The Therapeutic Clown Program at SickKids Toronto
The Therapeutic Clown Program at The Hospital for Sick Children, in Toronto, was established by Joan Barrington in 1993. Working under the umbrella of the SickKids Expressive Therapies Program, therapeutic clowns collaborate closely with Child Life Specialists, and other members of the inter-professional teams to develop therapeutic strategies within the SickKids model of family-centered care.Through the medium of clowning, the program offers caring playmates who provide opportunities for safe, inclusive play. The mandate is to minimize stress for patients and their families during hospitalization and treatment through gentle play, light-hearted humour and whole-hearted silliness. Therapeutic clowns humanize and normalize children's experience in hospital by promoting what children do naturally – play. At SickKids we view play as an essential part of the child's growth as it fosters imagination and creativity, and facilitates healing, coping, and mastery of skills.
Therapeutic clowns improve the experience of hospitalized children by developing supportive and empowering relationships with patients through the play worlds that are mutually created. Patients decide if, when, how and where this safe play will occur, hopefully empowering children when they may feel least empowered. A clown can become a child’s confidante, playmate and friend, offering comfort and emotional support at a time when children and their families need it most. Therapeutic clowning is an innovative and effective therapy and like laughter is contagious.
For more information about the SickKids Expressive Therapies Program, please contact:
Irene Ushycky
Director, Expressive Therapies Program
Phone: 416 813-6106
Email: therapeutic.clowns@sickkids.ca
For more information about how you can support the therapeutic clowns at SickKids, please contact:
Janice Saunderson
SickKids Foundation
Phone: 416-813-1210
Email: janice.saunderson@sickkidsfoundation.com