therapy
ARFID Therapy
Are you or someone you love's selective eating causing constant stress, medical concerns, or getting in the way of daily life? It might be more than just "picky eating." At our practice, we provide specialized, compassionate therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a recognized eating disorder that is often misunderstood.
Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID has nothing to do with body shape, weight, or a fear of gaining weight. Instead, the restriction or avoidance of food is typically driven by sensory sensitivity (extreme reactions to the texture, smell, taste, or look of certain foods), fear of negative consequences (intense anxiety about choking, vomiting, or falling ill), or low appetite or interest (a genuine lack of interest in food or eating altogether).
What are the signs and symptoms of ARFID?
Although weight loss is not always present in ARFID, dramatic weight loss or faltering growth can signal restrictive eating
Dressing in layers to hide weight loss or stay warm
Reports of constipation, abdominal pain, cold intolerance, lethargy, and/or excess energy
Consistent, vague gastrointestinal issues around mealtimes that have no known cause
Dramatic restriction in types or amount of food eaten
Will only eat certain textures of food
Fears of choking or vomiting
Lack of appetite or interest in food
Limited range of preferred foods that becomes narrower over time (picky eating that progressively worsens)
Body image disturbance or fear of weight gain do not drive restrictive eating patterns
Our approach
You don't have to navigate this alone. Our evidence-based treatments are tailored to expand diets gently, reduce food-related anxiety, and restore nutritional health at a pace that feels safe.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR) supports individuals and their caregivers to work together to target different challenges related to eating, including fear of aversive consequences, low appetite/enjoyment of eating, and sensory issues related to eating.
Related specialties
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