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Janay Bankston

LISW (she/her)5 years of experience
5.0 (29)
Authentic
Solution oriented
Open-minded

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 excel at being innovative in our approach to healing, and I believe that education, advocacy, and deconstruction are essential tools for the healing process.

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.

First session

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.

Strengths

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.

Ideal clients

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.

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

Virtual sessions

Reviews and ratings

5.0 rating (29)6 reviews
April 20, 2026

Janay is very attentive and knowledgeable in how to project the needs of her clients, she writes down the focal points so when you have your next session she is not asking where did we leave off last time like I had with a bad experience of my last therapist. I always get a resolution to my situation.

Verified client, age 45-54Review shared after session 7 with Janay
January 14, 2026

I enjoyed my first session. I felt heard and felt that there were great thorough explanations of this journey.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 1 with Janay
January 2, 2026

Janay is amazing. She is a great listener and great at holding you accountable. She also allows you to just be yourself.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 4 with Janay

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