Guiding House

11/18/2025

Ellie is now officially listed in the How We Love ACPT Network Directory!

This means she is recognized by the How We Love organization as a trained practitioner in Attachment Core Pattern Therapy (ACPT). Clients looking specifically for support through the How We Love model can now find Ellie directly in their national online directory.
We’re so proud of the heart, wisdom, and skill she brings to this work, to individuals, and to marriages.

Ellie is currently offering openings for her private (1 couple at a time) marriage weekend intensives (Friday/Saturdays), and mini marriage intensives (Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, Saturday afternoons).

Feel free to call or text for more info: 330.778.2919

About Ellie Brooks Licensed Therapist Ohio (330) 778-2919 ellie@guidinghouse.com https://www.guidinghouse.com General Information Name Ellie Brooks Business name Guiding House Counseling and Coaching Office address 4429 Fulton Dr NW Canton, Ohio, 44718 How How We Love principles are incorporatedI do...

11/16/2025

We’re thrilled to celebrate our colleague, Jen Slaski, who was featured in the Canton Repository!

Jen brings an extraordinary blend of global experience, education, and leadership to Guiding House Counseling & Coaching. After graduating from Stanford University and later earning her master’s degree in mental health counseling, she spent years shaping cultures inside well-known tech companies — most notably Spiceworks and TechStars, where she earned Mentor of the Year.

Her background spans Washington, D.C., Australia, Boston, Austin, San Francisco, and now back home in Jackson Township — and she uses every part of that journey to help individuals, leaders, and organizations flourish.

We are deeply proud to have Jen on our team, and even more grateful for the authenticity, courage, creativity, and warmth she brings to our community.

Credit:
Media: The Canton Repository:
https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2025/11/16/meet-jen-slaski-an-executive-coach-and-licensed-psychotherapist/86405246007/
Article: Patricia Faulhaber, Canton Repository
Photography: Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent

11/10/2025

✨ A True Story ✨

A few weeks ago, we realized we had room in our practice to bring on another clinician part-time. That night, we prayed about it — that if it was God’s will, the right person would find their way to us.

The very next day, an email came in from Megan with her resume, asking if we happened to be hiring. We aren’t kidding.

When I opened it, I had to read it twice. Before her degree in social work, she had listed… Yale. Then a law degree from the University of Chicago, where she was Managing Editor of The Law Review. And then a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Some of the most prestigious schools in the country. Her accomplishments were beyond impressive.

But when we met, what stood out even more was her heart. She was grounded, genuine, and deeply compassionate. Megan shared that what she loved most about practicing law was the pro bono work — the moments she got to truly help people. That’s when she felt most like herself.

This was radical compassion.

Since then, she’s built an incredible career helping others heal — serving as a psychotherapist, clinical director, and educator, leading programs that bridge mental and physical health, teaching strategies for managing pain, and mentoring future clinicians with empathy and grace.

John Maxwell once said,

“A vision without sacrifice is just a dream.”

Megan sacrificed quite a bit to be in our beloved field of mental health. We couldn’t be more grateful that her path led her here — to Guiding House and to our amazing community.

Bio: https://www.guidinghouse.com/megan
Text or call anytime: 330.778.2919
Welcoming new clients. 🫶

11/05/2025

💬 Men & Mental Health

Men experience anxiety, depression, and trauma just as often as women—yet they are far less likely to seek counseling.

Many were raised to “be strong,” “man up,” or “handle it alone.” Over time, that can turn into silence, irritability, or physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or chest tightness.

The truth is, emotional pain doesn’t disappear just because it’s unspoken. It often shows up in the body or in relationships.

Counseling gives men a safe space to talk, process, and learn tools for managing stress, anger, and loss in healthy ways.

💡 Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s taking responsibility for your well-being.

11/01/2025

🎉 3 Years of Guiding House 🎉“I believe in hope. I believe in believe.” – Ted Lasso

3 years ago, Guiding House began with a simple dream — to create a space where people could heal, grow, and believe. 💛Today, that dream has grown into a beautiful community — one filled with kindness, laughter, and people who genuinely love one another (John 13:34) From the inside out… we are a genuine place of comfort and strive for clinical excellence. We are so proud of our crew and how hard they pour into our community and one another. To our clients, our team, and our community — thank you for believing in us, for trusting us with your stories, and for helping us build something that feels like home.Here’s to year 3 — and to the hope, love, and belief that keep guiding us forward. 🕊️

10/31/2025

💔 It wasn’t supposed to be this way…

When someone you trusted deeply has hurt you, it can shake your whole world. You may feel alone, confused, or unsure how to move forward — but you don’t have to carry it by yourself.

