Music Therapy - a positive note to any hospital stay
The help and kindness of wonderful supporters like you across Ireland and beyond makes it it possible for Music Therapists to bring the joy and benefits of music to young patients in CHI at Temple Street and Crumlin.
Music Therapists are clinically trained to use music to encourage development, change and healing in sick children. The beauty of music therapy is that it is very natural, because everyone is born with the ability to respond to musical sounds, something that is not affected by injury, illness or disability.
It also lends itself to being wholly or partly non-verbal, so it can be a great medium for children regardless of their language abilities. Music is a great complimentary therapy, bringing happiness and supporting healing for the young people and their families.
This type of therapy lifts low moods after a tough day. It can relax and ease anxiety for young patients, particularly before a medical procedure. Music therapy also helps to reduce the perception of pain and can assist with helping people to regain their speech.
In CHI at Crumlin, the Music Therapy Clinical Treatment Room has been up and running for several years and has benefitted some of the hospital’s sickest patients. The recent acquisition of a grand piano for the room has enhanced the children's experience of feeling and touching music and sound, which has brought even bigger smiles, especially those with hearing loss and sensory considerations.