents to the environment around them,”Aric said.

The Therapeutic Impact of Food

Aric’s work goes beyond the kitchen—it touches the hearts and minds of the residents:

  • Building Confidence: Participating in cooking empowers residents, helping them build self-esteem and reduce anxiety.
  • Fostering Community: Shared culinary experiences strengthen bonds among residents and staff.
  • Enhancing Mental Health: Proper nutrition and positive associations with food contribute to overall well-being.

One poignant moment for Aric was when a father, with tears in his eyes, thanked him for the impact he had on his child’s recovery. “I didn’t realize I was having that much of an impact,” Aric reflected. “It’s a blessing to be part of their journey.”

A Culinary Journey Toward Healing

At Mountain Valley Treatment Center, food is more than sustenance—it’s a vehicle for healing, learning, and connection. Chef Aric’s dedication and innovative approach to integrating culinary arts into therapy exemplify Mountain Valley’s holistic approach to treating anxiety.

“They’re the reason I do what I do,” Aric shared. “It’s about helping them become better and making a difference in their lives.”

 Conclusion

The integration of food into therapeutic programs at Mountain Valley highlights the profound connection between nourishment, mental health, and community. Through hands-on experiences, personalized meals, and a focus on local sourcing, residents gain valuable life skills and overcome challenges associated with anxiety.

Chef Aric’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and creativity in fostering healing environments. His work not only fills stomachs but also restores souls, embodying the essence of the word “restaurant.”

As Mountain Valley continues to innovate and adapt, the kitchen remains a cornerstone of its mission—nourishing both body and mind on the path to recovery.

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