Nourish Therapy

Nourish Therapy 'Creating positive kai times together'. Occupational Therapy Service to support children and whānau with paediatric feeding challenges. Christchurch, New Zealand

We are a private practice service offering community based services in the Canterbury region or nationally via telehealth. Our services are for:
Children aged 2 years to adolescent who have paediatric feeding challenges. Funding: Private, Individualised Funding, ACC. Rebecca, our experienced and compassionate therapist provides the following services. Assessment for children with paediatric feeding challenges.

1-1 Therapy, with approaches including:
Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS)
Sensory integration
Behavioral support and anxiety management
Trauma informed and neuroscience based
Mealtime environment management

Sensory profile assessment and sensory diets supporting mealtimes on request or at recommendation

Workshops for parents, teachers, and other professionals

Contact us to discuss your needs today!

Eating Disorders Awareness Week When people think about eating disorders, they often picture body image concerns.But not...
24/02/2026

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

When people think about eating disorders, they often picture body image concerns.

But not all eating disorders are about weight or shape.

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) sits under the classification of an Eating Disorder

Children (and adults) with ARFID may:
• Avoid food due to sensory sensitivities
• Fear choking, vomiting, or allergic reactions
• Have extremely limited “safe foods”
• Experience significant anxiety around eating

ARFID is a feeding disorder that deserves compassion, evidence-based support, and early intervention.

Many neurodivergent children are at increased risk, which means we must move away from pressure, shame and “just try it” approaches.

If this resonates with your family or a family you support, you are not alone, and help is available. Our feeding programmes are designed to support children with presentations of ARFID.

Feeding challenges don’t look the same at every age, however, they also don’t just “go away with time". In some cases fe...
23/02/2026

Feeding challenges don’t look the same at every age, however, they also don’t just “go away with time". In some cases feeding challenges can evolve, but without support, they often become more entrenched.

Do any of these reasonate at different ages you have been through?

Before children can explore new foods, eat more, or build skills, they need to feel safe. Not just physically safe, but ...
17/02/2026

Before children can explore new foods, eat more, or build skills, they need to feel safe. Not just physically safe, but nervous-system safe. Safety helps the body shift from fight or flight to rest and digest. And that's where progress begins.

There are updates coming to Disabiliy Support Services (DSS) - Positive ones! And excitedly, those who might not have be...
16/02/2026

There are updates coming to Disabiliy Support Services (DSS) - Positive ones! And excitedly, those who might not have been able use their funding for feeding support now can (as long as you have a goal around feeding).

"They'll eat when they're hungry". It's common advice, but for many children, it simply isn't true. For children with fe...
08/02/2026

"They'll eat when they're hungry". It's common advice, but for many children, it simply isn't true.

For children with feeding challenges, hunger alone is often not enough to make eating possible. This isn't stubbornness, manipulation, or bad parenting. It's a child whose body and brain needs support.

Feeding progress comes from safety, trust, skill-building, and regulation, not hunger alone.

For many children, eating isn’t just about taste. It’s about how food feels, smells, looks, sounds, and even how predict...
03/02/2026

For many children, eating isn’t just about taste. It’s about how food feels, smells, looks, sounds, and even how predictable it is.

Developing tools for supporting sensory needs can be crucial for supporting regulation and reducing anxiety around food.

From the outside it looks simple. Sit down. Take a bite. Chew. Swallow. But feeding is about much more than that. Feedin...
27/01/2026

From the outside it looks simple. Sit down. Take a bite. Chew. Swallow. But feeding is about much more than that.

Feeding support isn't about "making children eat", it's about supporting the whole child.

Our role is to identify the areas making food challenging and put specific strategies in place.

Are you confused about the differences between ARFID, PFD, and picky eating? Understanding these terms can help you reco...
22/01/2026

Are you confused about the differences between ARFID, PFD, and picky eating?

Understanding these terms can help you recognise when professional support might be needed, as each condition presents unique challenges and requires distinct approaches.

By grasping the nuances of each term, you'll be better equipped to identify when your child's eating habits warrant the attention of a healthcare professionals focused on food.

Did you know? ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, is a type of eating disorder that involves extreme fo...
19/01/2026

Did you know? ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, is a type of eating disorder that involves extreme food avoidance or restriction, which can lead to inadequate nutrition, malnutrition, and a range of negative impacts on overall health and wellbeing. ARFID requires attention and targeted support to ensure individuals receive the nutrients and intervention they need to thrive.

If your child struggles with eating, you may have heard the term Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) — but what does it ac...
14/01/2026

If your child struggles with eating, you may have heard the term Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) — but what does it actually mean?

Paediatric Feeding Disorder is a diagnosis used when a child has persistent difficulties with eating or drinking that affect their health, development, or family life. Importantly, PFD recognises that feeding challenges are rarely caused by just one factor.

Our role involves identifying the areas of concern and actioning the intervention needed to start to make change.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue supporting families navigating restricted and complex eating with fl...
12/01/2026

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue supporting families navigating restricted and complex eating with flexible options designed to meet you where you’re at. Head to our website to complete an application form to get in touch. Rebecca, Sophie & Steph 🥰

As we wrap up an incredible year, our team will be taking a short break to rest and recharge.Our office and programs wil...
18/12/2025

As we wrap up an incredible year, our team will be taking a short break to rest and recharge.

Our office and programs will be closed from Friday 19th December 2025 and will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026.

Thank you for your support throughout 2025. We look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year

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Christchurch

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 1pm

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