Cedars Mental Wellness Services was founded by Leah Shanks, LPC-MHSP, in 2017 to serve the community with personalized, compassionate, evidence-based mental health counseling services to adults and children. My areas of focus include: trauma related disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and the relationship between physical health and mental health. Mental health is a cornerstone of whole-person wellness. Now, as medical science understands better the direct influence of mental health on physical health, I seek to deliver care that is in keeping with this evidence.
I received my B.A in Psychology from Ole Miss where I also ran cross country and track. From there I went on to receive a Masters in Sports Psychology from the University of Tennessee. This led me to also pursue a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from The University of Tennessee. After graduation I spent five years working school-based and outpatient therapy in Waynesville, NC before moving to Lebanon, TN in 2012. I worked school-based therapy for four years before making the move to Private Practice.
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About Me
Eating Disorders
Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma Related Disorders, Eating Disorders, Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain
Trauma Related Disorders
Depression
Anxiety Disorder is a Mental Health Disorder characterized by feelings of worry and fear that interfere with one's daily activities. Some examples of anxiety disorders include General Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, OCD, and phobias.
Anxiety
Depression is a mood disorder. It is characterized by feelings of persistent sadness and a loss in daily activities. It can have an affect on how a person feels, thinks, or acts and can lead to many emotional and physical issues.
Trauma related disorders include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Adjustment Disorders, and other disorders such as Anxiety and Depression that have a root cause in a traumatic event or multiple traumatic events. Neglect and attachment issues also lead to trauma.
There is research that suggests people with chronic pain are 30-50% more likely to suffer from anxiety and/or depression. It is also hard to tell if the pain led to depression or the depression led to chronic pain. Mental Health Issues can impact brain chemistry leading to chronic pain.
Eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder. They negatively impact physical health, emotional health, and ability to function in important areas of everyday life.