What is CBT-AR?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a tailored approach that focuses on addressing the specific challenges and symptoms related to this eating disorder.

Here’s a breakdown of how CBT is adapted for ARFID:

1.     Understanding ARFID: CBT for ARFID begins with a thorough assessment to understand the individual's specific eating patterns, food aversions, and the underlying psychological factors.  This may involve exploring past trauma related to food, sensory sensitivities, and anxiety surrounding eating.

2.     Exposure Therapy: A key component is gradual exposure to feared or avoided foods.  This involves approximately 20-30 sessions to adequately address feared foods or sensory sensitivities and increase tolerance to a wider variety of foods.

3.     Cognitive Restructuring involves identifying and challenging distorted thoughts related to food and eating.  For example, suppose a person believes a particular food will make them sick.  In that case, the therapist helps them examine and reframe these beliefs, often through evidence-based techniques and testing them in exposure sessions.   

4.     Behavioral Strategies: These may include setting specific, manageable goals for food intake, establishing regular eating routines, and using positive reinforcement to encourage eating new or previously avoided foods.  Behavioral strategies also involve developing coping skills for managing anxiety and discomfort related to food.

5.     Nutrition Education: While CBT may not focus extensively on nutrition, therapists often collaborate with dietitians to ensure that the patient receives appropriate nutritional guidance.  This helps address any nutritional deficiencies and promotes a balanced diet.

6.     Family Involvement: Family members must be involved, especially for children and adolescents.  Family therapy sessions can help address any family dynamics that may be contributing to eating difficulties and support the implementation of treatment strategies at home.  Treatment involves both in-session and out-of-session work. 

7.     Relapse Prevention: The therapy also focuses on developing strategies to prevent relapse, which includes planning for potential challenges and setbacks and reinforcing the coping skills learned during treatment.

Overall, CBT for ARFID aims to increase food intake and variety, reduce avoidance behaviors, and improve overall psychological well-being by addressing the disorder's cognitive and behavioral aspects.

If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing ARFID, schedule an intake assessment with Dr. Blair to determine the best course of treatment.