Janay Bankston
LISW, 5 years of experience
About me
I can be your cheerleader, your reality check or your coach. I'm capable of transforming into many roles, but my purpose remains consistent: to help you become the best version of yourself. I excel at assessing individuals and helping them to understand who they are and what they want. I recognize that every client requires a tailored experience. Together, we’ll identify your goals and vision, or I can assist you in discovering them. I’ll help you pinpoint the root of your challenges and understand the barriers you face. I will hold you accountable for integrating practices into your daily life that will help you achieve your objectives. My support includes helping you understand your behavior, identify your feelings, find motivation, and gain a new perspective.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is crucial as it sets the foundation for the therapeutic alliance and treatment process. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive space where clients can feel comfortable to grow and share. This session is often emotionally intense, which is why it's essential to approach it with care. During the first session, we focus on gathering important information, such as the client's background, family history, identifying symptoms, assessing needs, diagnosing concerns, building rapport, and setting goals for therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My biggest strength, aside from training, is my dedication to truly understanding my clients beyond their symptoms and presenting problems. I know what it is like to live with mental health issues, and I model how to lead a fulfilling life despite those challenges. I have a talent for finding creative ways to navigate symptoms and external stressors. I excel at being innovative in our approach to healing, and I believe that education, advocacy, and deconstruction are essential tools for the healing process.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with Black women, Black people, women, Christians, people of color (POC), and marginalized individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, or interpersonal conflict. I enjoy helping strong, independent, self-starting, high-achieving perfectionists rediscover rest and self-care. I love assisting those who are addicted to the grind in recognizing their worth and value beyond their achievements. It brings me joy when individuals who seem to have it all are able to grow their self-esteem beyond their accolades. I also appreciate blending clinical expertise with biblical wisdom to help reconcile mental health and faith.
Specialties
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
My treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
helps you acknowledge and accept your thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to control or change them, and instead commit to actions that align with your values to live a more meaningful life.
Christian Counseling
combines traditional counseling techniques with a Christian worldview, offering spiritual guidance and support to address emotional and relational issues from a biblical perspective
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that are affecting your mood and actions, ultimately improving your quality of life
Motivational Interviewing
helps you explore your feelings about change, resolve any ambivalence, and develop a plan to make positive changes by focusing on your strengths and autonomy.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
helps you understand and manage your emotions, particularly those related to attachment and relationships, to improve emotional well-being and strengthen connections.
Location
VirtualLicensed in
Accepts
2 ratings with written reviews
June 2, 2025
I love love love her! Like talking to a big sister!
Verified client, age 25-34
May 1, 2025
We hit the ground running. I’m so thankful to have found her!