Fear Foods Ladder
An exposure hierarchy for feared foods rated by anxiety, with dates tried and learning, for use in eating disorder recovery.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Exposure · Eating disorder recovery
- Approach / concern
- Body Image & Eating
- Technique
- Exposure · Eating disorder recovery
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Fear Foods Ladder?
Food exposure helps reduce dietary rules and food-related anxiety by gradually reintroducing avoided foods, a key component of eating disorder treatment.
Why it works
CBT-E addresses dietary rules and avoidance of feared foods (Fairburn, 2008). Exposure works by violating feared expectations (Craske et al., 2014).
When to use it
- Eating disorder recovery
- ARFID (adapted)
- Restrictive eating
- Diet culture recovery
How to use it in session
- List feared foods.
- Rate anxiety.
- Order the ladder.
- Practise with support.
- Record learning.
Clinician tips
- Coordinate with dietitian.
- Include situations (eating out).
- For eating disorders, use alongside specialist care and medical monitoring.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to eat all my fear foods?
The goal is flexibility, working through steps at a supported pace.
What if I feel guilty afterwards?
Guilt is common. Notice it, use coping skills, and continue with your plan.
References
Fairburn, C. G. (2008). Cognitive behavior therapy and eating disorders. Guilford Press.
Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2014). Maximizing exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10-23.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
