Donors Assist with Behavioral Health Services Need

A long-time need at MDH Behavioral Health Services has been met thanks to the generosity of donors to the Foundation, and one that will benefit pediatric patients.

A storage room in the lower level of Health Services Building 1 was converted recently to a new therapy room to better serve kids of all ages.

Director of BHS Jo Anna Eidson, LCSW noted how the room first came to fruition.

“As a new therapist at MDH 12 years ago, I saw a lot of kids with behavioral concerns and trauma. Play therapy is the most productive way to work with kids. I learned about and completed Sand Tray Therapy training,” said Eidson. “Sand Tray Therapy allows children to express feelings without the need for words which reduces anxiety and trauma stress symptoms. Blue sand is used because it is a calming color. A child can re-create a trauma in the sand and therefore process their feelings more easily.

“Stations (play kitchen, books, games, creative space) in a child’s play room are common place so that was a given. The focus was to create a space that was calming and welcoming. While space for the sand tray was my focus, it was also important to have a place to be creative, to read, to build, play games, etc. While I had a vision in my mind, there was input and donations from other therapists,” stated Eidson.

Some of the features inside the room (in addition to the sand tray) include: a book section with books on autism, anxiety, grief and loss, ethnic differences, social emotional learning games, Legos, and a doll house to name a few.

As mental health needs continue to increase for people of all ages, this special place for children will allow MDH counselors an additional therapy mode.

“Referrals for children are always high, this is an avenue to help them that is more likely to be effective than talk therapy alone. The play room will allow a child to explore, have a space that is just for them,” said Eidson. “Any staff member can use the room. The room has extra items that a therapist will have access to that can be used even if the room is booked (Lego kits, games, play dough, books).”

Eidson also noted one other important aspect of the therapy room.

“The world has changed a lot for kids today. Electronics are in the hands of everyone. There are no electronics in the room; only hands on experiences which allows a child to be still with their thoughts and feelings.”

The dream came about thanks to the generosity of donors to MDH. To keep the room furnished and to add on, donations can be made to the MDH Foundation, designated to the BHS Play Therapy room. For more information, call (309) 836-1757 or donate online at www.MDH.org/MakeAGift and select Behavioral Health Services with Play Therapy Room in the comments.