The pilot group
The pilot programme combined psychoeducation around ARFID presentations with experiential explorations and sharing in small groups .
A goal-focused approach was taken , which aimed to build a trusting , safe , community of commonality , which enabled the development of self-awareness , self-compassion and encouraged ‘ safe to fail ’ experimentation with food and eating .
The group of six participants attended six , 90-minute sessions . The first few sessions focused on discovering what ARFID is and how it impacts people and their lives , helping them understand their anxiety , fear and sensory based responses .
The second half encouraged them to experiment with new foods , to discover how they might best implement changes , including what motivates and demotivates them .
This online , facilitated space was designed to help participants to :
• Learn more about the disorder , to help them understand what might be going on for them
• Explore their own and other ’ s experiences , to facilitate greater self-awareness and validation of their experiences .
• Help them develop a sense that they are not alone in their ARFID related struggles .
• Help them to set and aim for goals as per their individual aspirations .
• Develop coping strategies and develop resilience , to help them continue working towards their personal goals .
Self-identified goals helped to introduce changes at a pace and manner that was personalised and worked for the individual based on their unique needs and challenges .
An integrated therapeutic approach
The SYEDA ARFID pilot group was facilitated jointly between an occupational therapist and an informal learning specialist , who is also a trainee psychotherapist . Our aim for this pilot was to explore the impact that a focus on sharing experiences may have on the wellbeing and eating experiences of adults with ARFID .
Although psychoeducation framed the programme , the majority of time was spent setting personal goals and exploring participant experiences of attempting to reach them . We wanted participants to feel supported , develop a sense of shared endeavour and create a focus and incentive to explore , and ideally change , their eating behaviours .
We felt that the combination of pragmatic goal setting of occupational therapy , the empathy and unconditional positive regard of person-centred psychotherapy , alongside the value of sharing with
February 2024 OTnews 19
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