ARFID EXPLAINED

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Treatment

At The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image, we offer expert-led ARFID therapy designed to gently support individuals or families through the challenges of avoidant or restrictive eating. Our team understands that ARFID is complex, distressing, and often misunderstood – and that positive change is absolutely possible with the right help.

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ARFID EXPLAINED

What Is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a recognised eating disorder that involves strong avoidance or restriction of food for reasons other than concern about weight or body image. It goes far beyond “picky eating” and often results in difficulties meeting basic nutritional needs, maintaining energy levels, or feeling comfortable around meals. People with ARFID may avoid foods because of sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or a general lack of interest in eating.

ARFID affects both children and adults. Some individuals have a very limited range of “safe” foods, some experience intense anxiety when trying new foods, and others find eating overwhelming due to textures, smells, or past negative experiences with food.

The good news is that ARFID is treatable. Specialist ARFID therapy can help you understand the underlying causes, reduce fear, and gradually expand food choices in a safe, supportive way.

How We Support you

Signs and Symptoms of ARFID

These experiences are valid and treatable. Support from ARFID specialists can help make eating feel more manageable and less frightening. ARFID looks different for everyone, but some common signs include:
  • Eating only a small number of “safe” foods
  • Anxiety, fear, or distress around trying new foods
  • Noticeable weight loss or low energy
  • Fear of choking, vomiting, or strong sensory sensitivities
  • Avoiding eating in social settings
  • Nutritional deficiencies or reliance on supplements

How The London Centre
Supports Recovery

At The London Centre, ARFID therapy can be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, dietitians and occupational therapists. We understand that ARFID is not about being “fussy” or “difficult”, it is a genuine and highly distressing condition that requires sensitive, structured support. Treatment is always personalised. We work gently, step-by-step, to help you or your child feel safe, understood, and in control. Our approach combines psychological therapy, nutritional guidance, family support, and sensory strategies to reduce anxiety and rebuild confidence around food. Whether you have a clear ARFID diagnosis or are unsure if the symptoms fit, our team can guide you through the first steps toward recovery.

Personalised Care

Therapies Used to Treat
ARFID

ARFID therapy at The London Centre involves specialist evidence-based approaches. Treatment is always tailored to the individual, taking into account age, sensory profile, anxiety levels, and the specific reasons behind food avoidance.

  • CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID)
  • Dietetics
  • Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Benefits of Specialist ARFID Treatment

  • A gradual, sustainable increase in accepted foods
  • Greater confidence in social eating situations
  • Reduced anxiety and fear around eating
  • Support for both individuals and families
  • Improved nutrition and physical well-being
  • Long-term strategies to prevent relapse and maintain progress
A Place of Specialist Support

When to Seek Help for
ARFID

It can be hard to know when selective eating becomes something more. If food is causing distress, limiting daily life, or affecting health, it may be time to seek specialised ARFID support. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening, but it is never too late to begin therapy. We welcome self-referrals, family enquiries, and professional referrals. Assessments are gentle, confidential, and designed to help you feel heard and understood.
If food feels overwhelming, whether for you, your child, or someone you support, reaching out can be the first step toward lasting change.

FAQs

FAQs About ARFID Treatment

Assessments are relaxed conversations where a clinician explores eating patterns, fears, sensory sensitivities, medical history, and everyday challenges. The aim is simply to understand your experience and guide next steps. If you are a parent or carer enquiring for a younger child, we usually offer an initial parent consultation so you can speak freely about your concerns prior to your child’s assessment.

Yes. Most people receive effective outpatient therapy without needing hospital care. Treatment is flexible and designed to work around daily life.

Absolutely. For children, parents are involved in supporting change. For adults, therapy focuses on independence, confidence, and practical progress. For children under the age of 8 we do recommend assessment or review by a paediatrician prior to an assessment for therapeutic work.

There is no fixed timeline. Progress depends on comfort, readiness, and individual goals. Your clinician works at a pace that feels safe.

Picky eating is a preference. ARFID involves fear, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or nutritional impact and has a significant detrimental impact on daily functioning and or emotional wellbeing.

Yes. We provide both in-person sessions and online therapy for flexibility and accessibility.

Many of our psychologists, dietitians, and therapists have specialist ARFID training, working collaboratively to support recovery.

Often in early childhood, but it can develop later or persist into adulthood. Support at any stage can help restore eating confidence.

Start your journey

Take the First Step
Towards Recovery

Recovery from ARFID is entirely possible with the right guidance, understanding, and therapeutic support. Our clinicians work collaboratively with you to build confidence, reduce fear, and support a healthier, more comfortable relationship with food.

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