We don't always hear from the dads as much as we do from the moms. Therefore, after the results of the Food Allergy Dad Experience Survey were published in Episode 2, I wanted to chat in depth with one of the dads. In this episode, the first in a two-part series, guest Jit Bose and I explore his experiences as the dad of a child with food allergies, and the insightful tips he has for other dads (and all parents, really) after 15 years on this journey. In part 1, we cover topics such as:  Thoughts on results from the Food Allergy Dad Experience Survey 2 pivotal experiences that helped h ..read more

Whether you've just learned about, or are considering or currently taking part in food allergy treatments, this episode will offer insights into the emotional aspects of treatments - a focus not always openly explored. My guest on this episode is Marte Matthews, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice who also works with allergic patients at the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy & Asthma Research at Stanford University. Marte and I explore the following topics:  Important factors to think about when considering food allergy treatments Assessing your own a ..read more

My guest Jo Frost (also known as Supernanny) and I chat about so many important topics in this 2-part episode, including how to live an empowered life with allergies, navigating various family/parenting dynamics including divorced/blended families, and how values can be the compass that guides you to living a safe AND full life with allergies. Jo also shares insights into how her upbringing empowered her, how her family/friends support her allergy safety, and some fun insights into the filming of her show, Supernanny! Be sure to listen to both Part 1 (Ep. 20) and Part 2 (Ep. 21) so you don't ..read more

My guest Jo Frost (also known as Supernanny) and I chat about so many important topics in this 2-part episode, including how to live an empowered life with allergies, navigating various family/parenting dynamics including divorced/blended families, and how values can be the compass that guides you to living a safe AND full life with allergies. Jo also shares insights into how her upbringing empowered her, how her family/friends support her allergy safety, and some fun insights into the filming of her show, Supernanny! Be sure to listen to both Part 1 (Ep. 20) and Part 2 (Ep. 21) so you don't ..read more

This episode focuses on understanding what research tells us about the emotional and social impacts food allergies have on individuals and families, and what upcoming CFAAR studies may further explore. Guests Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH and Lisa Lombard, Ph.D. from the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) join me on this episode to discuss recent studies focused on the social and emotional impacts food allergies have on individuals and families, and how this data is helping them create new studies and interventions.  We explore the data gathered on.... Emotions children, caregi ..read more

Vulnerability can make us feel pretty uncomfortable, but does feeling vulnerable mean we're weak? In this episode, we'll explore what vulnerability is and how it relates to managing food allergies. We'll also review 5 steps that can help you move from doubt to confidence when managing allergies. So let's explore vulnerability! Exploring Vulnerability & Food Allergies 5-Step Handout/PDF: https://www.foodallergycounselor.com/resources.html(Find it in the "Take Home Challenge" section) Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast:  www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com Connect vi ..read more

Thinking traps, or cognitive distortions, tend to lead us into a pattern of increased anxiety, worry, or stress. In this episode, we'll explore food allergy-focused thinking traps, and strategies to challenge and deal with them. (These strategies are easily adaptable to teach children and teens as well). To learn more about thinking traps or locate the handout, check out this Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website blog post on the topic: Food Allergy Thinking Traps Check out the "Take Home Challenge" section on the podcast page for PDFs/handouts related to podcast episodes: www.FoodA ..read more

It's normal to be left with a variety of thoughts and feelings after an allergic reaction, which sometimes then leads to changes in behaviors and confidence. On this episode, we will explore and share tips to help move through this normal post-reaction phase. My guest on this episode is psychologist Fawn McNeil-Haber of Brave Minds Psychological Services in Scotch Plains, NJ. Fawn and I explore the following:  Common emotions experienced after a reaction Strategies to help you work WITH feelings rather than fight against them Post-reaction thoughts and what to do about them Moving thro ..read more

In honor of Counseling Awareness Month in April, Season 2 kicks off with an episode focusing on therapy, because after the last 12 months, many could benefit from additional support. This episode will specifically explore:  WHY (and when) people might decide to seek out therapy WHO provides counseling services  WHAT some common counseling approaches are, and determining which is right for you WHERE to find therapists Read more tips on finding allergy-informed therapists: https://www.foodallergycounselor.com/blog/how-to-find-an-allergy-knowledgeable-counseling-provider Websites to ..read more

We don't always hear from the dads as much as we do from the moms. Therefore, after the results of the Food Allergy Dad Experience Survey were published in Episode 2, I wanted to chat in depth with one of the dads. In this episode, the second in a two-part series, guest Jit Bose and I explore his experiences as the dad of a child with food allergies, and the insightful tips he has for other dads (and all parents, really) after 15 years on this journey. In part 2, we cover topics such as:  A scary (and unusual) hospital experience he had after his son's reaction The best advice an aller ..read more