Licensed clinical social worker recordIllinois
Bernice Banks, LCSW
Illinois
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Relationships and Stress
Continue with BerniceCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in Illinois
- LCSW, licence 149009745
- NPI
- 1710160932
- Experience
- 18 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Illinois
These details come from information Bernice supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Grief and loss support
About Bernice
Bernice Banks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois with 18 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, parenting pressures, and coping with major life changes.
Bernice uses straightforward, skills-based methods in sessions. She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to listen and reflect what matters to the client. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify patterns of thought and test small behavior changes.
Her background includes work in both public and private social services and mental health settings. She completed a master’s degree at the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University. That mix of community and private practice experience informs a practical approach to problems.
Sessions focus on practical steps - understanding a problem, learning new skills, and trying things between meetings. Common issues addressed include grief and loss, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, bipolar mood concerns, self-esteem, and career stress. Additional attention is given to communication problems, forgiveness, life purpose, and social anxiety.
Bernice has maintained a private practice for many years and aims to help clients make clear, doable choices about next steps. To begin, she asks people to complete a short questionnaire and schedule an initial session so they can map out goals and a plan together.
BHow sessions work
How her approaches work in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and reflecting the client's experience. In practice this means the therapist focuses on understanding what matters most to the client and repeating back observations to clarify priorities. This approach helps when people need to sort out feelings about relationships, parenting, grief, or life direction.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a skills-based approach that looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behavior. Sessions often include identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, testing small changes, and practicing new skills between meetings. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and social anxiety concerns.
Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative step. The therapist will work with the client to choose methods that fit their goals, needs, and preferences, and will adjust the plan as progress is reviewed. You and the therapist set clear goals and try practical steps together.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. The therapist will discuss practical scheduling and format details during the matching and intake process to align sessions with everyday life.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She addresses stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting issues, grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, bipolar mood concerns, career stress, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style?
She combines Client-Centered Therapy for listening and reflection with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thought and behavior patterns and develop practical skills.
How many years of experience does she have?
She has 18 years of clinical experience working in social services and mental health settings.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an Illinois LCSW credential and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin the process of working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers