Kids often hear medical words very differently than adults intend. A phrase meant to reassure can land as confusing, threatening, or simply unclear, especially when a child is stressed. The “What They Say, What I Hear” Clinician Packet introduces a simple, memorable framework for naming that gap and turning it into a practical coping and communication skill a child can use in real time.
This packet is for pediatric music therapists and other psychosocial providers who want a developmentally grounded, clinically usable way to support health literacy, reduce language-driven distress, and strengthen patient voice. It explains how to apply the concept across ages and how to integrate the song-based intervention into preparation, check-ins, and follow-up after medical experiences.
Use this packet to:
Support patients who feel overwhelmed, mistrustful, or stuck when medical language moves fast
Reduce distress related to misunderstanding, uncertainty, or “hidden meanings” in adult phrases
Practice self-advocacy and question-asking in a contained, musical format
Build continuity across prep, procedure support, and debriefing
Document focused, goal-based interventions aligned with psychosocial care standards
What you receive:
A clinician guide with developmental notes, clinical targets, and example goals
Printable tools to support implementation and generalization
A full audio recording of “What They Say, What I Hear”
A karaoke backing track and chord chart for flexible individual or group use
This resource is intended for trained professionals and should be used within your scope of practice and institutional policies.
