CBT-AR

CBT-AR is the current leading treatment for children (10+) and adults with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). This treatment typically consists of four stages conducted over 20-30 sessions.

In the first stage of this treatment you will be provided with information and education about ARFID, including how this type of eating disorder develops and what keeps it going. In stage two, you will learn about different foods and identify which foods are most and least difficult for you to eat. You will also be supported to set goals and start making small, manageable changes to your eating (e.g. increasing the volume of your preferred foods or introducing a bit of variety). If you are underweight then this will need to be addresed before moving to the next stage of treatment. In stage three, you will start to tackle some of your feared foods; this typically involves trying small amounts of new foods with your therapist and then gradually incorporating larger amounts of these foods into your diet. The final stage of treatment will focus on developing a plan to support you to maintain the changes you have made during therapy and to keep improving your eating independently at home.