The Betrayal Trauma Support Group at Guiding House Counseling & Coaching offers a safe and compassionate space where you can:
🤍 Share your story without judgment
🤍 Connect with others who truly understand
🤍 Find comfort, strength, and encouragement
🤍 Learn practical ways to begin healing and restoring hope

Led by Katya Shilling, MSW, LSW — a licensed therapist and betrayal trauma survivor — this group blends professional expertise with personal understanding. Katya uses somatic, body-based healing to help you reconnect with your body, release stored trauma, and rediscover peace and self-trust.

✨ You don’t have to heal alone.

📍 Guiding House “The Loft”
4469 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
🗓️ Fridays | 5:30–7:00 pm
💲 $30 per meeting
📅 Dates: Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 19, Jan 2, Jan 16, Jan 30
📱 Text 330.778.2919 to RSVP by Nov 14

10/21/2025

What if we told you… some couples aren’t fighting about what’s happening today — they’re replaying what was missing years ago.

We see this pattern so often:

One partner feels every shift in connection and reaches out for closeness.

The other feels that intensity and quietly steps back to find calm.

They’re both trying to feel safe… just in opposite ways.

💔 The one who reaches (the Vacillator) usually grew up with love that came and went — warm one moment, distant the next. They learned to chase connection before it disappeared.

🧊 The one who pulls away (the Avoider) often grew up where emotions were too much, or not welcomed. They learned to handle things alone — and now closeness can feel overwhelming.

So when the Vacillator reaches for more, the Avoider steps back.

When the Avoider steps back, the Vacillator feels abandoned.

And the dance replays.

The truth is, neither person is the “problem.”

They’re both reacting from old pain — longing to be seen and safe.

Healing starts when they begin to see the pattern, not the enemy.

When the Vacillator slows down before reaching.

When the Avoider stays a little longer instead of retreating.

When both learn that love doesn’t mean chasing or hiding — it means staying.

💛 Real love grows when safety replaces fear.

If you haven't already ...visit www.howwelove.com to find out how you love.

Ellie Brooks MA, LSW is currently on a waiting list for new couples, however has some availibility for her weekend intensives! Ellie has a passion for teaching and helping couples to connect in beautiful ways.

Call or text Guiding House 330.778.2919 for more information.

10/10/2025

🌎💚 World Mental Health Day 💚🌎

Today is a reminder that mental health matters — for every person, in every season of life.

Whether you’re showing up for others or just finding the strength to show up for yourself, we see you. Healing isn’t always neat or fast. Sometimes it’s a quiet courage — choosing to breathe, to rest, to ask for help, or to keep going when it feels hard.

At Guiding House Counseling, we believe in creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and safe to grow. You don’t have to walk your journey alone — there is hope, and there is help. 💛

Let’s keep talking about mental health. Let’s make kindness, connection, and care our daily practice — not just today, but every day.

10/08/2025

Meet Jen Slaski, MA, LPC-A — one of those people who can walk into a room and instantly make everyone breathe easier. 💛

She’s a Leadership & Life Coach, Corporate Consultant, and Licensed Psychotherapist who blends deep compassion with practical strategy. Jen has worked with names you’d recognize — from Glassdoor and eBay to PBS and Shark Tank — but what sets her apart is how grounded she stays while helping others grow.

Whether she’s helping an executive through a major life shift, helping a team reconnect to its purpose, or sitting with someone navigating burnout, Jen brings both clarity and kindness.

If you’re ready to grow — without losing yourself along the way — Jen’s the one you want in your corner.

📱 Call or text 330.778.2919 to connect.

10/08/2025

We’re practicing what we preach 💛

As a teaching, thriving, and authentic practice, we’re diving into How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich — a powerful book that helps couples and individuals understand how early attachment patterns shape the way we love, connect, and communicate.

We’re learning, reflecting, and growing together — and loving every minute of it. It’s not always easy ….and can be humbling , but it’s always so good. ✨

If you’re interested in joining a How We Love group or a marriage intensive, we’d love to have you. Text or call us at 330-778-2919 to learn more. 💬

Ellie Brooks, MA., LSW • Katya Shilling, MSW., LSW • Janelle Paris, MAEd., LPCC-S

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