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🌱 Responsive Feeding Therapy: A Gentle, Respectful Approach to Mealtimes

Updated: Aug 10

Helping feeding, speech, and function take flight for little ones in Santa Barbara.


Creating joyful mealtime moments as a caregiver supports a child's exploration and independence through nurturing and encouragement.
Creating joyful mealtime moments as a caregiver supports a child's exploration and independence through nurturing and encouragement.

"How do we get our child to eat?"

This is one of the most common questions I hear from parents - and here’s my answer:


We can’t make children eat. But we can help them grow into confident, competent eaters in a way that feels safe, respectful, and empowering.


💡 What Is Responsive Feeding Therapy?

Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT) is a child-led, relationship-based approach that supports children in developing the skills and confidence to eat - without pressure or force.

Rather than focusing on how much a child eats, RFT emphasizes:

  • Safety and nervous system regulation

  • Positive, low-stress mealtimes

  • Internal motivation and body awareness

  • Strong parent-child connection

It’s rooted in trust, not control. Support, not stress.


🌈 What Does “Success” Look Like?

In my practice, success is about what we call Feeding Freedom:

“Feeding Freedom occurs when a child and their caregiver(s) engage in emotionally and physically nourishing mealtime experiences based on the child’s own individual capacity, internal motivation, and nurturing relationships.”— Carly Veness, CCC-SLP IBCLC

That means your child feels:

  • Safe at the table

  • Curious about food

  • In control of their body

  • Connected with you during mealtimes


🧠 What Happens in Therapy?

Responsive Feeding Therapy is not about “getting” your child to eat -

it’s about building a foundation of trust and skill.

We work on:

  • Supporting your child’s nervous system regulation

  • Strengthening their relationship with food and their body

  • Providing structure without pressure

  • Respecting their autonomy (“no” is always honored)

  • Individualized goals based on your child’s needs and your family’s values


💛 My Core Therapy Values

Every aspect of therapy is guided by five essential values:

1. Autonomy

Children have the right to say “no.” Respecting that choice builds trust and safety.

2. Relationship

Connection is key. I help you tune into your child’s cues and support emotional regulation at the table.

3. Intrinsic Motivation

We create positive mealtimes where your child wants to explore food - at their own pace.

4. Holism

Every child is unique. I consider cultural background, family dynamics, developmental history, and more.

5. Competence

We focus on your child’s strengths. I help your child feel successful - and honor their natural timeline for growth.


🧩 Is This Therapy Right for My Child?

Responsive Feeding Therapy is especially helpful for children with mild to moderate feeding challenges. For more intensive or complex needs, I collaborate with specialists to ensure your child receives comprehensive care.


🌟 You're Not Alone

Feeding challenges can feel overwhelming - but they don’t define your child or your parenting.You’re not failing. You’re learning. And support is here when you’re ready.

If you’re looking for a respectful, child-centered path to more peaceful mealtimes, I’d love to work with your family.


Let’s build feeding freedom—together.



Reference:

Veness, C. (2025). Circles to Feeding™ – Pediatric Program. Treat – Module 10: Responsive Feeding Therapy [PowerPoint slides]. Circles to Feeding™.


Rowell, K., Wong, G., Cormack, J., & Moreland, H. (2020). Responsive feeding therapy: Values and practice (Version 2) [White paper]. Responsive Feeding Therapy. https://www.responsivefeedingtherapy.com

 
 
 

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