Child Life Specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events. They are child development experts who work to ensure that life remains as normal as possible for children in health care settings and other challenging environments. They promote effective coping through play, self-expression activities, and age-appropriate medical preparation and education to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. As advocates of family-centered care, Child Life Specialists work in partnership with doctors, nurses, social workers, and others to meet the unique emotional, developmental, and cultural needs of each child and family.
services
Child Life Services
Providing help to children and families coping with life's challenges, such as a medical illnesses and injuries, treatments, hospitalizations, trauma, and loss.
Child Life Specialists can reduce the stress experienced by children and families and enhance their abilities to cope effectively with and gain from potentially stressful situations. Knowledge and application of foundations in theories of child development, play, stress and coping, and family systems are the basis for Child Life professional practice.
Child Life Specialists:
* Prepare children for medical procedures or treatment using language that children understand
* Introduce coping strategies to help reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation with the health care team
* Provide education about a diagnosis, illness, or procedure in order to promote a healthy, age-appropriate understanding
* Promote family-centered care by providing information, advocacy and support to families of pediatric patients
How Do I Get Started With Therapy?
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Initial Appointment
Schedule your initial intake appointment and meet with a team member to determine the best treatment plan for you or your child's needs.
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Treatment
Work directly with your therapist on a consistent basis to address you or your child's unique needs and improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.