ARFID

ARFID – Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder – Our work focuses on practical psychoeducation around food and nutrition, helping to build understanding, confidence, and motivation.

What is ARFID?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was officially introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM 5, (5th edition) in 2013, replacing a diagnosis known as ‘Selective Eating Disorder’. 

The National Eating Disorders Association defines ARFID as “similar to anorexia in that both disorders involve limitations in the amount and/or types of food consumed, but unlike anorexia, ARFID does not involve any distress about body shape or size, or fears of fatness.” In children (where the behaviour is more commonly observed) this means a daily food intake that is insufficient for growth and development. In adults it can become difficult for the body to perform basic daily functions. While ARFID is often associated with significant weight loss and malnutrition due to consuming a restricted diet, it’s important to recognise that ARFID can also be associated with weight gain as a consequence of food preference. 

You can read more about ARFID, signs and symptoms and how it develops here.

How does ARFID One to One Support work?

Our One to One Support service offers 10 personalised sessions for anyone aged 5 and over who is affected by eating disorders, disordered eating, or related mental health challenges.
These sessions follow the principles of CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – ARFID), drawing on evidence-based approaches while remaining flexible and person-centred. We understand that every individual’s experience is unique, so we adapt our support to meet each person’s needs.
Support is delivered by our team of trained Specialist Support Officers, creating a safe, non-judgmental space to explore triggers, manage food related anxiety, and work towards goals at your own pace. As part of the 10-session journey, service users also benefit from a dedicated session with our in-house nutrition team. This focuses on practical psychoeducation around food and nutrition, helping to build understanding, confidence, and motivation.

Who is ARFID One to One Support suitable for?

This service is open to anyone aged 5+ affected by sensory sensitivity around food, fear of aversive consequences due to food and/or has a lack of interest in food or eating.

Thanks to the support I received, I now have more of an understanding of ARFID and have learnt how to try new foods without fear. Thank you so much.

Service User , First Steps ED
Access to our services depends on your location—some areas are funded and free to access, while others are available through our highly subsidised Private Practice.
Our ARFID One to One Support through Private Practice is delivered by highly trained Specialist Support Officers and costs £45 per session.

One to One sessions are available face-to-face or online, depending on location and what works best for you.

You don’t need a diagnosis or professional referral to access support—just a readiness to take the first step.
Compassionate
Our One to One Support is non-clinical and focuses on exploring thoughts, feelings and emotions, goal setting, and empowerment. It is a safe space to be heard and reassured.
Guided by Experience
Many of our Specialist Support Officers have lived experience of eating disorders or related challenges. They bring empathy, understanding, and practical insight to every session.
Structured, Yet Flexible
Support follows a CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – ARFID) style approach with weekly goals, but sessions are always shaped around the individual’s needs and pace.
A Safe Space to Share
Sessions offer a safe and confidential environment to talk about experiences, feelings, and challenges. This is your time to be heard and supported.
Focus on Empowerment
The aim is to help individuals build coping strategies, improve their mental health and wellbeing, and foster a more positive relationship with food.
Important:  Please note that First Steps ED services are for people with mild to moderate eating disorder and comorbid mental health issues. We do not provide a crisis or emergency service.   If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, please visit the NHS website , contact your GP or for immediate assistance call 999.

Next steps

If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, please submit a referral using the button below. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 1021685 or info@firststepsed.co.uk.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Referrals can either be made by yourself, by a parent/ carer, or professional support worker. After making a referral, we aim to make contact within 10 workings days.

Find out more about our ARFID workshop, available to those affected by ARFID, as well as parents, carers and loved ones.

“My Specialist Support Officer has been absolutely brilliant. He has been incredibly supportive and has helped me through some very testing times. He has given me multiple, useful, and sustainable strategies to help combat my eating disorder. I’d like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he has done for me.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“This service has made an incredible difference to my recovery. The management report that I received was fantastic, and it gave me a space to speak openly, honestly, and freely. Honestly, the experience has changed my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the support that I have received from First Steps.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I don’t find myself ruminating on things anymore, which is fantastic. Thank you for all of your help, I find myself going back to our conversations whenever I need to remind myself of what’s really important. You really helped me a lot and I feel my quality of life is so much better because of it, I’m confident you are doing the same for others too.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“It’s a valuable resource for support in a comfortable, non pressurising environment, giving me something to come away with, advice to think about and apply into practice.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“It made me realise that other people are experiencing the same as me which made me feel not alone and seeing others also try to recover motivated me to do the same.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I really like how people interact in the chat and I am able to relate to things other people are struggling with. It makes me feel less alone.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I thoroughly enjoy the sessions and find them extremely helpful – it makes me feel less alone in all of this.”

Service User, First Steps ED
“It’s provided a constant reminder and push to keep being active in recovery and it makes me feel less alone when I’m struggling.”
Service User, First Steps ED