Music Therapy
Music therapy is offered to patients in the Pediatric
Hematology/Oncology department during in-patient admissions
and visits
to the Ambulatory Care Center. A certified music
therapist works with children who are experiencing side
effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy (i.e. pain, nausea,
fatigue)
or who are having difficulty tolerating painful procedures. Music
therapy is also available to help children and adolescents
deal
with their feelings about having a serious illness or being hospitalized
away from family and friends.
Music therapy is provided when requested by the attending physician,
a member of the nursing staff, a hematology/oncology social
worker,
or a Child Life Specialist. Music therapists develop specific
treatment goals based on the patient and family’s input
and feedback from the child's medical team. Techniques include
singing, listening to music, playing instruments, lyric analysis,
music-prompted reminiscence, songwriting, improvisation, and
relaxation
with music and imagery. It is possible for patients to request
that an individualized CD be made containing favorite songs
or other music. Instruments such as guitars, keyboards, drums
and other percussion instruments are available.
Most music therapy is provided one-on-one in the patient’s
room. Parents and siblings are encouraged to participate when
they can. In addition, group music sessions are conducted regularly
on various in-patient units.
Our Music Therapists have bachelor and/or masters degrees in
music therapy and receive training in music, behavioral science, and basic medical
knowledge. They are certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists
(CBMT). Those who pass the national music therapy certification examination
earn the credential Music Therapist-Board Certified, (MT-BC).
Contact Us
Rosemary Oliva, MT-BC
Phone: 585-273-2098
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