The story behind Dr Karen Murphy- Allergy Psychologist

I’ve been thinking of starting a blog for some time. It has been on my to-do list uncrossed as I navigated launching a podcast, developing resources and starting a new role. But I’m finally here and ready to start sharing my psychological insights with those living with allergies. Whether you live with allergies yourself or you’re a parent of a child with a diagnosis, I see you and I’m here to walk beside you on this journey.

I’ve been reflecting on what I wanted to include in my first blog. Many topics ran through my mind as there is so much I could share but I’m going to bring you right back to the start. Where my passion for allergies began.

For my final year of training on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I was on a specialist placement at St George’s Hospital in London. I supported children with a range of physical health conditions: from adjusting to diagnosis to preparing for a range of procedures. Little did I know that these were areas that I was going to support children with after I qualified. It was during this time that a role at the Evelina Children’s Hospital allergy service arose, and I’ve never looked back. It was my first role as a qualified psychologist and where my passion for supporting those with allergies began.

Being part of a team that were driven to conducting research to grow our understanding of allergies, as well as providing the highest level of care was inspiring. I was able to support hundreds of families with the range of psychological challenges that arise. From 1:1 support, to workshops, as well as a joint feeding clinic with a dietitian. Supporting families to reach their goals: to connect with their values and to live the life they wanted to alongside the allergies.

My awareness of the lack in support started to grow and I wanted to provide an option for families that didn’t have access to the specialist support. This is where my private practice began! It enabled me to provide the support for parents and children that they deserved (and that everyone should have access to). Not only this, but I could provide a range of services that I hoped would meet varying needs.

Along came my two daughters and the juggle was real! It was a difficult decision to step away from the NHS service, one that I loved. But here I am 2 years on and I’m able to live more in line with my values (something I talk about a lot!). It’s given me the space to:

• Provide 1:1 support for children, families and young adults living with allergies

• Empower parents in workshops where they not only gain further insight into psychological strategies but also connect with other parents

• Launch a podcast where I bring key figures in the allergy community into a space to reflect on the psychological impact

• Release a monthly newsletter that enables me to deep dive into topics that I frequently talk about in sessions, service updates and developments in the field.

• Be part of collaborations where I can raise awareness about allergies and reach a wider community

• Have an active presence on social media to share bite-size strategies, validate the emotions that arise on this journey and be part of the community

• Develop detailed online resources to make psychological strategies more widely available.

And now- The Allergy Edit- a space for validation and empowerment. I would love to hear from you if there are particular topics you would like me to discuss.

You are so welcome in this space.

Karen

xxx