Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

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Evidence-Based Treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

At Compassionate Healing Institute, we offer specialized CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with ARFID. Our approach is structured, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based treatment while remaining flexible to neurodiversity, sensory needs, anxiety profiles, and medical complexity.

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CBT-AR is the first manualized, research-informed treatment specifically developed for ARFID and is designed to help individuals expand food variety, improve nutritional adequacy, and reduce fear, sensory avoidance, or lack of interest in eating.

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What Is CBT-AR?​

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CBT-AR is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy designed specifically for ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

ARFID is not about weight or body image. Instead, it is characterized by restricted eating due to:

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• Sensory sensitivities (texture, smell, taste, temperature)

• Fear of aversive consequences (choking, vomiting, nausea)

• Low interest or lack of appetite for eating

• Limited food variety impacting nutrition, health, or functioning

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CBT-AR directly targets these maintaining patterns using structured, individualized exposure-based interventions combined with cognitive and behavioral strategies.

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How CBT-AR Works at CHI: ARFID Healing Pathway

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The ARFID Healing Pathway at Compassionate Healing Institute is a structured, phase-based program using CBT-AR and exposure therapy to support individuals in expanding food variety, reducing fear and sensory avoidance, and improving nutritional adequacy. Treatment progresses through clear phases, from assessment and individualized planning to gradual, supported food exposures, within a collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, and dietitian-integrated care model. Click here to learn more. ​

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Who CBT-AR Is For

CBT-AR may be appropriate for individuals who experience:

• Extremely limited food variety

• Anxiety, disgust, or fear around eating

• Nutritional deficiencies or dependence on supplements

• Social or functional impairment due to eating restrictions

• ARFID related to sensory sensitivity, fear, or low appetite

We also frequently treat ARFID in the context of:

• OCD and anxiety disorders

• Autism spectrum differences

• ADHD-related interoceptive differences

• Trauma or medical feeding history

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What a CBT-AR Session Looks Like

CBT-AR sessions are structured, collaborative, and active.

A typical session may include:

• Review of food exposure practice

• Collaborative planning of new food steps

• In-session exposure work (when appropriate)

• Cognitive strategies for fear or avoidance patterns

• Skills for managing sensory discomfort or anxiety

• Nutrition-informed goal setting with dietitian collaboration

Parents or caregivers may be included in treatment when clinically indicated, especially for adolescents or individuals needing structured home support.

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Our Approach at Compassionate Healing Institute

Our CBT-AR model integrates:

• CBT + Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) principles

• Nutrition therapy collaboration with ED-specialized dietitians

• Neurodiversity-affirming care

• Trauma-informed pacing and consent-based exposure work

• Family-based support when helpful (including SPACE-informed approaches)

• HAES-aligned, weight-inclusive treatment philosophy

We do not approach ARFID as “picky eating.” We understand it as a legitimate and often neurobiologically influenced eating disorder requiring structured, compassionate intervention.

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What Progress Can Look Like​

Progress in CBT-AR is individualized and may include:

• Expanding accepted foods and textures

• Reducing fear-based reactions to eating

• Increasing nutritional adequacy

• Improving energy, concentration, and physical health

• Greater flexibility in social and family eating situations

• Reduced distress around mealtimes

Change is gradual and built through repeated, supported learning experiences—not pressure or force.

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Start CBT-AR at Compassionate Healing Institute​

If you or your child is struggling with ARFID, we are here to help.

Our team at Compassionate Healing Institute provides specialized, compassionate CBT-AR treatment grounded in science, collaboration, and respect for each individual’s pace.

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📍 Serving clients in Florida (in-person in Palm Beach Gardens & Coral Springs)
💻 Telehealth available in multiple locations (out-of-network)

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