Jumping Mouse Children's Center Programs
Long-term, In-depth Therapy for Children
Our play therapy model is based on children's natural development. Because young children don't have the language to express their thoughts and feelings, they use art, dolls, toys, or figurines to explore their experiences. Children come to Jumping Mouse for weekly therapy sessions for as long as it takes them to heal. With the help of her therapist, each child can process difficult emotions and discover lasting resolutions and coping skills. Our focus is early intervention for a healthier childhood, prevention of additional distress, and improved quality of life now and in the future.
Parent Education & Support
At Jumping Mouse, we see grandparents raising a second generation, single parents struggling with their own history of neglect, and foster parents of children who have experienced violence, homelessness, or other traumatic events. Our program empowers these adults to raise happy, healthy children. We work directly with vulnerable caregivers to increase their confidence and parenting skills, help them understand their child's needs, and overcome their own adversities. This comprehensive and long-term approach to families makes us unique in our community.
Master-level Training Program
Our training program serves master-level intern and extern therapists from regional universities, building capacity and fulfilling a vital need for training in children's therapy in the Puget Sound area.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Three-year-old "Noah" had been harmed and homeless before entering foster care. In his short life, adults had primarily been “bad,” so Noah believed that he always needed to fend for himself. At Jumping Mouse he was able to work through his grief, helplessness, and fear of not knowing where or with whom home would be — and slowly he began to trust the adults in his life to keep him safe. After two years in foster care, Noah was adopted and ready to accept the love of his new family. On his last day of therapy, Noah commented, “It’s okay, most of the time, to be little, huh? I can still help myself.” His therapist agreed, assuring him that it was safer to be little now, and that he knew how to tell others to take care of him.
A child like Noah who has experienced severe trauma must heal at his own pace. With financial support from our community and foundations, he can come to Jumping Mouse for as long as it takes.