Music Therapy and Child Life Services

We know that kids need more than medicine to get well.

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Being hospitalized, undergoing testing and receiving treatment are especially challenging for kids. That’s why our team of Certified Child Life Specialists plays an important role in the treatment plan for each child at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

Working individually with each pediatric patient and family, our child life specialists help children feel more comfortable in the hospital and cope with their illness or disease.

Child life specialists are specially trained in child development, pediatric psychological and social support, and therapeutic play. Our team provides children with age-appropriate support, distraction, education and preparation. They strive to decrease stress, normalize the environment and help children develop positive coping techniques.

Holtz Children’s Hospital child life specialists each hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in child life, child development, education or psychology, and are professional certified and affiliated with the Child Life Council.

Child Life Specialists Offer:

  • Support before, during, and after stressful procedures and events
  • Coping techniques such as distraction, breathing, and relaxation
  • Age-appropriate therapeutic and recreational play
  • Socialization activities with peers in our playrooms and activity rooms
  • Coordination of special events, groups, and visitors
  • On-site support at the pediatric emergency room
  • Sibling emotional support and education about loved ones’ hospitalization
  • Expert consultation for caregivers and medical team members regarding each child’s development
  • Age-appropriate explanations of diagnoses and preparation for procedures

Child Life Specialists Offer:

  • Support before, during, and after stressful procedures and events
  • Coping techniques such as distraction, breathing, and relaxation
  • Age-appropriate therapeutic and recreational play
  • Socialization activities with peers in our playrooms and activity rooms
  • Coordination of special events, groups, and visitors
  • On-site support at the pediatric emergency room
  • Sibling emotional support and education about loved ones’ hospitalization
  • Expert consultation for caregivers and medical team members regarding each child’s development
  • Age-appropriate explanations of diagnoses and preparation for procedures

Children’s Play and Activity Rooms

Located throughout Holtz Children’s, these spaces provide opportunities for play, socialization, and normalization.

No medical procedures are allowed in these areas, so children see them as safe places.

Visitors and siblings are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by the patient and supervised by their adult caregiver.

Distraction Therapy

Our trained specialists help children practice distraction therapy, so PICC lines can be inserted without sedation.

The Infusionarium

Infusions or dialysis may take place in our Infusionarium, an entertainment center where children can watch movies, do guided meditations, or play games. Immune-compromised children can enjoy the same options via iPads.

Support Groups

Children’s Play and Activity Rooms

Located throughout Holtz Children’s, these spaces provide opportunities for play, socialization, and normalization.

No medical procedures are allowed in these areas, so children see them as safe places.

Visitors and siblings are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by the patient and supervised by their adult caregiver.

Distraction Therapy

Our trained specialists help children practice distraction therapy, so PICC lines can be inserted without sedation.

The Infusionarium

Infusions or dialysis may take place in our Infusionarium, an entertainment center where children can watch movies, do guided meditations, or play games. Immune-compromised children can enjoy the same options via iPads.
A reporter doing an interview with a music therapist who is holding a guitar
A reporter doing an interview with a music therapist who is holding a guitar

Children’s Music Therapy

Helping children manage pain and stressful situations, while encouraging them to socialize, communicate, express themselves and further their motor development. Our music therapists also play during medical procedures, which can mean lower doses of sedatives.

Our Highly Specialized Pediatric Physicians

Our world-class physicians, most of whom are faculty at the prestigious University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, provide the latest diagnosis methods, treatments and therapies for virtually every pediatric concern and condition. Whether your child needs routine pediatric checkups, surgery, ongoing care, or life-saving treatment, we’ll connect you with the physician you need.

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