Studies show that children who are prepared for medical procedures recover faster with less emotional stress. Even routine procedures such as vaccinations can cause children undue stress and lead to treatment noncompliance and avoidance of medical care. Children require developmentally appropriate information about what they will see, feel, hear, taste and smell that will prepare them without overwhelming them. Through hands on demonstration and guided play, I can prepare you and your child for medical encounters, and coach you both in coping strategies. Calm, informed parents are the best support for their children when facing routine and unexpected medical visits and hospitalizations.

I am pleased to announce the expansion of my private practice as a Child Life Coach on the upper east side in Manhattan. Child life specialists are trained in child development, education, anatomy, health care systems, family systems, ethnocultural issues, advocacy, and bereavement. In and out of hospitals, we help children and families prepare for and adjust to medical encounters by providing education, medical play, support,  coaching and advocacy.

Here are several of the services I offer to parents & schools:

• Coaching and Support for Parents in::

  • how to prepare their cildren for medical events, from routine wellness appointments to surgery or long term treatment.

  • how to support siblings when a child is ill

  • how to support children through a parent’s serious illness.

  • Child centered play skills to caregivers who wish to connect more with children in this digital age.

  • In home preparation for elective medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures.

  • Workshops: Please see my listing on Cottage Class Parents As Heroes: Supporting Children Through Medical Encounters
• Professional Development: Training and Support for Teachers

  • How to support your class (school) when a student faces illness and loss

  • Child-centered play techniques

  • Emotionally responsive teaching

  • State mandated child abuse detection and reporting

• Video Conference Consultation and Support
  • If traveling is an issue, I am available through video chat to support parents at a distance

More information about my practice can be found on my website at  debvilas.com, and please take the time to like my FaceBook page at Pediaplay

I greatly appreciate any referrals to parents and caregivers who need this kind of support. I can be reached at debvilasconsult@gmail.com

All the best,

Deb