Transforming lives through expressive mental health therapy!
COVID Considerations: We currently follow Jefferson County Public Health guidelines for our safety policy.
Who we are
"At Jumping Mouse, we have two important tasks: first and foremost is to travel with our children toward healing; second, we strive to knit together a healthier community that holds each child in its big heart.”
— Dott Kelly, Founder
Our Mission: Jumping Mouse transforms children’s lives by providing expressive mental health therapy for as long as necessary. We nurture each child’s healthy development and supportive relationships at home and in the community.
We see children ages three to twelve for a variety of reasons, most often when they have experienced emotional stress or trauma that has deeply affected them and their families. Some are grieving the loss of someone close to them; others have experienced domestic violence, abuse, or neglect. Sometimes, they are coping with changes in family structure, or a serious illness or medical problem. When these and other stressors affect a child’s ability to communicate, to attend school, or to relate to others, Jumping Mouse can help.
How our therapy model works
Children's Mental Health Therapy
Jumping Mouse helps children heal through expressive mental health therapy. We support the child’s healthy development for as long as it takes. We see children aged three to twelve for a variety of reasons, most often when they have experienced emotional stress or trauma that has deeply affected them and their families.
Our unique model includes weekly one-on-one therapy sessions between the child and a specially trained therapist for as many weeks as necessary. While their child is in therapy, parents and caregivers also receive ongoing support. In addition, we meet with teachers and other important adults in the child’s life to develop a strong support system for the child and her family.
Additional Family Support
For parents who need greater support, we have a therapist on staff to help coordinate resources and offer our Securing Connections parenting program: This parenting program is offered to parents and caregivers with children at Jumping Mouse. Parenting is challenging and can be particularly difficult when a family is under stress. A history of trauma, divorce, death, job loss and other stressors can feel overwhelming when trying to raise a healthy family. In Securing Connections, parents meet weekly with our parent clinician(s) to build the resources they need as a parent. Parents and caregivers learn how they manage their own stress while understanding and meeting the needs of their children. With new skills, understanding, and confidence, they strengthen their relationship with their children.
School and Educator Support
Jumping Mouse therapists have always met and consulted with our children’s teachers to help them understand the child’s needs. We serve as a resource on the impact of trauma in child development, and we offer problem-solving tools for teachers on an ongoing basis. We offer support and training groups to educators and school staff in the Brinnon School District, at Chimacum Creek Primary and the Chimacum Elementary School. In a small group format facilitated by a Jumping Mouse therapist, teachers and staff share ideas for supporting students and families affected by trauma, discuss barriers to implementing support, and build compassion for themselves, their students, and these students’ families. We look forward to working together for a safe and compassionate school environment where all children can thrive.