Supporting Loved Ones with ARFID: A 6-Week Educational Series
Presented by
Jennifer Vittitow, RD, LD, CEDS-C (she/her)
Michelle Jones, Ph.D (she/her/hers)
Supporting Loved Ones with ARFID is a comprehensive 6-week educational and support series created for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of what avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is, the best treatment approaches, and how to effectively support a loved one with ARFID.
During each of the first five sessions, Michelle Jones, Ph.D., Clinical Manager at ERC Pathlight, and Jennifer Vittitow, RD, LD, CEDS-C, Regional Director of Nutrition at ERC Pathlight, will share an educational presentation aimed at establishing a foundational knowledge of this eating disorder. During these sessions, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a discussion with the clinicians and fellow attendees to further their understanding of how recovery is possible. During the series' final week, the facilitators will lead an extended Q&A session and foster a forum for peer-to-peer connection and support.
6-Week Overview:
Session 1: ARFID 101
Session 2: Treatment Interventions Part 1 - Sensory Sensitivity
Session 3: Treatment Interventions Part 2 – Fear of Adverse Consequences
Session 4: Treatment Interventions Part 3 - Lack of Interest
Session 5: Supporting Your Loved One
Session 6: Q&A + Community Connection
This series will consist of six weekly sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. Sessions will be conducted virtually through Zoom allowing participants to join from the comfort of their homes. This series can be helpful for family/friends supporting a child/adolescent OR adult loved one. However, guidance for how to best support a loved one with ARFID will be more geared toward those caring for a child or adolescent recovering from ARFID.
Educational presentations and lived experiences will be recorded from each session and compiled into one offering at the conclusion of this support series for anyone who is unable to attend live. To protect the privacy of attendees and create a safe space, all attendee participation will be edited out. Please note, the group is a supplemental support and is not a replacement for higher levels of care, therapy, or medical advice.
*Closed captioning services are provided in this virtual support group.
Support Groups at Eating Recovery Center
Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder or your mental health, or supporting someone who is, we believe that with expert support and community connection, healing is always possible. Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center offer several free support groups led by trained facilitators for individuals seeking support and connection. These groups are available for ERC Pathlight alumni age 18+, the broader community, and family/friends supporting a loved one with an eating disorder.
To ensure your safety and that of our teammates, our support groups are currently only taking place online. This means that you're able to connect with others and our staff from the convenience of your home!
We are excited to connect with you!
Have questions or need more information about this group?
Email: [email protected]