Leah Shanks

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor / National Certified Counselor

I have a passion for helping people and feel we all can be happier, more balanced, and lead a more fulfilling life. I am caring, down to earth and have a sense of humor. I provide a non-judgmental active approach to counseling. My lens is supportive, strengths based solution focused, and I use cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches in my work. In a caring yet straightforward way I get to know you, help you to set meaningful counseling goals, take action, and be accountable toward reaching your goals to live your best life. If you are looking for someone to help you be accountable, then I am a good fit!

I provide individual counseling with adults and adolescents as well as couples counseling. I am a parent of two teens and understand the complexities of negotiating work, family life, stress, and major life changes. Areas of expertise and interest include: anxiety, depression, stress, women’s issues, and life transitions including loss, divorce, career, and other stage of life changes. I have experience supporting parents that have children with school and mental health challenges and individuals who love someone with alcohol/drug use disorder. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds and am LGBTQ+ affirming.

When I am not working I spend time with my family which includes my spouse, two teens (one soon to launch to college!), a cat and a dog. I am an animal lover, musical theater enthusiast, and singer who also enjoys running, biking, and reading.

Leah has 12 years of previous counseling experience, received a master’s degree in Counseling and Student Personnel from MSU, Mankato and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Luther College. Leah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Licensed School Counselor, and National Certified School Counselor.