CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a structured, time-limited treatment that helps individuals expand the variety and/or volume of foods they eat while reducing anxiety and avoidance around eating. Treatment begins with psychoeducation, establishing regular eating patterns, and gradually increasing preferred foods, alongside developing an individualized understanding of what maintains the eating difficulty (e.g., sensory sensitivity, fear of negative consequences, or low interest in food). A collaborative treatment plan then guides which foods and goals to target next.

The core of CBT-AR focuses on gently and systematically addressing these maintaining factors through exposure-based strategies:

• Sensory sensitivity: gradual, repeated exploration of new foods (sight, smell, taste, texture)

• Fear of aversive consequences: building confidence through step-by-step exposure to feared foods or situations

• Low interest in eating: increasing awareness of hunger/fullness and practising eating even when interest is low

Treatment typically lasts 20–30 sessions, depending on individual needs, and ends with relapse prevention planning to support continued progress and confidence with eating.

We understand that ARFID is common among neurodivergent individuals. In these cases, treatment is adapted using a neuroaffirming approach, incorporating the SAFETY model developed by Lucy Smith.