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 with Fawn or Brave Minds Psychological Services via Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit www.BraveMindsPsychologicalServices.com
  
  
• Download the Oral Food Challenge Prep worksheets created by Tamara Hubbard, LCPC in the Worksheets section of the Food Allergy Counselor website: https://www.foodallergycounselor.com/foodallergyanxietyworksheets.html
  
  
• Tips for Managing Oral Food Challenge Anxiety - blog post on the Food Allergy Counselor blog: https://www.foodallergycounselor.com/blog/tips-for-managing-oral-food-challenge-anxiety
  
  
• Learn more about the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast by visiting:  www.FoodAllergyFamilies.com
  
  
• Visit the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website for food allergy-related mental health resources and an allergy-informed therapist directory: www.FoodAllergyCounselor.com

CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA! 

• Connect with the Food Allergy Counselor Directory & website / Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/FoodAllergyCounselor
  
  
• Connect with host & licensed therapist, Tamara Hubbard, LCPC:
  Twitter: @TherapistTamara,  Instagram: @TherapistTamara