Family therapy and counseling in Canton, OH

I’m a dual Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I believe healing happens when you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you can openly share your story and begin your journey toward emotional balance and well-being.

I bring both medical and mental health expertise to my work, allowing me to understand how physical and emotional health are deeply connected. I strive to meet each person where they are — with empathy, respect, and collaboration — while helping them move toward lasting change and inner peace. Outside of mental healthcare, I enjoy working out, yoga classes and nature photography.

I am a family systems oriented therapist. Just meeting you, I am curious about you and the system of relationships you inhabit. I will ask a lot of questions.

I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. My background includes experience in university disability services as well as several years working closely with children and families in foster and adoptive care. Since transitioning into outpatient therapy, I’ve focused on providing thoughtful, accessible mental health care that meets clients where they are.

I work with children and adolescents (ages 11+), adults, couples, and families navigating concerns such as ADHD, behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship or family stress. My experience in foster and adoptive care gives me a strong foundation in attachment, identity, and family systems, allowing me to support both individuals and families in meaningful ways.

Life can feel HARD. I care deeply about coming alongside you to help build compassion and insight. I have years of experience working with diverse clients of all ages and different walks of life. I have worked in both private practice with adults and community mental health while working with parents, caregivers, and kids in outpatient therapy at Nationwide Children's Hospital. I come alongside individuals in various stages of life to help them gain insight into their struggles and strengths, identify their goals and learn practical tools to help make meaningful change in their lives. I value diversity and approach therapy with respect and compassion. I gained my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, after working with young adults in international campus ministry at OSU for 10 years. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Behavior Management, Narrative Therapy, and am informed in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with a BA in Psychology and an MA in Professional Counseling, with 13+ years in residential care, crisis work, and private practice. I work especially well with men who want a direct, goal-oriented approach. Focus areas: stress/burnout, anxiety, anger, ADHD patterns, relationship conflict, life transitions, and leadership challenges. Expect straight talk, practical tools, and accountability.

Life is complicate. Change is hard. Wellness is worth it.

I am here to walk this path with you.

I help you explore the possibilities of change in an open minded, compassionate, supportive and unconditionally accepting environment. Change can be scary and difficult. Throughout the therapeutic process, you will have an opportunity to access inner strengths, explore past experiences, confront fears, gain insight with a sense of mindfulness and curiosity. No matter where you are in your journey, whether it is to optimize emotional and/or physical wellbeing or maintain it, integrative therapy can help.

I am a Mental Health professional and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine provider who is trained in a number of modalities and draw from Family Systems, Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Nutritional Psychiatry. I has over 12 years of experience helping clients improve emotional wellness and mental health concerns through psychotherapy, coaching, latest science in real food nutrition and other alternative strategies.

I approach mental health and well-being in an action-oriented way and from a holistic, whole-body perspective, with an underlying view that mind, body and spirit are interconnected. I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, life transitions, work-life balance, and finding inner peace.

I am committed to a lifestyle that she teaches her clients which incorporates mindfulness, emotional health, whole food eating, and fulfilling activities. I am excited to help you build confidence in creating a nourishing lifestyle that considers mind/body balance, self-care, hopefulness and excitement.

About me

I am licensed in Ohio with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you in that journey.

Dr. Shawn Garlington has worked in the medical field for over 20 years in various areas of nursing. She earned her PMHNP degree at the University of Cincinnati. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing in Family Medicine at South University. She brings a personal and modern approach to mental health through her personal experiences. She also believes in wellness and holistic treatment approaches along with conventional medicine. She focuses on the patient and works with other resources in the community to give you a treatment plan that can work long-term to help support your health goals.