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    Exploring Food Allergy Families

    Hosted by licensed therapist Tamara Hubbard, LCPC, Exploring Food Allergy Families is a podcast with real talk, relatable conversations, and practical advice focused on navigating the impacts that food allergies have on families, mental health, and emotional well-being. Subscribe now so you don't miss any episodes! (www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com. Music by Scott Holmes.)
    en-usTamara Hubbard, LCPC (The Food Allergy Counselor website)21 Episodes

    Episodes (21)

    Real Talk with Jo Frost (aka Supernanny) - Part 2 of 2 [Ep. 21]

    Real Talk with Jo Frost (aka Supernanny) - Part 2 of 2 [Ep. 21]

    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 miss any of this insightful and fun discussion!

    CONNECT WITH JO FROST:


    CONNECT  WITH  FAC & HOST, TAMARA HUBBARD, LCPC:

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    Real Talk with Jo Frost (aka Supernanny) - Part 1 of 2 [Ep. 20]

    Real Talk with Jo Frost (aka Supernanny) - Part 1 of 2 [Ep. 20]

    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 miss any of this insightful and fun discussion!

    CONNECT WITH JO FROST:


    CONNECT  WITH  FAC & HOST, TAMARA HUBBARD, LCPC:

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    Social & Life Tips for Allergic Teens and Young Adults; Guest: Kortney Kwong Hing [Ep. 19]

    Social & Life Tips for Allergic Teens and Young Adults; Guest: Kortney Kwong Hing [Ep. 19]

    Navigating the teen and young adult years is hard enough, but managing a food allergy can make it feel even more difficult. This episode offers guidance and tips to help allergic teens, young adults and parents navigate these years.

    My guest Kortney Kwong Hing and I discuss the following topics:
    Various common social & life scenarios, tips for speaking up about safety when shy, tips on how to fit in with friends safely, how/when to talk about your allergy when dating, talking to (and showing) parents you can be trusted, and taking ownership of having a food allergy. We also offer guidance for parents on how to approach teens who aren't taking allergy safety seriously.

    CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:


    CONNECT  WITH THE HOST:

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    Taking Fear & Trauma Out of Epinephrine Use; Guest: Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD [Ep. 18]

    Taking Fear & Trauma Out of Epinephrine Use; Guest: Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD [Ep. 18]

    This episode explores dealing with fearful thoughts and a variety of emotions when just thinking about epinephrine, or when you actually need to use it.
    .
    My guest Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD and I share strategies and tips to  prepare for, actually use, and process the thoughts, feelings and trauma that are often part of the allergic reaction experience. These tips are helpful for kids, teens, adults and parents!
    .
    Take advantage of two allergy-informed behavioral health clinicians discussing strategies to deal with the very real internal experiences when using epinephrine! And please feel free to let us know if this episode resonated with you by leaving a rating or review, by sharing this episode, or by connecting with us.
    .
    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA! 

    Food Allergies & ARFID: Is It Just Picky Eating?; Guest: Tiffany Taft, PsyD [Ep. 17]

    Food Allergies & ARFID: Is It Just Picky Eating?; Guest: Tiffany Taft, PsyD [Ep. 17]

    Many people have picky eating habits and may even avoid a number of foods, but when do these food preferences become problematic, especially for those managing food allergy?

    This episode explores the answers to these questions and the diagnosis of ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) which is a diagnosis becoming more well-known in those managing chronic conditions focused on food intake.

    My guest, gastropsychologist Tiffany Taft, PsyD and I talk about: 

    • What ARFID is AND isn't; 
    • Differences between ARFID & picky eating habits; 
    • When to be concerned about picky eating habits; 
    • The role of anxiety/fear in the development of ARFID; 
    • When to reach out for help with allergy-related restrictive eating patterns; 
    • How therapists, mental healthcare  and medical professionals  should approach ARFID assessment and treatment; 

    To learn more about ARFID, visit these resources: 

    Visit the Rome Foundation's Gastropsych Directory for a directory of providers who understand the diagnosis and treatment of gut brain interactions and functional GI disorders.

