
Bernice Banks, LCSW
About me
I am a licensed clinical social worker with an extensive and diverse experience working with adults, children, couples, and families. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Illinois in 1997. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Illinois with a major in psychology. I enjoy the work I do and have worked in both the public and private sectors in the fields of social services and mental health.
Having worked with children and families and the many challenges they face for more than 20 years, I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone.
I have been in private practice for the past 12 years and currently specialize in marriage, couples and family therapy. I also have a background in child and adolescent mental health and have worked with families extensively around these issues. Other areas of expertise include Grief and Loss, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety,
My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills..
Most importantly, I want to empower my clients so that they are able to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, make informed choices about what actions they need to take, and develop skills that will help them handle difficult situations in the future. Working together, I believe we can accomplish those goals.
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Communication problems, Forgiveness, Life purpose, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
License information
IL LCSW 149.009745
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Bernice Banks. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I was a bit skeptical at first with both tele-health and who I was paired with. This was partly due to negative past experiences with an EAP at work. Fortunately I was wrong on both fronts. Tele-health, specifically BetterHealth, has been extremely convenient and surprisingly effect. Bernice has been absolutely amazing. She has exceeded all my expectations. In the short time I have been paired with her, she has been responsive, interactive during our sessions, and most importantly, kind and supportive. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking therapy. She listens, responds appropriately and is very positive and encouraging. I look forward to my continued sessions with her.
Written on Jan 23, 2021 after therapy with Bernice for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem
Bernice is a wonderful woman and a wonderful counselor
Written on Jan 05, 2021 after therapy with Bernice for 2 years and 7 months
I’ve appreciated Bernice’s advice and direction so far in our sessions.
Written on Dec 01, 2020 after therapy with Bernice for 4 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, and coaching
Mrs. Bernice is knowledgeable, empathetic and asks powerful thought provoking questions. She has helped me during the hardest times of my life and I forever grateful.
Written on Nov 13, 2020 after therapy with Bernice for 6 years and 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Bernice is awesome.
I love working with her. Sometimes. I feel bad sometimes because I feel needy at times. And I don't want to feel like I am being a bother. Especially when I was grieving a relationship. She was kind and patient with me and caring. She is always encouraging. She really does a great job. If she can get a hot mess like me to get over an abusive relationship and childhood. She can help anyone get better. She has been a God send to me.
Written on Aug 16, 2020 after therapy with Bernice for 3 years and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder
I have been paired with Bernice for at least 2 years and she has helped me immensely. Opened my eyes to different perspective and helped me see myself in a new light
Written on Jul 29, 2020 after therapy with Bernice for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties