Thursday, April 28, 2016
Betsy Barone is not a doctor or a nurse. But, she believes she still has the power to make children feel better. Barone is Beaumont Children’s new music therapist.
“It’s the best job ever,” Barone said.
Barone sings and plays music to Beaumont Children’s patients every week thanks to new funding provided by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Beaumont Children’s patient Christian Hill said, “I forgot there was an IV in my arm. I was just so caught up in the music.”
Brian Berman, M.D., pediatrician-in-chief of Beaumont Children’s, added, “There are certain aspects of medicine that are very clear. A child has pneumonia, they need an antibiotic. But, then there are other elements of the healing process which are really not so clear cut, but these are approaches that help create a healing environment.”
When she first approaches parents, many have never hear of music therapy. But, Barone says, moms and dads soon realize the healing power of music.
Even thought it might look like she’s just singing a song, Barone tailors every note to each patient.
“Rhythmically, we are in the same space. I’m watching their breath and intake and modulating myself down to meet them in that moment. The music is completely individualized in that moment,” Barone said.
Her music therapy training also helps her pick up on emotional cues to help families relax.
“It’s like they get to take a break from everything that’s going on. For the family unit, it’s really beneficial,” Barone said.
After the therapy sessions ends, many families say they feel like they have had a dose of musical medicine.