Helping Your Child Build a Positive Relationship with Food: Our Feeding Therapy Program
Mealtimes can be one of the most connecting parts of the day but for many families, they become a source of stress. If your child avoids certain foods, reacts strongly to new textures, or feels anxious around mealtimes, you’re not alone. Feeding challenges are more common than many people realize, and they’re not a sign of failure.
At Reach Behavior and Development Center, we offer a supportive, play-based Feeding Therapy Program designed to support children aged 2–12 in developing a more positive, confident relationship with food, at their own pace.
Could Feeding Therapy Help?
Every child has a unique relationship with food. Sometimes, their feeding patterns reflect how they experience the world, especially when sensory processing, developmental differences, or past medical experiences are involved.
You might notice your child:
- Preferring a very limited variety of foods
- Avoiding entire food groups like fruits, vegetables or meats
- Showing strong reactions to certain textures, smells, or temperatures
- Finding transitions (e.g., from purées to solids) challenging
- Becoming anxious, overwhelmed, or distressed at mealtimes
These are valid experiences, and there is evidence-based support available.
Our Approach: Child-Led, Playful, and Collaborative
Led by Clinical Director Katie Philcox, our Feeding Therapy Program is grounded in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, a well-researched, play-based method that respects how children naturally learn to eat.
Rather than focusing on getting children to eat specific foods, we focus on helping them feel safe, curious, and confident around food.
What to expect:
- Comprehensive Assessment
We begin by exploring any sensory, developmental, or motor-based factors that may be contributing to feeding challenges. - Individualized Therapy Plan
Every child is different. We tailor support to their specific needs, strengths, and comfort zones. - Learning Through Play
Using games and playful interactions, we support children to explore new foods without pressure, starting with looking, touching, and smelling before moving toward tasting. - Parent Coaching & Support
You are a key part of your child’s progress. We work closely with parents and caregivers, sharing strategies and tools to make mealtimes more manageable and meaningful at home.
You’re Not Alone
Feeding therapy is about more than eating, it’s about helping your child feel safe and successful at the table, one small step at a time. Whether your child is selective with food, has sensory differences, or is recovering from medical or feeding trauma, our team is here to walk alongside you.
Reach out today to learn how we can support your family. Together, we can make mealtimes feel better for everyone.
