ARFID - Radiance Therapy Group

Understanding and Treating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

(ARFID) ARFID is a unique and often misunderstood eating disorder that goes beyond concerns about weight or body image. Unlike conditions like anorexia or bulimia, individuals with ARFID do not engage in disordered eating behaviors to control their weight or shape. Instead, ARFID is characterized by an extreme avoidance or restriction of food intake, which can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies and social or developmental impairments.

ARFID is often seen in children, but it can affect individuals of all ages. It’s important to understand that ARFID is not about dieting or trying to lose weight—it’s about an intense fear or discomfort surrounding food.

People with ARFID may experience a range of triggers for their restricted eating patterns, such as:

Sensory sensitivities to the texture, taste, or appearance of food (e.g., a fear of certain textures like mushy or lumpy foods)
Traumatic experiences related to food (such as vomiting, choking)
Food-related phobias that cause individuals to avoid certain foods or entire food groups
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where the need for control extends to food and eating rituals, leading to extreme avoidance of specific foods or food groups
Trauma-related factors, where an individual may develop eating habits as a coping mechanism after experiencing abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events

While ARFID shares some characteristics with other eating disorders, like extreme food avoidance or an unhealthy relationship with eating, it is distinct because it is driven by non-body-image related factors, such as sensory sensitivities, past trauma, or obsessive fears surrounding food. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by the desire to lose weight or alter one’s appearance. Instead, the avoidance or restriction is about anxiety or discomfort related to food itself.

How We Treat ARFID

We understand that ARFID can be particularly challenging, especially when it begins in childhood. Children with ARFID may refuse to eat certain foods or show extreme distress around mealtimes, leading to nutritional deficits and issues with growth and development. That’s why we approach treatment with a compassionate, tailored strategy that addresses the underlying causes and works to support long-term recovery.

When working with children, we often include the family in the treatment process, ensuring that the home environment reduces food-related stress and minimizes reassurances that accidentally reinforce the condition.

CBT

CBT for ARFID focuses on helping the individual reframe their fears and anxieties about food. This can include addressing food-related phobias, sensory sensitivities, or trauma histories that may contribute to the restrictive eating patterns. Through gradual, controlled exposure to feared foods, CBT helps individuals challenge and reduce the anxiety that keeps them from eating a variety of foods.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure Therapy can be especially helpful for individuals with ARFID who experience food-related phobias or sensory aversions. We gently introduce small amounts of new or feared foods in a controlled, non-threatening way, helping to desensitize the individual to the distressing aspects of eating. Over time, this can help expand their food intake and reduce the anxiety around eating.

ACT

ACT helps individuals with ARFID accept the discomfort that comes with trying new foods, recognizing that it’s okay to feel anxious or uncertain. Instead of avoiding the anxiety, ACT focuses on developing psychological flexibility—teaching individuals to take actions toward their goals (like increasing food variety) even in the presence of discomfort or anxiety. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with childhood ARFID, as it fosters a healthier relationship with food without adding pressure to "get over" the fear.

Why Treatment Matters

ARFID is a serious condition that can have significant effects on physical health, emotional well-being, and social functioning. By using evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and exposure therapy, we help individuals gradually overcome their food-related fears, expand their food choices, and restore a healthier, more balanced relationship with eating.

Whether ARFID begins in childhood or develops later in life, we are here to help. Treatment for ARFID is not just about “getting over” food fears—it’s about addressing the underlying causes and helping individuals create sustainable, positive change. You don’t have to live in fear of food, and therapy can help you or your child improve your therapeutic health services and overall quality of life. Psychologists in Philadelphia offer a range of mental health services to meet your needs.

Virtual and in-person in Center City Philadelphia

All of our clinicians work virtually and can see clients located in PA. Some of our clinicians can also see clients in a variety of other states (see profiles below). We can usually accommodate evening and weekend appointment requests for virtual appointments. Some of our therapists also see clients in-person in our Rittenhouse Square office.

Finding your Therapist at Radiance

Drop us a line!

We are a small boutique group offering the highest level of care and customer service. Your call will not be answered by an administrative assistant.

All incoming calls and emails are taken directly by our clinical supervisor, who oversees the work of all clinicians at the practice.

When you call or email, we can discuss your needs (both therapeutically and logistically) and recommend the best clinician for you.

All clinicians offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if it’s a good fit.

Drop us a line (and if you’d like to move things along quicker you can even include a picture of your insurance card in order for us to check your benefits).