Child Life and music therapy
We know that kids need more than medicine to get well.
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.
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
Description
- 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 Music Therapy
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions and techniques, which help our little patients accomplish individualized goals with the support of a board-certified music therapist.
Our music therapists are members of the Holtz Children’s treatment team in inpatient units, and work with each patient and their family to improve their hospital stay and achieve optimal recovery while supporting their emotional needs.
There’s no doubt music is a universal language, which provides medical benefits to all patients, but also has soothing effects on family and medical staff.
Music Therapy Can:
Provide Procedural Support
Provide procedural support before, during, and after PICC lines, IV placements, burn debridement and dressing changes, lumbar punctures, port access, and other medical interventions.
Develop Coping Skills
Help develop and practice positive coping skills.
Provide Stimulation
Provide healthy and appropriate neurologic stimulation.
Improve Motivation
Improve compliance and motivation during physical and occupational therapy exercises, allowing patients to complete exercises more effectively and efficiently and with less stress, anxiety, and pain.
Decrease Subjective Pain Scores
Significantly decrease subjective pain scores (on average by 59%), leading to decreased use of sedation and analgesics and improved coping.
Provide Emotional Expression
Provide a safe, supportive outlet for emotional expression.
Teach Developmental Skills
Teach, develop, and practice basic developmental skills, such as early academic learning, speech and language, and physical/motor movements.
Aid
Aid in bereavement and end-of-life.
Children’s Play and Activity Rooms
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.
Creative Arts Studio
Mahi
She helps with ambulation by encouraging patients to get moving and motivates them during physical and occupational therapy using toys and grooming tools.
During exams and procedures, Mahi provides support by monitoring vitals, assisting with medication, and escorting patients. For speech and language goals, she offers a comforting presence and listens to bedtime stories with our patients.
Children who are feeling anxious about upcoming procedures can count on Mahi to offer grounding and distraction.
During difficult conversations, such as new diagnoses or transfers, Mahi provides comfort and normalization.
In end-of-life and palliative care, Mahi supports families through grief and enhances the quality of life for patients.
Overall, a facility dog is invaluable in promoting patient well-being and providing compassionate care. We’re thrilled to include Mahi in your child’s care.
The Infusionarium
CAMP Caregivers
Support Groups
Children’s Play and Activity Rooms
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.
Creative Arts Studio
Mahi
She helps with ambulation by encouraging patients to get moving and motivates them during physical and occupational therapy using toys and grooming tools.
During exams and procedures, Mahi provides support by monitoring vitals, assisting with medication, and escorting patients. For speech and language goals, she offers a comforting presence and listens to bedtime stories with our patients.
Children who are feeling anxious about upcoming procedures can count on Mahi to offer grounding and distraction.
During difficult conversations, such as new diagnoses or transfers, Mahi provides comfort and normalization.
In end-of-life and palliative care, Mahi supports families through grief and enhances the quality of life for patients.
Overall, a facility dog is invaluable in promoting patient well-being and providing compassionate care. We’re thrilled to include Mahi in your child’s care.
The Infusionarium
CAMP Caregivers
If you are 17 years old and above and interested in volunteering with our Child Life and music therapy team, call volunteer services at 305-585-6541.
Description
If you are 17 years old and above and interested in volunteering with our Child Life and music therapy team, call volunteer services at 305-585-6541.
Location
Holtz Children’s Hospital
1611 N.W. 12th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136
Open 24 hours
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.