    To locate an allergy-informed clinical counseling provider in your state, or to access therapeutic worksheets and related resources, visit the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website (www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com)

    CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA!

    WHERE TO LISTEN TO THE EFAF PODCAST:

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast at: www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    Or find the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast on any podcast app, including:

    So, You Want to Be an Allergy Advocate or Professional?; Guest: Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed. [Ep. 16]

    So, You Want to Be an Allergy Advocate or Professional?; Guest: Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed. [Ep. 16]

    Maybe you're an allergic individual or allergy parent who wants to advocate on a larger scale? Or perhaps you're interested in learning more about what a food allergy consultant or allergy-informed therapist does and how to become one?

    Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed. and I discuss food allergy advocacy, consulting and counseling, paying special attention to not burning yourself out, especially as an advocate. We offer tips on recognizing burnout, determining your own boundaries, prioritizing your advocacy efforts based on your own values, referring people to others when needed, and prioritizing a balanced approach so you don't neglect areas of your life just to advocate in another one. We also share common questions we get about our roles as a food allergy consultant and allergy-informed therapist.

    Enjoy a game of "Who You Gonna Call" which identifies which allergy professional is best to reach out to in various situations. Additionally, we highlight the need to appreciate/show gratitude for those providing resources/making changes within the allergy community so they feel valued.

    Read the Food Allergy Counselor post "The Evolution of a Food Allergy Advocate" on the FAC Blog: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com/blog

    Connect via Social Media!

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast at: www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    To locate an allergy-informed clinical counseling provider in your state, or to access therapeutic worksheets and related resources, visit the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website at: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com

    WHERE TO LISTEN TO EFAF PODCAST:
    You can find the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast on any podcast app, including:
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-food-allergy-families/id1510043388

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yBkFuVUKgyNuKLluY9QWk

    iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-exploring-food-allergy-fam-63032212/

    Comparing Moms' & Dads' Experiences - Allergy Parenting Survey Review [Ep. 15]

    Comparing Moms' & Dads' Experiences - Allergy Parenting Survey Review [Ep. 15]

    In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, I'm reviewing the 2020 Food Allergy Mom Experiences survey results to gain better insight into how moms feel about allergy parenting. Additionally, I'll compare the data from the 2020 Food Allergy Dad Experiences survey (which asked the exact same questions), and explore similarities and differences in their experiences. [Be sure to check out Episode 2, which is all about the dads' survey results]

    The survey questions look at:

    • The hardest aspects of food allergy parenting
    • What allergy parenting tasks each parent felt they were more confident with
    • What allergy parenting tasks each felt their partner was more confident with
    • How allergy parenting impacted their relationship (positively or negatively)
    • Tips and insights to share with newly diagnosed moms and dads

    The full anonymous responses from the moms' survey will be available in an upcoming Food Allergy Counselor blog post very soon, so be sure to check that out at: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com/blog

    Full anonymous responses from the dads' survey are already available here: www.foodallergycounselor.com/blog/exploring-food-allergy-dads-experiences-survey-results

    Share your thoughts about the results of these surveys by connecting with me on Twitter or Instagram: @TherapistTamara

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    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast at: www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    To locate an allergy-informed clinical counseling provider in your state, or to access therapeutic worksheets and related resources, visit the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website at: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com

    Connect via social media! 

    Tips for Managing Oral Food Challenge Anxiety; Guest: Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD [Ep. 14]

    Tips for Managing Oral Food Challenge Anxiety; Guest: Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD [Ep. 14]

    It's common to feel nervous or anxious in anticipation of an oral food challenge (OFC). On this episode, fellow allergy-informed therapist Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD and I will discuss navigating oral food challenge anxiety. We will specifically explore: 

    • Tips to encourage readiness  for kids, teens, parents and adults
    • Anxiety management strategies to practice 
    • Tips to help determine anxiety versus allergic reaction sensations
    • Strategies to navigate nerves during the actual OFC appointment
    • How far in advance to tell your child about an OFC 
    • Answering the question "How does the allergist know what's happening in my body?"
    • The importance of having a mantra
    • A fun idea parents can prepare for the actual appointment

    Take advantage of two allergy-informed behavioral health clinicians discussing strategies to navigate oral food challenges! And please feel free to let us know if this episode resonated with you by leaving a rating or review, by sharing this episode, or by connecting with us.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA! 

