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Indiana Counseling Association Presents The Conversations that Shape Us Conference: What You Wish Other Mental Health Counselors Understood

When Eating Feels Unsafe: Recognizing When It Is Not Just Picky Eating

Emily Ervin, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC
Angelica Arreola, MA, LCPC, LMHC
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Pricing

Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify key features of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and differentiate it from typical picky eating.

  • Explain the “pressure–avoidance cycle” and its impact on child and caregiver behavior.

  • Apply 3 compassionate and systemic-focused strategies to support both the child and caregivers navigating ARFID.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop will enhance attendees' case conceptualization skills, strengthen their ability to work collaboratively with caregivers using a strengths-based, non-blaming approach, and leave with practical intervention strategies that can be applied across counseling settings.

Description

Behind many “picky eating” concerns lies Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a complex and often misunderstood presentation that can leave counselors feeling unsure of how to respond in practice. This workshop will support counselors in differentiating typical picky eating and clinically significant ARFID, increasing confidence in early identification and intervention. Through case study application, this workshop emphasizes a family-centered approach to care. Participants will identify ARFID presentations and explore how ARFID is maintained. By understanding these dynamics, participants will learn how to more effectively guide families toward treatment that supports the child’s sense of safety. Attendees will learn how to engage caregivers as collaborative partners in treatment while maintaining a non-blaming, strengths-based stance. Special attention will be given to the low-interest presentation of ARFID, an often under-recognized and challenging presentation due to the child’s limited internal motivation to eat and reduced responsiveness to typical behavioral strategies. Attendees will leave with clearer case conceptualization strategies and effective interventions.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Emily Ervin, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC
Angie Arreola, MA, LCPC, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Benchmark Counseling, a private practice specializing in the treatment of child and adolescent mental health. Angie specializes in the treatment of childhood anxiety, PANS/PANDAS, and OCD and its related disorders. She has expanded her clinical expertise to include the treatment of eating disorders and body image concerns. She also serves as Past President of the Indiana Counseling Association. She is a co-founder of Center for ARFID Training that is focused on training counselors and other disciplines in the treatment of Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
Angelica Arreola, MA, LCPC, LMHC
Emily Ervin, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC is a counselor, counselor educator, clinical supervisor and a current doctoral student. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a 2025 NBCC Doctoral Minority Fellow. She is currently serving as the President of the Indiana Counseling Association. She is an adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan University teaching future counselors, and acts as the clinical director at RoundTable Wellness, a multidisciplinary clinic committed to providing client centered, trauma-informed, gender- and weight-inclusive treatment. She is a co-founder of Center for ARFID Training that is focused on training counselors and other disciplines in the treatment of Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Her research is focused on eating disorder assessment development, counselor self-efficacy treating eating disorders, and advocating for clinician education and training in eating disorders.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Indiana Counseling Association