Online Support for ARFID
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) can make eating feel difficult for reasons that are not about body shape or a wish to lose weight. Support should take your experiences seriously.
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Understanding ARFID
ARFID is an eating disorder involving restrictive or avoidant eating that may be linked to sensory sensitivities, fear of unpleasant consequences such as choking, or limited interest in food. It is not simply picky eating. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not primarily driven by concerns about weight or body shape. The effects can include nutritional deficiencies, weight changes, dependence on supplements or significant disruption to daily life.
Assessment and physical wellbeing
A GP or appropriate specialist can assess nutritional and medical concerns and arrange referral when needed. ARFID may coexist with autism or other conditions, but it should not be assumed that every autistic person has ARFID. If food or fluid intake is becoming unsafe, someone is dehydrated or their physical health is deteriorating, seek urgent medical advice. Routine counselling cannot replace nutritional and medical assessment.
What support might involve
Depending on assessment, specialist treatment may address sensory needs, fear responses, eating routines and the impact on family or social life. Work may involve psychological therapy, dietetic input and coordinated support. Pressure, shame and simplistic instructions to eat normally are unlikely to be helpful. Goals should be individualised and sensitive to the person’s needs.
Choosing appropriate support
Ask about a therapist’s direct ARFID training, age-group experience and links with medical or dietetic professionals. Veyro can help you compare independent therapists, but a speciality label is not proof of specialist eating-disorder competence. For children and young people, appropriate paediatric or specialist assessment may be particularly important.
Further information and related support
For background information, see Beat’s guide to ARFID. You may also explore related Veyro pages: eating disorders and anorexia.
Clinically reviewed by Daniel Rosenberg, Senior Counsellor, ACCPH Member, General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) Registrant on 5 November 2026.
Find therapists supporting people affected by ARFID
Keturah Akintunde
Integrative therapy
Mariam Naeem Javed
CBT, ACT and CFT
Anders Carvalho
Integrative
Rabia Khan
BABCP Accredited CBT & EMDR Therapist | Anxiety, Trauma & Women's Mental & Hormonal Health
Shagufta Zabeer
BACP Registered Integrative Counsellor
Anna Rexha
Integrative Counsellor (MNCPS Accred)
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Frequently asked questions
Is ARFID the same as anorexia?
No. ARFID involves restrictive or avoidant eating without the weight- or shape-related concerns central to anorexia.
Is ARFID just fussy eating?
No. ARFID can have significant nutritional, physical and social consequences and merits appropriate assessment.
Can autistic people have ARFID?
Yes, ARFID can coexist with autism, but neither condition automatically implies the other.
Should I see a GP first?
A GP can assess physical and nutritional risks and help arrange specialist referral when needed.
Can online counselling help with ARFID?
It may complement an individualised specialist plan, but should not replace medical, nutritional or eating-disorder assessment.
How do I choose a therapist?
Ask about ARFID-specific training, relevant age-group experience and coordination with other professionals.
When should I seek urgent help?
Seek urgent medical advice if intake becomes unsafe, dehydration is suspected or physical health is deteriorating. Call 999 for an immediate emergency.