The Collaborative ARFID Group is a nine-week program for teens ages 12 to 17 and their caregivers. It combines two evidence-informed approaches to Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): cognitive behavioral therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR) skills for teens, and SPACE strategies for parents.
Dates for the next group have not been set. If you would like to be considered, please express interest using the form below.
Why Teens and Parents Meet Together
ARFID is more than picky eating. It is a sensory or anxiety-based challenge, and it affects the whole family. The group is built around the idea that teens and parents each need their own tools. While teens practice facing their fears around food, parents learn how to support them with calm, consistent boundaries.
The Approaches We Use
For Teens: CBT-AR
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ARFID helps teens understand what is behind their avoidance.
- Reducing fear and sensory avoidance
- Increasing food variety and flexibility
- Building confidence over time
For Parents: SPACE
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions helps parents change how they respond to anxiety.
- Reducing unhelpful food accommodations
- Responding to anxiety with calm confidence
- Reducing power struggles around meals
How the Group Works
Each 60-minute session is split into two parts:
- Part 1 (30 minutes): Parallel tracks. Teens meet with Dr. Heather Rosen to practice CBT-AR skills, while parents meet with Dr. Valerie Scelsa to focus on SPACE strategies.
- Part 2 (30 minutes): Collaborative session. Teens and parents come together for supported food exposures, practice of new skills, and planning for the week ahead.
Who the Group Is For
The group is designed for families in which:
- A teen has a limited range of preferred foods or avoids entire food groups
- Mealtimes have become a source of conflict or stress
- Parents would like a collaborative, non-blaming setting in which to learn practical skills
- Families would like to connect with others facing similar challenges
Details and Next Dates
- Next dates: Not yet scheduled
- Length: Nine weekly sessions
- Session time: 60 minutes (the exact time is set for each group)
- Location: Chappaqua, NY, with an option to join online
- Ages: Teens 12 to 17 and their caregivers
- Fee: Shown on the interest form
To be considered for the next group, express interest here.
Care That Connects Across Specialties
Group work is often one part of a broader plan. Our clinicians work across specialties, and with your consent your clinician can coordinate with colleagues across the practice.
- ARFID: Our ARFID treatment overview.
- Eating Disorders Program: Specialized treatment for children, teens, and adults.
- Group Therapy: Groups for children, teens, parents, and adults.
- Parent-Focused Therapy: Guidance and support for parents.
- How We Coordinate Care: How clinicians across the practice work together.
