ARFID and Picky Eating
Are you, or your child, experiencing noticeable weight loss or growth concerns? Are you struggling with mealtime distress, especially when trying new foods? Do you or your child avoid eating in social or school/work settings? Do you or your child struggle with fatigue, illness, or symptoms related to poor nutrition? Do you feel shame about failing to “eat healthy”? Are you or your child afraid of choking or vomiting if you eat certain foods? Perhaps you are afraid of certain textures or smells.
We understand how difficult this can be. Let’s make eating approachable. We will always respect your comfort level.
Our Approach
We create a safe place to gently expand your food choices and meet your nutritional needs. As specialists in both emotional and nutritional needs, we understand how childhood trauma relating to food choices can impact you, even now. We can help you address the various root causes, whether sensory or emotional. We’re here to help you or your child build a more peaceful and nourishing relationship with food.
Treatment
For Adults
Our work is grounded in intuitive eating principles and gentle nutrition, meeting you where you are right now.
We believe:
Safe, gradual exposure to new foods best supports lasting progress. We will work with you to build trust and confidence with positive, supportive strategies.
We do not force or pressure you to eat.
You deserve guidance that respects sensory preferences, medical needs, and cultural food traditions.
For your child
We provide collaborative, family-centered care.
You know your child best. We will work closely with you to create individualized strategies that honour your family’s needs, routines, and goals.
Together, we can:
Identify patterns and triggers behind picky or avoidant eating
Develop personalized plans for safe, step-by-step food exploration
Reduce mealtime battles and create a more positive eating environment
Expand food variety without overwhelm or coercion
Ensure nutritional needs are met in ways your child can tolerate
Celebrate every small step forward toward a healthier relationship with food
FAQs
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ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. People with ARFID may avoid or restrict certain foods because of:
Sensory issues (textures, smells, colors, or appearance of foods).
Fear of negative outcomes (choking, vomiting, stomach pain, food poisoning).
A general lack of interest in eating or food.
Unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns. Instead, the restriction is rooted in fear, discomfort, or disinterest in food.
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You can still be healthy and have a relatively small range of foods. We can help you determine whether your diet is healthy, and if needed, help you expand your choices. You don’t have to be a “foodie” to be healthy.
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Picky eating is common in children and can persist through adulthood. While it may not yet harm growth or health, it can create social limitations and emotional stress. Whether your child has ARFID or is just a picky eater, we can help. If you or your doctor are concerned about their growth or their nutrition, now is the time to get support.
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While intuitive eating principles rely on responding to your body’s hunger cues, we understand that some people simply don’t feel hunger cues. We can help you develop other strategies to ensure a healthy diet.
You can feel safe and confident around food!
If you are an adult, book here with Jessica.
If you are a parent, book here with Lily.
