Healing Arts & Therapeutic Recreation
Arts for Healing Program
The healing arts program is an adaptive art program that is focused on the process of art creation. Through the use of multi-sensory texture and tactile exploration across various modalities, children concentrate on the process of creating art. There is no right or wrong way to explore and create, and the focus is on the experience and exploration of techniques, tools, and materials. Through this inviting and flexible modality, Saint Mary’s Kids experience a sense of accomplishment, success, and freedom of expression by playing, making a mess, and having fun!
Kids with medical complexities who are exposed to the arts are able to free their imaginations. In doing so, they develop skills and approaches to seeing the world in a new way. Our program includes works created by some of the area’s most exciting contemporary artists as well as the exploration of different theme-based projects allowing kids the opportunity to use different media. The Arts is a catalyst for children to express themselves while building skills and self-confidence.
Benefits
Develop Fine Motor Skills
Develop fine motor skills through grasping materials, finger painting, and adaptive equipment.
Increase Cognitive Development
Increase cognitive development through pattern making, mixing colors, creating letters and shapes, texture play, and observation of cause and effect.
Sensory Engagement
Develop Communication and Social Skills
Develop communication and social skills through team exploration, sharing and showing artwork, and listening and responding to others.
Promote a Sense of Achievement and Self-confidence
Mid-year St. Mary’s kid’s artwork is celebrated in our annual art expos to promote a sense of achievement and self-confidence.
Music is Key
Our leading-edge music therapy program is designed to help children express themselves, manage pain, and cope with stressful situations. Music Therapy is a non-invasive, evidence-based approach implemented by a credentialed Music Therapist to promote healing, comfort, expression, and overall well-being. Music Therapy provides accessible, adaptive, and meaningful moments to people within a musical setting. The role of a Music Therapist is to explore relationships and create individualized experiences according to the needs of each patient. A few proven benefits of Music Therapy include but are not limited to emotional support, anxiety relief, mood improvement, bonding opportunities, progressive relaxation, multi-sensory stimulation, and a sense of community, all of which are essential to enhance a patient’s overall well-being at St. Mary’s.
Innovative Therapy-Portable Vecta Station
This portable multisensory cart uses lights, music and touch to provide multisensory stimulation to children at St. Mary’s. The new form of therapy serves as a distraction for difficult or painful procedures, and even helps children focus more on achieving their goals.
Contact Information
St. Mary’s Hospital for Children
29-01 216th Street
Bayside, NY 11360
718-281-8800
Related Content
Programs & Services
St. Mary’s Kids offers an array of programs and services for pediatric patients, from inpatient hospital care to long-term home care in the NY metro area.
Patient Stories
Read and watch videos about our patients.
Schedule a Tour
Find St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s campus locations’ contact information and visitor information.