WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Triad children’s hospital is celebrating a music therapy resource for patients.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Brenner Children’s Hospital is now home to one of five Sophie’s Place locations across the country.
Sophie’s Place is a music therapy room that allows pediatric patients to write and perform their own songs, create music videos and process their emotions through songs.
What You Need To Know
- A Triad children’s hospital is celebrating a music therapy resource for patients
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Brenner Children’s Hospital is now home to one of five Sophie’s Place locations across the country
- Sophie’s Place is a music therapy room in memory of Sophie Rose Barton, a teenager who adored music and wanted to make a difference in the world
According to the hospital, the space is in memory of Sophie Rose Barton, a teenager who adored music and wanted to make a difference in the world.
The American Music Therapy Association said this type of therapy has a variety of benefits for pediatric patients, including helping them manage pain and stress.
Brenner Children’s Hospital music therapist Lainey Raab said playing instruments can help kids improve their motor skills. She explained that the therapeutic benefits don’t end there.
“I had a patient, she got to ride in a helicopter when she was coming here and everyone was like, 'oh that’s so cool you got to ride in a helicopter.' She said 'no, it was the most terrifying experience of my life.' She wrote a song to explain how her feelings were,” Raab said.
Parent Shawndra Amegadze smiled as she watched her children play various musical instruments in Sophie’s Place. She hopes more parents learn about the benefits of music therapy for their children.
“It’s exciting to see them in here, playing and coming to life and enjoying this place,” Amegadze said. “This way they’re not confined to the hospital room.”