Dawn Shanklin, MD, LCPC, LMHC

Dawn Shanklin is a licensed therapist based in Maryland who helps people manage stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. She focuses on practical skills that make daily life easier and helps people cope with major life changes and compassion fatigue. Dawn speaks English and brings 11 years of experience to sessions.

Her style is warm and respectful. She listens first, then works with each person to build small, doable steps for change. Conversations focus on what is getting in the way now and what can be tried next week.

Dawn commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also draws on client-centered ideas that prioritize the client’s perspective and goals. Together these approaches aim to reduce anxiety, lift mood, and improve confidence.

In sessions she addresses related concerns like communication problems, isolation and loneliness, questions about life purpose, money stress, social anxiety and workplace issues. She keeps plans concrete - practicing new skills during sessions and assigning short exercises to try between meetings.

Her background includes an MD and clinical counseling credentials listed as LCPC and LMHC. Dawn pairs these qualifications with a straightforward, compassionate approach. People who want clear tools and steady support often find her practical style helpful.

Approaches that translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person's goals and perspective. The therapist listens with empathy and follows the client’s lead to build trust and clarify what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches concrete skills to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Dawn will collaborate with each person to decide whether CBT, client-centered work, or a mix best fits their needs and goals. She adjusts techniques over time based on what is helpful and what the person prefers.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy flexible. Video allows face-to-face conversation and skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief updates, written reflections, or staying connected between sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy lives and keep continuity of care when schedules change.