Thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s donors, a long-standing need of MDH Behavioral Health Services has been met and now benefits pediatric patients.
A storage room in the basement of Health Services Building 1 was recently converted into a new therapy room to provide better care for children of all ages.
Jo Anna Eidson, LCSW, director of BHS, explained how the space first came about.
“As a new therapist at MDH 12 years ago, I saw many children with behavioral issues and trauma. Play therapy is the most productive way to work with children. I learned and completed training in sand tray therapy,” said Eidson. “Sand tray therapy allows children to express feelings without the need for words, which relieves anxiety and trauma stress symptoms. Blue sand is used because it is a calming color. A child can recreate trauma in the sand, making it easier to process their feelings.
“Stations (play kitchen, books, games, creative space) are commonplace in a children’s playroom, so this was a no-brainer. The focus was to create a space that was calming and inviting. While my focus was on the space for the sandbox, it was also important to me to have a place to be creative, read, build, play, etc. Although I had a vision in mind, there were suggestions and donations from other therapists,” Eidson explained.
Features of the room include (in addition to the sandbox): a book section with books on autism, anxiety, grief and loss, ethnic differences, social-emotional learning games, Legos, and a dollhouse, to name a few.
As the need for mental health continues to rise among people of all ages, this dedicated space for children provides MDH counselors with an additional therapy option.
“The number of referrals for children is always high. This is a way to help them that is likely to be more effective than talk therapy alone. The playroom allows a child to explore the environment and has a space that is just for them,” Eidson said. “Any member of staff can use the room. The room has additional items that a therapist has access to and can be used even if the room is full (Lego sets, games, play dough, books).”
Eidson also noted another important aspect of the therapy room.
“The world has changed a lot for children today. Everyone has electronic devices in their hands. There are no electronics in the room, only hands-on experiences that allow a child to pause with his thoughts and feelings.”
The dream came true thanks to the generosity of MDH donors. To keep the space furnished and expand, donations can be made to the MDH Foundation designated for the BHS Play Therapy Room. For more information, call (309) 836-1757 or visit www.MDH.org/MakeAGift and select “Behavioral Health Services with Play Therapy Room” in the comments.
***Courtesy of McDonough District Hospital***
