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BB Portrait of Bernice Banks

Bernice Banks

Practical, supportive therapy focused on skills and insight

LCSW Illinois

Experience
18 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Bernice

About Bernice

Bernice Banks is an LCSW based in Illinois who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, and other life challenges. With 18 years of professional experience, she draws on a background that includes work in both public and personal mental health and social services.

Background and approach

Clients seeking practical strategies for coping, communication, and self-understanding will find a clinician who emphasizes collaboration and skill building. Her practice places value on using therapy as a tool to teach new ways of thinking and responding to difficult situations.

Bernice incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to support insight and skill development, and she pairs that with a client-centered stance that honors each person’s perspective. Over years in practice she has helped people address depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, anger, career transitions, bipolar mood concerns, and adapting to life changes.

Bernice aims to empower people to make informed choices and to develop practical coping skills. She frames therapy as a shared process, working together with clients to clarify goals and build strategies that fit their lives and values.

CBT and Client-Centered Support Online



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, teaching practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and respect for each person's experience, creating space for clients to explore goals and values at their own pace. Both approaches are useful for challenges such as relationship difficulties, grief, anger, and coping with life transitions.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and the therapist works collaboratively with clients to determine what fits best for their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they review progress and adjust strategies so the work remains relevant and effective for the individual’s circumstances.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy weeks, support access when travel or time constraints arise, and allow clients to choose how they want to engage in therapy while working toward clearer thinking, improved coping skills, and stronger communication.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, depression, grief, addictions, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes.
What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?
The approach combines a client-centered stance with cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients gain insight and practice new skills for managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
How much experience does this clinician have?
The therapist brings 18 years of experience working in social services and mental health across public and personal settings.
What credentials and location are listed for the therapist?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois with licence number IL LCSW 149009745 and provides services from Illinois.
Which languages are available and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and the therapist is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered for online therapy?
The therapist offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are costs and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Communication problemsForgivenessLife purposeSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English