Free Course

Understanding ARFID

A psychoeducation course for people living with avoidant/restrictive eating and their families

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is one of the most misunderstood eating disorders. This 11-module course explains what ARFID is, why it develops, what treatments work, and how to support recovery.

Written for two audiences: the person with ARFID and their family members. Each module is marked so you know which perspective it addresses.

11 modules 5 parts ~45 min total reading Evidence-based

This course is the self-directed component of the ARFID Treatment Program, which also includes individual therapy and family-based approaches. Browse all eating disorder resources.

Course Modules

Part I: What's Happening

1
What ARFID Actually Is Free preview
2
What You're Seeing For Family
3
Getting Diagnosed and Medically Assessed For Everyone

Part II: Why It Happens

4
How Your Brain Processes Food Differently For You
5
Development and Risk Factors For Everyone

Part III: What Helps

6
Evidence-Based Treatments For You
7
What You Can Do at Home For Family

Part IV: Living With It

8
Making Mealtimes Work For Family
9
Social and Emotional Wellbeing For Everyone

Part V: Moving Forward

10
What Recovery Looks Like For Everyone
11
Next Steps For Everyone

Continue the course

Module 1 is free to read. Enter your email to unlock all 11 modules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ARFID?

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder recognized in the DSM-5 characterized by limited food variety, low appetite, or food avoidance based on sensory characteristics or fear of negative consequences. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns.

Is this course free?

Yes. All 11 modules are free and written by a licensed clinician with experience treating ARFID at residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care.

Who is this course for?

This course is written for two audiences: people living with ARFID and their family members. Each module is labeled so you know which perspective it addresses.

What treatment approaches does this course cover?

The course covers evidence-based treatments including CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID), sensory-based approaches, family-based treatment, and exposure therapy. It explains what each approach involves and how to evaluate treatment options.

Can adults have ARFID?

Yes. While ARFID is often identified in childhood, many adults live with undiagnosed ARFID. The course covers ARFID across the lifespan, including how it presents differently in adults versus children.

About the author

Brian Nuckols, MA, LPC-A, is a licensed professional counselor associate in Pittsburgh, PA. He has clinical experience treating ARFID at residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. This course is grounded in the research of Thomas, Eddy, Harris, Dinkler, Satter, and other leaders in the field.