    3 Things Allergists Want You to Talk with Them About; Guest: Dr. Zachary Rubin [Ep. 13]

    3 Things Allergists Want You to Talk with Them About; Guest: Dr. Zachary Rubin [Ep. 13]

    Open communication with your allergist is crucial - it helps them meet you where you're at and in turn, provides you with valuable guidance and information to help navigate life with food allergies. However, not everyone knows how to advocate for their own patient needs or when they should or shouldn't reach out to their allergist with questions.

    In this episode, I'll be chatting with my guest, allergist Dr. Zachary Rubin on the following topics and more: 

    • Benefits of open communication with your allergist or doctor;
    • 3 things your allergist wants you to talk to them or ask them about; 
    • Debunking common hesitations that keep people from reaching out to their allergist with questions or concerns;
    • Tips and suggestions to help create open dialogue between you and your allergist

    Want to connect with Dr. Zachary Rubin? 

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    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast at: www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    To locate an allergy-informed clinical counseling provider in your state, or to access therapeutic worksheets and related resources, visit the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website at: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com

    Connect via social media! 

    4 Things You Should Know About Therapy [Ep. 12]

    4 Things You Should Know About Therapy [Ep. 12]

    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 locate therapists or counseling providers: 

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    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast at: www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    To locate an allergy-informed clinical counseling provider in your state, or to access therapeutic worksheets and related resources, visit the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website at: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com

    Connect via social media! 


    Food Allergy Thinking Traps: What Are They & How to Get Unstuck [Ep. 11]

    Food Allergy Thinking Traps: What Are They & How to Get Unstuck [Ep. 11]

    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.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast at: www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    To locate an allergy-informed clinical counseling provider in your state, or to access related resources, visit the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website at: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com

    Connect via social media! 

    The Data About Our Feelings - Exploring CFAAR Research; Guests: Ruchi Gupta, MD & Lisa Lombard, PhD [Ep. 10]

    The Data About Our Feelings - Exploring CFAAR Research; Guests: Ruchi Gupta, MD & Lisa Lombard, PhD [Ep. 10]

    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, caregivers & adults reported feeling
    • Exploration of when anxiety is most triggered
    • Future studies (i.e. teens/young adults in social scenarios)
    • Social / emotional resource and intervention preferences
    • What teens say about how their food allergies empower them in life

    We also discuss.....

    • How mental health clinicians play a role in supporting those managing allergies
    • How YOU can help shape what CFAAR is researching (or get involved in studies), 
      and provide input on the resources still needed for communities

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA! 

    Moving Forward After an Allergic Reaction; Guest: Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD [Ep. 9]

    Moving Forward After an Allergic Reaction; Guest: Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD [Ep. 9]

    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 through physical stress sensations that may mimic reactions
    • Strategies to begin the healing process

    [Tips discussed in this episode can be adapted to work for kids/teens as well]

    Take advantage of two allergy-informed behavioral health clinicians discussing strategies to navigate this common post-anaphylaxis phase! And please feel free to let us know if this episode resonated with you by leaving a rating or review, or by sharing.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA! 

    Food Allergy Treatments: Tips to Navigate Emotions, Decisions & Power Struggles; Guest: Marte Matthews, LMFT [Ep. 8]

    Food Allergy Treatments: Tips to Navigate Emotions, Decisions & Power Struggles; Guest: Marte Matthews, LMFT [Ep. 8]

    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 and/or your child's feelings about and motivations for treatments
    • How to navigate possible thought/feeling hurdles during all phases of treatment 
    • Key communication strategies that are especially helpful during the treatment and maintenance phases
    • Assessing/addressing your child's treatment-related anxiety
    • Separating your own anxiety and stress from your child's (how and why)
    • Tips to move through possible power struggles throughout the process
    • Guilt related to NOT pursuing treatments or FOR pursuing treatments

    [This episode is also beneficial for healthcare providers and fellow therapists wanting to better understand the potential emotional experiences and struggles patients have during treatments, and how to help them through it.]

