Understanding ARFID
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Food should nourish your body—not create fear, stress, or overwhelm.
If eating feels difficult because of sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, a past negative experience with food, or simply a lack of interest in eating, you are not alone. ARFID is a recognized eating disorder that can affect children, adolescents, and adults, and it is much more than "picky eating."
At
OCD Wellness, we understand that every person's experience with ARFID is different. Our goal is to understand why eating has become difficult and help you build confidence around food in a way that feels safe, supported, and manageable.
What To Expect
Signs You May Be Experiencing ARFID
- Eat only a small number of "safe" foods.
- Avoid foods because of their taste, smell, texture, or appearance.
- Fear choking, vomiting, allergic reactions, or becoming sick from food.
- Feel anxious about trying new foods.
- Avoid restaurants, family meals, or social events involving food.
- Struggle to meet your nutritional needs because of restricted eating.
Who We Help
Our Treatment Approach
Treatment at OCD Wellness is individualized because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ARFID.
Depending on your needs, therapy may include:
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to gradually reduce food-related fears.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns.
- Parent and caregiver support to build confidence outside of therapy.
- Gradual food exposure to increase flexibility with eating.
- Collaboration with physicians, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Our focus isn't simply on eating more foods. It's on helping you feel more confident, reduce anxiety, and participate more fully in everyday life.
Flexible Care Options
Recovery Is Possible
Recovery doesn't happen overnight, but meaningful change is possible.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, our clinicians provide evidence-based treatment in a compassionate, collaborative environment. Together, we'll work toward making eating feel less stressful, more flexible, and a more enjoyable part of everyday life.
