Episode 148: Recipes That Heal—Creativity, Courage, & Community Care with Elisa Pérez-Arellano, LMSW

What does it take to turn pain into purpose—and how can creativity, food, and cultural traditions transform how we approach mental health?

In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Elisa Pérez-Arellano, LMSW—founder of Inclusive Empowerment Services and the visionary behind Recetas que Sanan (Recipes That Heal), a wellness initiative that reduces stigma and improves access to healing resources.

Elisa’s story is one of incredible resilience, innovation, and heart. From her lived experiences as an immigrant and survivor of teen dating violence to creating a therapeutic cooking show with her husband, she’s inspiring new ways to connect, heal, and build community through authenticity and cultural wisdom.

Here’s what we cover in this deep, powerful, and inspiring conversation:

✨ Elisa’s journey immigrating from Mexico to the U.S. at age 16
✨ The trauma and resilience that shaped her as a therapist
✨ Why she left traditional systems to build her own bilingual practice
✨ The creation of Recetas que Sanan—a cooking show that opens mental health conversations through food
✨ How creative expression, storytelling, and joy support healing
✨ Why therapists need their own therapy (and how healing enables deeper impact)
✨ The importance of speaking out about collective pain and the current political climate

A Therapist, Creator, & Courageous Leader

After years of working in traditional clinical settings and feeling deeply unfulfilled, Elisa decided to start her own private practice in 2020—right as the pandemic hit. With clarity about her gifts and a drive to create meaningful, culturally responsive care, she launched Inclusive Empowerment Services, LLC.

But Elisa’s work goes far beyond therapy sessions. As a bilingual public speaker, trainer, and educator, she’s passionate about bringing stories, lived experience, and emotional wisdom into schools, businesses, and community organizations.

“I knew I had gifts I wasn’t using—and I had to do something about it.”

Recetas Que Sanan: Recipes That Heal

What happens when you combine traditional cooking, storytelling, and emotional education? You get something completely magical—and that’s exactly what Elisa created with Recetas que Sanan.

This bilingual wellness initiative uses food as a gateway into deeper conversations about mental health and emotional well-being—particularly in Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities where stigma remains high.

Cooking intuitively and sharing her personal stories while preparing traditional meals, Elisa helps viewers feel seen, nourished, and safe to explore emotions in a way that feels natural and culturally resonant.

“Cooking is my magic. It’s where my feelings live—and where connection begins.”

From Surviving to Leading with Love

Elisa generously shares about her early years in the U.S.—navigating family reunification, language barriers, and role reversal as a teen helping her parents navigate systems. She also opens up about surviving teen dating violence, and how that lived experience fuels her trainings and outreach today.

Her commitment to authenticity is woven throughout her work. Whether she’s leading a community workshop or filming an episode of Recetas que Sanan, she brings her full, human self—breaking the mold of what a therapist “should” be.

“I’m cool. I’m human. I show up as myself—and I want others to feel safe doing the same.”

**Want to Sponsor Recetas que Sanan?**

Elisa is currently seeking sponsors to grow her bilingual show and expand access to culturally-grounded mental health conversations. Your support helps cover kitchen rental, ingredients, and tech equipment.
🌐 Learn more and connect: https://www.facebook.com/IESMichigan/
🔗 Elisa Pérez-Arellano on LinkedIn

Looking for Culturally Responsive Therapy or Training?

Elisa offers individual therapy, consulting, and dynamic trainings on inclusive practices, mental health, and trauma-informed care.
🌐 Visit her website: www.616ies.com

Want More Support & Creative Inspiration?

💌 Join my email list for therapist resources, creative community, and upcoming events! [Sign up here]

Disclaimer:
This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.