A Reflection on the Music Therapist's Role in Developing a Program in a Children's Hospital

This article describes a music therapy program developed at a children's hospital that facilitated university student clinical placements. In developing a new practice area within the hospital, the music therapist's role supported patients in areas of pain management and psychological stress. Consideration was given to the needs of patients and referrals as defined by staff, as well as reference to the international literature and practice. Role informants from theoretical sources are outlined, short case vignettes are presented, and the role of the music therapist in pain and stress management is indicated with reference to theoretical constructs from the field of psychology and the empirical and case material appearing in the music therapy literature.