Dr Polly James is a Highly Specialised Clinical Psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience across the NHS and private practice, specialising in the psychological impact of food allergies and feeding difficulties in children and young people.
While working as a paediatric psychologist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Polly recognised the vital role psychology plays in allergy care. In 2015, she founded the hospital’s Children’s Allergy Psychology Service and went on to lead the service for seven years. Her work has focused on supporting children and families to manage anxiety about allergic reactions, fear of using adrenaline auto-injectors, social anxiety linked to feeling different, and the ongoing emotional load carried by parents.
Polly also has extensive expertise in feeding difficulties. She previously ran a specialist Feeding Difficulties Clinic at Evelina London, supporting families across the full spectrum of feeding difficulties, from selective eating to complex presentations including ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Her approach integrates evidence-based psychological models with practical, family-centred strategies.
Now in private practice, Polly continues to work closely with children and adults with allergies and their families, alongside providing specialist support for individuals with feeding difficulties, including ARFID. She co-facilitates virtual workshops for parents of children with feeding difficulties and develops accessible online resources and educational materials to help families feel informed, confident, and supported. She is passionate about integrating psychological care into everyday allergy and feeding support.