- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Communication problems
About Bernice
Bernice Banks is an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois with 18 years of experience. She works with adults on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, and questions about life purpose. She also lists relationship and family concerns, parenting challenges, anger, career concerns, bipolar, trauma and abuse among her focus areas.
Bernice trained at the University of Chicago for her master’s degree and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Roosevelt University. She has worked in both public and private settings across social services and mental health. For the past 12 years she has been in private practice and has many years of experience with child and family issues prior to that.
Her approach centers on helping people understand their challenges and learn practical skills to cope. She uses Client-Centered Therapy to listen and respond to each person’s experience, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify patterns and try out new behaviors. Sessions emphasize clear, practical strategies rather than abstract theories.
Bernice aims to help people gain clearer understanding of their situation so they can make informed choices. She focuses on building coping skills people can use after sessions end. Conversations tend to be direct and focused on steps that move day-to-day life forward.
People often come to her when a change in work, relationships, health, or parenting leaves them unsure what comes next. She supports clients in sorting priorities, improving communication, and setting achievable actions toward their goals.
How her approaches are used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely to each person and reflecting their experience back so they feel understood. This approach helps when someone is sorting values, life purpose, or relationship questions and wants space to clarify what matters to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches practical exercises to change those patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes.Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will talk with the client about goals, concerns, and preferences and together decide which methods to try. That collaborative planning helps keep sessions focused on clear steps and skills that fit the person’s everyday needs.
The biography does not list which online formats are offered, so confirm the available session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work or family obligations, allow shorter check-ins on busy days, and remove travel time. Many people find that meeting virtually helps keep momentum between sessions while still working on communication, coping skills, and deciding next steps.
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 concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and family issues, parenting, anger, career questions, bipolar concerns, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes.
How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses Client-Centered Therapy to listen and respond to each person and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to identify unhelpful patterns and try practical changes.
What is her professional background and experience?
She has 18 years of clinical experience, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s in psychology from Roosevelt University, with work across public and private mental health settings.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is an Illinois LCSW and practices in Illinois.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select 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, use the crisis numbers.