Some therapies that you may find helpful...

	Expressive Therapies When children, young people and their families are faced with cancer and the life challenges it brings, many struggle communicating their fears and anxieties to one another, which can lead to a heightened sense of distress. Expressive therapies empower children and families through giving them the tools and strategies to cope with such challenging times. Through the use of expressive therapies such as story telling, puppetry, harakeke, play and drama, they are more able to understand, express their feelings and be less scared.
	Art Therapy Art therapy has been demonstrated to facilitate an open expression of fears and anxieties in children and young people living with cancer. As such they regain a sense of control and independence in their lives while at the same time facilitating an understanding between the child, family members and health professionals. For a comprehensive insight into the benefits of art therapy, please read The creative World of Children and Adolescents with cancer, By Diana Hickey.
	Music Therapy Music is apart of our lives which we can all share and experience together. Right from our individual heart beat to each breath we take, we experience rhythm and beat. Our inborn responsiveness to music gave rise to the development of music therapy. For many children and young people, music has bridged a gap in communication, opening up opportunities for creative expression, development and growth. For more information on Music Therapy, go to www.rmtc.org.nz.
	Psychotherapy/Counselling Expressing how we feel during times of stress can be difficult. Psychotherapy enables children and their families to share their feelings and emotions with one another, opening the way to improved communication and understanding. It encourages the use of adaptive coping techniques including relaxation and guided imagery, and provides an environment of emphatic listening and encouragement.
	Play Therapies Play therapies incorporate the uses of play, modeling, art, music, relaxation, exercise and education in conjunction with theories of child development to promote and enhance the emotional well being of children and young people who are faced with on going medical treatment and life challenging issues. By using play as a tool, specific activities can be designed to help a child or young person on an intellectual, physical and emotional level. Play is medicine too, and it is a great way to provide lots of fun and enthusiasm. It encourages all members of the family to participate, bringing endless pleasure, trust and communication and as such provides opportunities for expression of worries and fears. For more information on play therapy, go to www.hospitalplay.org.nz
	Complementary Therapies Many other therapies give children and families the opportunity to adapt and build on existing coping strategies to assist them in dealing and living with the emotional trauma they face. Many offer improvement in mood, coping, anxiety, depression and breathing. They can also lead to a reduction in nausea and pain. These include but are not restricted to meditation, relaxation, acupuncture, laughter and exercise.