Welcome to Heartfelt Child Life Services
A Safe Space for Children and Their Families
Heartfelt Child Life Services focuses on providing psychosocial support to children with a medical diagnosis and their siblings beyond the hospital setting. Find out more below.
About Us
No matter the medical diagnosis of the child, we have a fit for you at Heartfelt Child Life Services. We specialize in expression of feelings, developmentally appropriate understanding of the medical diagnosis, and coping with stress. In addition, parenting guidance is available related to helping the child and his/her siblings cope when a child is hospitalized or needs on-going medical care. Use the form below to contact us to learn more.
All About Me
Michele Martin, MS, CCLS, RWWP Consultant
Experience
I have been a certified child life specialist for over 25 years. I have worked in a children's hospital, a non-profit, as well as teaching full-time and substitute teaching. I wish to help children foster their self-esteem and resiliency through child-centered approaches.
Education
After receiving my bachelor's in psychology and child development at the University of North Texas, I began my career in child life. I completed my Master's degree in human development and family studies with an emphasis in parent education and play therapy under the guidance of Dr. Garry Landreth at UNT. I completed my internship and fellowship at Children's Health in Dallas and worked in every department after being hired there. My passion was helping in cardiology, the ER, trauma, and the ICU. I also provide support at Wonders & Worries to children of adult patients.
Services Provided
Individual or Group Sessions and Parenting Guidance
Individual or Group Sessions
There for You
Heartfelt Child Life Services believes in giving children the opportunity to feel supported outside of the hospital environment.
* We work with children ages 2-18
*Individual sessions or groups are available
*Teddy bear clinics for preschoolers and early elementary children provided
*End of life and bereavement support
*Sessions focus on:
medical education related to a new or existing diagnosis
preparation for upcoming procedures
processing when a sibling is ill
creating a coping plan through therapeutic and medical play
Issues related to body image, independence, and peer relationships
Parenting Guidance
All for the Family
At Heartfelt Child Life Services, we offer parenting support related to helping your children and family cope when a child needs medical care.
Guidance is related to helping parents understand normal developmental reactions to an illness and the need for treatment and how to help their child cope with these changes. We provide a family centered approach to encourage a strong family unit.
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"Enter into a children's play and you will find the place where their hearts, minds, and souls meet."
Virginia Axline
Steps to begin Support
Intake Process
Your First Steps to Success
Session scheduling
Flexible and convenient
Parenting support
Family success
More About Us
There’s a fit for everyone at Heartfelt Child Life Services. We begin the process of support by completing a parent intake meeting. The meeting is for parents or caregivers to discuss the current concerns and together make a plan of support. Individual sessions take place in an engaging playroom. Group sessions are conducted in an open and warm space within the same office.
To learn more about all that we have to offer, keep reading through our site, or contact us with any questions.
Book Recommendations
Books for Siblings of Ill Children
https://www.choc.org/programs-services/child-life/book-resource-list/
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Support for Tweens and Teens
At Heartfelt Child Life Services, we support tweens and teens by providing a welcoming teen room and options for support that interests them through games, teen activities, blogs (coming soon), book lists, and many more. Tweens and teens appreciate sessions being private as confidentiality is maintained unless there is a concern about safety.
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Contact
Contact us today to find out more about our services, intake process, and pricing.
Michele Martin, MS, CCLS, RWWP Consultant
3407 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78705
512-461-3638
FAQ
Happy to Help
What ages do you serve?
We provide services to children ages 2-18 of all abilities and developmental levels incIuding those with special needs. We provide hands-on activities to support a wide range of abilities.
Are you a therapist or counselor?
We are certified child life specialists with over 25 years of experience that have been trained in child development and family systems. We have extensive knowledge related to the affects of hospitalization and need for continued medical care. We have been trained to use therapeutic techniques through activities and play.
Check out this article by US News and World Report:
7 Facts About Child Life Specialists | Wellness | US News
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We are currently not on insurance panels. We accept cash, credit card, PayPal, or CashApp.
We're happy to provide a 15 minute complimentary call to assess whether our programming fits your needs.