- Client-centered care
- CBT tools
- Parenting support
About Bernice
Bernice Banks is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing family and parenting challenges. She focuses on day-to-day problems like stress, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting struggles, and grief. Her straightforward, nonjudgmental style aims to make it easier to take the next step when things feel overwhelming.
Bernice earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University, both in Illinois. She has worked across public and private mental health settings and brings 18 years of experience to her practice.
In sessions she uses a client-centered approach that follows the person’s goals and pace. She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, using simple techniques to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. Together with each person she focuses on practical skills that can be used between sessions.
Common concerns she addresses include depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar mood concerns, anger, and coping with life changes. She also helps with communication problems, forgiveness, self-love, and clarifying life purpose.
Her background includes long-term work with children and families and many years in private practice. People who want a calm, steady therapist to talk through parenting challenges and relationship decisions often choose her. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability.
How her approaches guide online therapy
Bernice uses client-centered therapy, which means she follows each person’s priorities and works at a comfortable pace. This approach is useful for people who want to be heard and involved in setting goals.She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a practical method that helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. CBT is often helpful for anxiety, low mood, stress, and relationship patterns.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they decide whether to focus on skill-building, problem solving, or deeper exploration.
Session formats are not specified here, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also make scheduling around work, school, or caregiving demands simpler without promising a specific format.
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 issues does she commonly address?
Bernice helps with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar concerns, anger, and coping with life changes. She also focuses on parenting, relationships, and family-related challenges.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is client-centered and practical. She listens without judgment and works with people to build skills they can use between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has 18 years of professional experience and many years in private practice, including long-term work with children and families in public and private settings.
What credentials and region does she represent?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and completed graduate training at the University of Chicago.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a session with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.