    So grab a cup of coffee and take advantage of two family therapy-trained and allergy-informed therapists in one spot! And please let us know if this topic resonated with you by leaving a rating or review, or by sharing!

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

    CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA! 

    Tips from An Experienced Dad (Part 2); Guest: Jit Bose - [Ep. 7]

    Tips from An Experienced Dad (Part 2); Guest: Jit Bose - [Ep. 7]

    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 allergist ever gave him, which needs to be shared
    • The strangest place he found an allergen
    • Navigating well-meaning family get together scenarios
    • And lots of additional empowering tips and advice!

    ............And don't forget to listen to part 1 (episode 6) if you haven't already...........

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast:  www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    Connect via social media! 

    Tips from An Experienced Dad (Part 1); Guest: Jit Bose - [Ep. 6]

    Tips from An Experienced Dad (Part 1); Guest: Jit Bose - [Ep. 6]

    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 him go from overwhelmed to empowered
    • How he and his wife created shared visions/approaches despite different viewpoints 
    • And lots of practical pieces of advice for all in the food allergy community!

    ............And don't forget to listen to part 2 (episode 7) as well!...........

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast:  www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    Connect via social media! 

    Embracing the Crazy & Finding the Humor in Life, Especially Lately; Guest: Jen Burch - [Ep. 5]

    Embracing the Crazy & Finding the Humor in Life, Especially Lately; Guest: Jen Burch - [Ep. 5]

    Let's be honest - with life feeling more stressful at the moment, we may forget to look for opportunities to laugh. But laughter can be a great coping strategy! This episode will not only remind you to embrace the crazy and find the humor in life, but will likely have you laughing and thinking "Yes, I can totally relate!"

    In this episode, guest Jen Burch and I chat about many moments where we could have lost our minds, but instead, welcomed the chaos instead - which changed our outlooks on the situation!

    We cover topics such as: 

    • Navigating COVID-19 with food allergies 
    • Crazy online ordering during the pandemic
    • Summer sanity plans 
    • Zoom weddings....with an unexpected twist
    • The epic kitchen fails "Hall of Fame"

    This episode is definitely real, relatable and fun, even if you're not managing allergies! It's a brief break from the seriousness of everything right now - something we could all use.

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast:  www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    Connect via social media! 

    Navigating Telemedicine & Office Allergy Appointments During COVID-19; Guest: Dr. Dave Stukus - [Ep. 4]

    Navigating Telemedicine & Office Allergy Appointments During COVID-19; Guest: Dr. Dave Stukus - [Ep. 4]

    How do telemedicine allergy appointments really work? In this episode, Dr. Dave Stukus and I chat about telemedicine and in-person appointments during this pandemic. We will explore: 

    • What to expect & how to prepare for telemedicine appointments
    • Strategies to help kids engage in telemedicine appointments
    • Reminders to help decrease anxiety for in-person appointments during COVID

    Plus, we get real and chat about individualized allergy care, and our own experiences working with patients during the pandemic. (Laughs included!).

    You can follow Dr. Dave Stukus on Twitter for great information (and really bad jokes of the week) at @AllergyKidsDoc

    Also, Dr. Dave hosts AAAAI's podcast, "Conversations from the World of Allergy".
    Episode 29 discusses the impacts COVID-19 has on allergists, their patients and their practices.

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast:  www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    Connect via social media! 

    From Doubt to Confidence: Exploring Vulnerability & Food Allergies - [Ep. 3]

    From Doubt to Confidence: Exploring Vulnerability & Food Allergies - [Ep. 3]

    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 via social media! 

    Exploring Food Allergy Dad Experiences - [Ep. 2]

    Exploring Food Allergy Dad Experiences - [Ep. 2]

    Ever wondered how dads feel about parenting a child with a food allergy? In this episode, we'll explore the results from the Food Allergy Dad Experience survey. Learn what dads say is the hardest part about food allergy parenting, how it impacts their relationships, and what advice they'd give to dads just starting their food allergy parenting journey.

    Full survey results on the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website blog:
    www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com/blog

    Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast:  www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com

    Connect via social media!