ARFID DIETITIAN BALLARAT & ONLINE

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder experienced as having significant difficulty in meeting nutrition needs, often due to:
  • Sensory food needs narrowing the number of foods that feel safe enough to eat
  • Not having any interest in food or motivation to eat e.g. eating feeling like a chore
  • Worries about a negative consequence after eating e.g. fear of vomiting or choking
ARFID is often described as the eating disorder where body image concerns aren’t present.  However, given the world we are living in and the experiences many of us have had, body image concerns might still be present, and may also be impacting your eating, in addition to the above.

How I can help

Our work together will always be specific to you, however some ideas of things we could explore together are:
  • Nutrition advice for eating enough if experiencing a lack of interest in food
  • Support to experiment with new foods if you would like to, without pressure and always on your terms
  • Guidance around meeting your nutrition needs, whilst honouring your food sensory needs and lived experience
  • Support with your relationship with food and body image concerns (if relevant to you)
  • Support for nutrition impacts of neurodivergence, mental health and/or health conditions, if also present
I understand that neurodivergence and/or a history of trauma are often experienced alongside ARFID, and any work we explore together will always be neuro-affirming and trauma informed.  

Hi, I'm Melissa

I love supporting people experiencing ARFID with their relationship with food. 

​Working together, I can support you to meet your nutrition needs, not by disregarding your sensory food needs or ignoring your lived experience, but by being guided by them. 

I provide weight inclusive, gender affirming, trauma informed and neuro-affirming nutrition support, and I can’t wait to support you.

​Let’s work together to support you in meeting your nutrition needs, just as you are.