Play Therapists Are Helping Children Cope With Life In The Hospital

Growing up is tough, but it’s even more challenging for kids who face unique medical needs. Spending large amounts of time in the hospital can be scary for children, and that’s before we factor in any necessary medical procedures.

The hospital is a place to receive medical treatment and therapies. It’s not a place where kids can really be kids and play to their fullest capabilities.

But Play Therapists at the Canberra Hospital in Garran, Australia, are changing that.

Play therapists may not be able to take the children out of the hospital, but they can offer them a bit of childhood back through imaginary play and fun toys.

Play Therapist Larah Nicholls works at the Canberra Hospital and is making a huge impact on the children there. The Canberra Hospital Foundation shared on Facebook that Larah helps offer “distraction and amusement during what can often be a scary or unfamiliar time for the children.”

In an interview with Riotact, Larah talked about how she uses a variety of toys and play methods to help children in the hospital. She said: “Anything we can do to lessen children’s anxiety to improve their medical experience will result in better outcomes for them.”

“I’m never too far from a pot of playdough, a bubble machine or teddy bear I can enact a pretend procedure on,” she said.

Beyond actually playing with children, Larah works to get kids comfortable with the idea of different procedures. She might use toys and play to explain otherwise scary topics. She meets the children where they are and works with them until they start feeling more comfortable and confident about what’s happening.

You can see Larah in action with some bubbles and a toy shark in the video below, courtesy of the Canberra Hospital Foundation:

Hopefully the practice of having Play Therapists on staff becomes more widespread so children everywhere can reap the benefits.