We see Child Life therapists meeting with kids and their families to ask about feelings, emotions, energy, sense of their well-being. Depending on what the responses are, our therapists look to add something for the child. For example, a teenager might take up working with our music therapist. We use massage a lot with children. Families are taught how to do simple massage with their children.
Massage has a power beyond the physical touch.
A parent providing loving touch has a great influence on pain. Think about infants calming in a parent's arms. For children undergoing procedures, we often use visualization techniques. This can be applied at home, if you have to give medications, for example or help a child through an experience. We use a couple different types of visualization.