Individual Therapy
Services

Individual Therapeutic Services are available to veteran family members (spouses, life partners, parents, children, siblings, etc.) age 16 and above.

 

Our therapeutic modalities include, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Solution Focused, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Psych Ed, and Movement therapy. 

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We offer treatment for...

• Substance Abuse/Use Struggles

• Trauma, combat, military sexual trauma, or other traumas

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Anger

• PTSD

• Managing challenges with Traumatic Brain Injury

 

Meet Our Staff Therapists

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Jennifer Schouman (she/her) | Clinical Director

Jennifer has been working with Paws and Stripes since 2014 to provide counseling and clinical assessments for its clients. Today, she works full time as Paws and Stripes’ Clinical Director providing these same services in house, as well as developing the educational, therapeutic, and staff training elements that supplement the organization’s service dog training efforts. With a long history of working with trauma, military, and their families, she provides critical mental health services as a licensed marriage and family therapist.

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Malinda LaVelle (she/her) | Mental Health Counselor and Dance/Movement Therapist

 

Malinda is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT). She holds a Master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Antioch University New England. Malinda brings a strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centered approach to her work with clients, integrating training in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), as well as concepts taken from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Dr. Steven Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. Her extensive background as a dance artist, as well as her training as a Dance/Movement Therapist, provides Malinda with unique skills and knowledge to integrate body-based, creative approaches in her work with clients. She is committed to providing holistic treatment through integration of clients identities, cultural values, and beliefs. Malinda is passionate about supporting Veterans and finds this work deeply rewarding.

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Esther Armijo (she/they) | Clinical Social Worker

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Maria Birrell (she/her) | Clinical Social Worker

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Maria, LMSW, began working for Paws and Stripes in 2024 after receiving her degree in Social Work from the University of Edinburgh. Maria specializes in person-centered and trauma-informed counseling and creates an inclusive space where clients from diverse backgrounds feel understood and respected. With a commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment, Maria tailors therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. She is experienced in utilizing a variety of counseling modalities and techniques to help individuals navigate challenges, foster resilience, and achieve personal growth. Maria is dedicated to empowering clients through empathetic, evidence-based care that noors each person's strengths and experiences.