How Values and Goals Shape ARFID Treatment
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that differs from anorexia and bulimia in that the primary motivators for food restriction are not related to body image.
Individuals with ARFID typically restrict their food intake due to sensory concerns, such as food textures, fear of choking, or a lack of interest in food altogether. As a result, ARFID treatment requires a unique, individualized approach to address these underlying concerns and help clients build healthier eating patterns.
ARFID treatment differs from that of anorexia and bulimia, requiring a personalized approach to help clients develop healthier eating patterns.
Establishing a Baseline for ARFID Treatment
The first priority in ARFID treatment is ensuring that a person is meeting their basic nutritional needs.
This often starts with introducing foods that feel “safe”—ones that the individual can tolerate and are less likely to trigger anxiety.
Once an initial, balanced eating pattern is established, the focus shifts to the individual’s specific experiences and goals.
Personalizing ARFID Therapy Based on Values
ARFID therapy is not one-size-fits-all.
Treatment plans should reflect someone’s unique goals. For example, a client who loves to travel but is anxious about eating unfamiliar foods might focus on getting more comfortable with foods that would be eaten while traveling. This can ease food-related anxieties and make traveling more enjoyable.
Similarly, if a client struggles with eating in social settings—like during business events—therapy can focus on strategies to navigate these situations. The goal might be to gradually build comfort with eating in front of others, whether at formal dinners or casual gatherings, so they can fully participate without anxiety.
Building Confidence with Safe Foods
To make progress, I recommend starting with foods the client feels comfortable with. These “safe” foods provide a foundation.
Over time, as comfort with these foods increases, we can gradually introduce more challenging foods based on the person’s specific goals—such as eating at a family gathering, at a restaurant, or during a trip.
Adapting ARFID Treatment
As goals and priorities change, ARFID treatment is designed to be flexible and responsive to those changes.
Therapy can be adjusted to meet the person’s unique (and changing) needs, to help ensure that their treatment plan remains relevant. We address these challenges as they arise by reassessing and modifying the approach.
This personalized approach keeps clients motivated and ensures that treatment stays aligned with their long-term goals.
Healing Through ARFID Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with ARFID, therapy tailored to your unique needs and goals can make all the difference. Contact me today to learn more about ARFID treatment and therapy—I work with clients in MA, RI, VT, or VA. Let me help you find healing and build a healthier relationship with food.
