childhood years and the implication on the number of social, emotional, and cognitive impairments. This correlation indicates a later adoption of health-risk behaviors (e.g., smoking, drug and alcohol use, over/under eating) that evolve into disease, disability, and social problems (e.g., cancer, obesity, diabetes, stroke), and finally early death. The findings of the study were equal regardless of gender and racial differences (Anda et al., 2006). This study provides evidence for what child and play therapists have known for years the earlier a child receives appropriate mental health intervention the easier it is to reduce later struggles in social situations at school, with their families, and in society in general.

In addition to the consultation and education provided to

PCPs, play therapists have the opportunity to bring a playful atmosphere to the traditional medical model. Many doctor offices are very busy, have long waits in the waiting room, exam rooms filled with clients, and many phone calls from clients wanting to schedule appointments. In the hustle and bustle of the medical center, play therapists bring a sense of playfulness, warmth, patience, and encouragement that is often missing (Axline, 1969). The center in which I work is a partnership between a

community mental health center and a medical facility that consists of pediatricians, medical doctors for adult care, psychiatrists, nurses, OB/GYN, dental, and mental health therapists. My unique position in this medical facility was developed by the agency for which I work as a way of staying ahead of impending changes brought by the Affordable Healthcare Act and is funded through a grant and insurances, largely Medicaid and Medicare. In hiring for the position, my

By having mental health therapists, or more specifically play therapists, present in a doctor’s office, they can provide education to illustrate the connection between trauma and ACEs on the developing child and provide earlier intervention.

Rather than viewing health and social problems as separate,

the findings of the ACEs (Felitti et al., 1998) study suggested that treatment should be received through an integrated approach. Incorporating a play therapist into a PCP practice meets this need and creates an approach to treatment that is consistent with emerging research related to ACEs. Play therapists can serve as educators and consultants providing insights on the impact of trauma on a child’s development and later physical health concerns. By having mental health therapists, or more specifically play therapists, present in a doctor’s office, they can provide education to illustrate the connection between trauma and ACEs on the developing child and provide earlier intervention.

8 PLAYTHERAPY | September 2014

supervisor was looking for someone with a history in providing child and family therapy. Many of the clients seen at the medical facility are mild- moderate, meaning their presenting behaviors or problems are not significant enough to require a referral to a community mental health center. Having a staff person with an understanding of the difference between mild-moderate and moderate- severe (a presenting problem that would require more than the 20 allotted sessions by insurance companies) was also sought. In having prior work experience with children who would fall in the moderate-severe range, my supervisor found me an appropriate fit for the job.

Despite having so many different types of health and mental

care professionals, I am the only Registered Play Therapist (RPT). As a result, my office space has a very unique appearance compared to the rest of the office space available throughout the clinic; I do not use the intense florescent lights. Instead, I use table lamps and paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. This décor generates an instant calming feeling upon entering my office. This simple change of lighting causes many co-workers to stop by to say hello and take some calming breaths. Often, throughout the day, I hear that my office has a sense of tranquility that was missing prior to my arrival. In the very busy center, I have been able to provide a more playful atmosphere throughout the doctor’s office by putting

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