THERAPY FOR ARFID
ARFID IS NOT FUSSY EATING”
Here’s the thing: ARFID isn’t a choice, and it’s not just fussiness. It’s actually a type of phobia. Yep—just like someone might have a fear of heights or spiders, people with ARFID have an intense fear or anxiety response around certain foods.
These “unsafe” foods might have a particular texture, smell, color, brand, or taste that feels completely overwhelming. Trying these foods can cause real distress—gagging, nausea, or even vomiting.
Parents are often baffled: “But they look healthy!” And it’s true—kids with ARFID in many cases appear fine on the outside. But if they’re refusing entire food groups like vegetables, meats, or fruits, their nutrition (and your peace of mind) can start to suffer.
It's not easy having ARFID - kids start to realise school camps, staying over at friend's houses and going out for dinner with the family can be a real ordeal as their phobia becomes exposed to others. They'd love nothing more than to be able to eat all foods.
When Does ARFID Start?
Interestingly, ARFID often begins in toddlerhood, around 18 months old. That’s usually when food preferences and aversions start to solidify. It can stem from a bad experience with food (like choking or vomiting), or develop gradually without any clear trigger. It can also be a response to big changes such as moving house starting pre-school or having to go to hospital.While ARFID in children is more common, adults can experience it too—and I have treated many adults successfully with ARFID.So,
Is ARFID a Phobia?
Yes! ARFID is a fear-based, automatic response, not a behavior someone can just “snap out of.” That’s what makes it so frustrating for families—and so confusing for outsiders who don’t understand.
Can ARFID Be Treated?Absolutely. The good news is, ARFID treatment is possible—and often very effective. I have worked with kids and adults all around the world using hypnotherapy. It works with the unconscious mind and I have a protocol where I work with 'parts'. 'First there is the 'Food Safety Officer' who will only allow certain foods. We have the ask the Food Safety Officer to agree to try new foods. I bring in the little toddler who first made the decision to change eating habits and the older child also gets the permission of the younger self, who made the decision that only certain foods were safe, to eat new foods. Once the child has the agreement of the Food Safety Officer and the toddler then they are willing to try new foods. Directly after treatment, at my practise, the parent will have a tasting plate of 10-20 foods for the child to try - and yes, usually they will try everything on the plate and usually they will like perhaps 5-8 of those foods. Both the child and parent are amazed by this transition. Generally I will do three sessions and in each session new foods are added to the child's diet.
If it is a sensory issue rather than ARFID you will not get these results as it's not a phobia we are working with. worried your child might have Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or you're an adult still struggling with selective eating, don’t write it off as “just being picky.” ARFID is real, and help is available.