Eating feels like a battle, and you’re exhausted
Does this sound familiar?
You rely on a very small number of "safe" foods, and the thought of trying something new feels overwhelming, terrifying, or even disgusting.
You worry about what you can't eat, and it limits social events, travel, or everyday life.
You're tired of being called a "picky eater," knowing that what you’re experiencing goes much deeper than that.
You don't necessarily want to change your body size, but the act of eating itself often feels stressful or distressing.
You worry your body isn't getting the nourishment it needs, but trying new foods feels impossible.
You may have tried to find help before, but:
Providers told you to simply "eat more" or "try new things."
Your fear or disgust around food was dismissed as pickiness.
Some therapists weren’t familiar with ARFID or how deeply it can affect daily life.
Your experience is real, and you deserve support from someone who understands the complexity of ARFID.
You deserve treatment that takes your challenges seriously.
How I can help
I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for the entire spectrum of eating disorders, including ARFID.
My approach is tailored to your unique experience and may include:
Understanding how ARFID has impacted your physical and emotional well-being.
Gradually and safely exploring new foods while building confidence and reducing fear or disgust.
Develop coping skills to manage anxiety and discomfort around eating.
Improving nutritional variety while respecting sensory needs and comfort levels.
Setting realistic, values-driven goals for your relationship with food.
Rebuilding confidence in social situations that may have been limited by food avoidance.
If you’re ready to move toward greater freedom and peace in your relationship with food, I'm here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
While all three involve restrictive eating patterns, the underlying motivations are different.
Anorexia Nervosa involves restricting food intake due to a significant fear of weight gain or a desire to reduce body size. Orthorexia centers on an obsessive focus on eating foods considered “pure” or “healthy.”
ARFID, in contrast, is typically not driven by body image concerns. Instead, avoidance often stems from sensory issues, fear of adverse consequences (such as choking or vomiting), or a general lack of interest in eating.
-
People with ARFID may unintentionally lose weight because they struggle to consume enough food.
In a culture that often praises weight loss, this change may receive positive reinforcement from others. Over time, this messaging can shift attention from the food itself to concerns about body size or weight gain, which may contribute to the development of Anorexia Nervosa.
This is one reason it’s important to work with a therapist who understands both conditions.
-
It's possible. ARFID is not solely defined by insufficient caloric intake, but also by the significant restriction in variety of foods and the distress or impairment it causes in daily life. Ask yourself: Do these food limitations prevent you from engaging in activities you enjoy, like social gatherings or travel? Do you worry about missing essential nutrients? Do you genuinely desire to feel more comfortable eating a wider range of foods, even if your diet remains more limited than others? My goal is to help you build a relationship with food that feels comfortable, nourishing, and aligned with your values and goals, regardless of specific diagnoses.
-
I provide virtual therapy across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit for your needs.