The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic

About Us
Clinical Supervision DBT Consultation Work with us

Our Specialist Teams

Multidisciplinary Partners Children and Adolescent Mental Health Team DBT Team Eating Disorders Team Couples and Family Therapy Team General Adult Mental Health Team Health Psychology Team Neurodivergent Team Perinatal Team Schema Therapy Team Trauma Team
Therapies
Cognitive Analytic Therapy Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Compassion Focused Therapy Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Family Therapy Mentalisation Based Therapy Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Positive Behaviour Support Schema Therapy Solution Focused Brief Therapy Trauma Focused Therapy
What We Treat
Anxiety ADHD Autism Bereavement Bipolar Disorder Depression Eating Disorders OCD Panic Disorder Personality Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Phobias Psychosexual Self-Esteem Self-Harm Sleep Disorders Stress
Tests
Anxiety Test Eating Disorder Test PHQ-9
Resources
FAQs Press Testimonials
Online Services

Book An Appointment

Contact Us Payment Link
About Us
Clinical Supervision DBT Consultation Work with us

Our Specialist Teams

Multidisciplinary Partners Children and Adolescent Mental Health Team DBT Team Eating Disorders Team Couples and Family Therapy Team General Adult Mental Health Team Health Psychology Team Neurodivergent Team Perinatal Team Schema Therapy Team Trauma Team
Therapies
Cognitive Analytic Therapy Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Compassion Focused Therapy Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Family Therapy Mentalisation Based Therapy Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Positive Behaviour Support Schema Therapy Solution Focused Brief Therapy Trauma Focused Therapy
What We Treat
Anxiety ADHD Autism Bereavement Bipolar Disorder Depression Eating Disorders OCD Panic Disorder Personality Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Phobias Psychosexual Self-Esteem Self-Harm Sleep Disorders Stress
Tests
Anxiety Test Eating Disorder Test PHQ-9
Resources
FAQs Press Testimonials
Online Services

Book An Appointment

Contact Us Payment Link

ARFID SUPPORT
AT FITZROVIA PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC

WHAT CAN I EXPECT

  • Initial Consultation
    A safe and confidential space to talk openly about eating patterns, food avoidance, anxiety around meals, and any impact on physical or emotional health.
  • Comprehensive Assessment
    A detailed assessment explores eating behaviours, sensory sensitivities, fears related to eating (such as choking or vomiting), appetite awareness, and any co-occurring conditions. Physical health and nutritional concerns are considered carefully and sensitively.
  • Clear, Thoughtful Feedback
    Following the assessment, findings are explained clearly and compassionately. If ARFID is identified, we take time to help you understand what this means and how the different factors contribute to your experience.
  • Personalised Treatment Plan
    A collaborative treatment plan is developed based on individual needs. This may include structured talking therapy, gradual exposure to new foods, anxiety management strategies, and nutritional guidance where appropriate.
  • Supportive and Ongoing Care
    Therapy can last weeks or months, depending on the complexity and impact of symptoms. We provide consistent, high-quality private care in a supportive environment, with appointments available in person in London or online.
Theraphy

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

ARFID can develop for a number of reasons. Some individuals experience strong sensory sensitivities to the taste, texture, smell, appearance, or temperature of food. Others may develop anxiety following a distressing experience such as choking or vomiting. Some people have a naturally low interest in eating or find it difficult to recognise feelings of hunger.

Common signs include eating a very limited range of foods, avoiding social situations involving meals, feeling full quickly, anxiety at mealtimes, and nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency.

Without support, ARFID can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Complications may include dehydration, mineral imbalances, cardiovascular strain, and longer-term health risks. However, with the right psychological and nutritional support, meaningful improvement is possible.

15-minute initial consultation

Following your initial enquiry, we will schedule a brief telephone consultation with you in order to gather some basic information about you, your needs and goals.

A comprehensive assesment

Our private mental health assessment typically involves a 60-90 minute consultation with one of our senior clinicians. You will be asked about your mental health history, current symptoms, physical health, lifestyle factors, and any previous experiences with therapy.

A personalised treatment plan

Experience evidence-based therapies that are always tailored to your needs and goals, delivered by specialists who remain at the clinical forefront.

Book a Consultation

MEET THE TEAM

The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic’s senior clinical and counselling psychologists specialise in supporting adults with complex psychological difficulties, including eating disorders such as ARFID. The team combines professional expertise with warmth and understanding, ensuring care is both personal and meets individual goals.

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Dr Gabrielle Brady

Counselling Psychologist | Team Lead of The Eating Disorder Team

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Dr Allison Hayes (nee Rigg)

Founder of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic | Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Gavin Menzies

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Heather Westwood

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Mirko Esposito

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Cara Eilender

Clinical Psychologist

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Ms Eda Ertürk

Dietitian

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – ARFID

What is ARFID?

ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an eating disorder where someone avoids certain foods or limits how much they eat in a way that affects their health or daily life. It is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape.

What causes ARFID?

ARFID can develop for different reasons, including sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, low appetite, or difficulty recognising hunger. It can also occur alongside anxiety, autism, ADHD, or gastrointestinal conditions.

How is ARFID different from picky eating?

ARFID goes beyond being selective about food. The restriction is severe enough to affect health, nutrition, or everyday functioning.

How is ARFID diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a careful assessment of eating habits, physical health, emotional wellbeing, and any related conditions. The goal is to understand the full picture before making recommendations.

What treatments are available for ARFID?

Treatment usually involves psychological therapy. This may include cognitive behavioural approaches, gradual exposure to new foods, anxiety management techniques, and nutritional support. Care is always tailored to individual needs.

Can ARFID affect adults?

Yes. Although often recognised in children, ARFID can affect adults at any stage of life and at any weight.

Can ARFID lead to health complications?

Yes. If untreated, ARFID can lead to malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, dehydration, and heart-related complications. Early support can reduce these risks.

How long does treatment last?

Treatment length varies depending on severity and any additional difficulties. Some people benefit from shorter-term work, while others may need longer support.

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  • "Absolutely the best clinic out there for help & support with any psychological problems you may be facing. The therapists are so compassionate, kind, caring and supportive and make you feel safe from the moment you contact them. Highly recommended."

    Tan Feltham

  • "My experience with Dr Rigg has been amazing. cant highly recommend her and Fitzrovia Clinic enough."

    Gracie Williams

  • "Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic have been incredibly supportive and professional. The psychologists are compassionate and truly dedicated to helping clients grow. Thank to their care, I feel more confident and empowered in my mental health journey."

    Jennifer