Take me to SCFAI

Psychological Approach

Introducing and challenging new foods in the program is only part of your journey. We recommend preparing mentally as well, since eating maintenance, treatment, and recommended foods can become overwhelming.

Mental Preparedness

Why is Mental Preparedness Important?

Unrecognized fear and anxiety

When you live with food allergies it is common to develop fear and anxiety about eating at restaurants, going to friend’s houses, reading product labels, having a reaction, and more. During TIP™, this fear and anxiety may become heightened since your child is consuming foods they have reacted to in the past. We recommend talking openly with your child or with a professional to help you manage that fear and anxiety throughout the program.

How Should I Prepare?

Myself as a parent

Watching your child consume foods they once had an allergic reaction to can cause anxiety and stress. It is important for you as a parent to seek therapy if you have anxiety during the program, as your child will likely sense your anxiety and become anxious themselves. Please know that we have extensive safety measures in place to ensure your child’s safety throughout the program and while they are in remission.

My child

It is important to create a secure and encouraging atmosphere for your child throughout the program. We know this program requires hard work, so we recommend having open communication with your child to make sure they understand why this is important. Talk about the different foods they are consuming, what fun recipes you could make together, and how their lives will change once they reach remission. Some parents also provide their children with positive reinforcement, special privilege’s, or rewards as an incentive, since food fatigue can set in during the program.

Asking for Help

Counseling or therapy

If your or your child’s anxiety is heightened during the program, we recommend finding a counselor or therapist. Having someone to talk to can be extremely helpful, especially as your child progresses in their treatment plan.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on the interplay between cognitions, behaviors and emotions, helping you recognize and modify maladaptive anxiety-provoking thoughts and to change patterns of avoidance. The content of CBT programs can vary but typically includes psychoeducation and exposure to anxiety producing stimuli and situations, couched within an active and collaborative patient-therapist relationship, and reinforced by the use of patient-centered homework assignments.