At Lotus Therapy, we understand that mealtimes can be a source of stress for many families. Whether your child struggles with selective eating, sensory sensitivities, food aversion, or difficulty progressing with textures, we are here to help. Our Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT) approach prioritises trust, connection, and a child-led experience to foster a positive and lasting relationship with food.

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is a specialised approach designed to support children who face challenges with eating, drinking, or mealtimes due to medical, sensory, behavioral, or developmental concerns. Unlike traditional feeding therapy models that may focus on compliance or structured exposure, Responsive Feeding Therapy is grounded in respect, autonomy, and creating a safe and supportive environment for your child to explore food at their own pace.

Our Approach: Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT)

At Lotus Therapy, we follow the principles of Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT), which means:

✔ Respecting your child’s autonomy – We never force or pressure children to eat; instead, we follow their cues and build trust.

✔ Fostering a positive mealtime experience – Our sessions are designed to make eating enjoyable, reducing anxiety around food.

✔ Supporting sensory needs and individual preferences – Every child has unique experiences with textures, smells, and tastes. We gently expand their comfort zone while respecting their boundaries.

✔ Empowering parents and caregivers – We provide you with tools, strategies, and reassurance to create a stress-free mealtime environment at home.

Who Can Benefit from Feeding Therapy?

Our feeding therapy services support children experiencing:

●      Selective eating or food refusal

●      Sensory sensitivities impacting food acceptance

●      Oral motor challenges affecting chewing and swallowing

●      Anxiety around mealtimes or new foods

●      Growth or nutritional concerns due to limited food intake

What to Expect in Feeding Therapy

During an initial assessment, we take the time to understand your child’s feeding history, preferences, challenges, and goals. Each therapy session is tailored to your child’s unique needs and may include:

●      Play-based food exploration to build comfort and curiosity

●      Gentle strategies to expand accepted foods without pressure

●      Parent coaching to support confident, stress-free mealtimes at home

●      Collaboration with other professionals, such as speech pathologists or occupational therapists, if needed

Get Started with Feeding Therapy

If mealtimes are challenging for your child and family, you’re not alone. We are here to provide compassionate support and evidence-based strategies to help your child develop confidence with eating. Contact us today to learn more about our feeding therapy services at Lotus Therapy and book an appointment.