- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Social anxiety support
About Bernice
Bernice Banks is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with 18 years of clinical experience based in Illinois. She lists concerns she addresses including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, grief, addictions, and social anxiety and phobia. Her background also notes work around communication problems, forgiveness, life purpose, and self-love.
Bernice draws on a mix of client-centered methods and cognitive behavioral techniques. She focuses on practical steps a person can use to notice thoughts and patterns, and then try different ways of responding. Sessions aim to teach concrete skills for coping with intense feelings and managing day-to-day challenges.
Her career spans public and private social service and mental health settings. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University, both in Illinois. Over many years she has worked with adults and with children in clinical roles before moving into private practice.
In session she emphasizes clear problem-solving and building skills that fit daily life. That can include identifying unhelpful thinking, practicing new behaviors, and trying small experiments between meetings. She explains methods plainly and encourages simple steps clients can use right away.
Bernice notes that therapy is a collaborative effort. She helps people weigh options, practice new ways of communicating, and plan steps for change. For someone finding social situations, speaking up, or meeting new people difficult, she lists social anxiety and phobia among her focus areas and can work on strategies specific to those concerns.
How Bernice integrates approaches for online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following the client's concerns. It prioritizes the client's perspective and helps a person explore what matters most to them. This approach supports clearer communication and stronger self-understanding.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers concrete exercises to test beliefs and practice different responses. CBT is often used for anxiety, low mood, and symptoms that respond to step-by-step skill building.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Bernice will work together with clients to identify which methods fit their goals and preferences. That collaborative discussion can shape the session focus and the homework or practice tasks that follow.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow sessions from different locations when needed. It also allows shorter check-ins or phone-based conversations when that suits a person better. Licensed professionals can adjust pacing and exercises for the online setting to keep sessions practical and focused.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She lists stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, grief, addictions, bipolar concerns, and social anxiety and phobia among her focus areas.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses client-centered methods alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The work emphasizes understanding problems and learning skills to cope.
How much experience does she have?
She has 18 years of clinical experience and has worked in public and private mental health settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices from that state.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.