Child Life and Expressive Therapies Department

The goal of child life services at Norton Children’s Hospital is to decrease the stress and anxiety a child may have because of being in the hospital. The child life therapists work to make this happen in a variety of ways, including:

• Assistance with preparing for tests, surgeries and other medical procedures
• Medical play to help children become more familiar with medical experiences, so they are better able to cope with being in the hospital and being sick
• Activities to encourage normal growth and development
• Pain management techniques and advocacy
• Education about illness and/or injury for patients and siblings
• Help with preparing siblings for visiting patients in the “Just for Kids” Critical Care Center
• Behavior modification techniques to help patients who are not following instructions provided by doctors, nurses and other health care professionals
• Patient and sibling support for issues related to loss and separation

Expressive art therapies use art as a nonthreatening way to help children and families express their feelings and occurrences. Art therapists work with families who have experienced trauma and/or chronic illness. They work with patients and families to help them develop coping skills and learn ways to assist with the healing process.

Expressive music therapists use songs, singing and instruments to help children in the hospital. Music therapy can benefit children by helping them express their emotions and can give families a positive time to share in a creative way.

All child life and expressive therapy services are provided free of charge.