Music Therapy

Location

Music therapy is offered on the Paediatric Inpatient Units, Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU), Paediatric Medical Day Unit (PMDU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Program (CAMHCP).

Patients are seen by referral only. Any health professional can refer a patient to the music therapy program. Family members can also inquire with a staff member about the appropriateness of music therapy interventions during their stay in hospital.

Contact

Karina Charczuk, MMT, RP, MTA, NMT, NICU-MT
Certified Music Therapist

Content

About Music Therapy
How Can Music Therapy Help?
What to Expect in a Session
Links and Resources

About Music Therapy

Music therapy is a research-based practice and part of the multidisciplinary team. A Certified Music Therapist uses music, within a therapeutic relationship, to support patients in improving areas of their health, functioning development and well-being. Sessions can be individual or group. Music therapy can support any patient regardless of age, musical skill, severity of illness, ability or culture.

How Can Music Therapy Help?

Music therapy can help a patient in a variety of ways including:

Providing a distraction during procedures
Supporting pain management
Providing a sense of normalcy
Supporting coping with the hospitalization or illness
Providing an opportunity for self-expression
Encouraging verbal and non-verbal communication
Supporting relaxation/sleep
Providing developmental support
Supporting parent/infant bonding
Decreasing feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness and agitation
Aiding in physical and cognitive rehabilitation
Supporting the patient/family during end-of-life care

What to Expect in a Session

You do not need any musical skill in order to participate in music therapy. There are many activities that can take place in a music therapy session. Depending on the patient’s need, sessions can include: