James’s Story

James’s story highlights the impact Pip and her team have on young patients here at Alder Hey. His goal was to undertake an MRI Scan whilst remaining awake.

Here is James’ mum to tell us more …

“Thanks to the invaluable support of Senior Health Play Specialist Pip, and the Senior Radiology team James achieved his goal. James acknowledged this huge milestone by saying ‘I won!’ while raising his arms to the sky as soon as he was out of the MRI Scan room.

Play therapy helped to normalised James’ hospital experience. It provided new ways to process difficult and distressing experiences with relaxation, desensitisation techniques and more importantly, it helped him cope with pain. Receiving ‘beads of courage’ was an important process in acknowledging his progress.

Although most children will be fine in the MRI scan while watching a movie, James realised he needed to ground himself with relaxing music. This was thanks to his new breathing exercises and closing his eyes. This therapy process increased his resilience to endure the MRI scan tunnel and its deafening and frightening noise. Our family’s experience drives me to advocate that every child should be supported with a similar provision because I am confident, as a parent, play therapy will continue to strengthen my son’s resilience. It will equip him with strategies and tools to accept and face his vulnerabilities.”