Renessa Banks
Renessa Banks
(she/her)
I’m Dr. Renessa A. Banks, a licensed independent social worker and experienced clinician with over 25 years in the field. I specialize in working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, life transitions, mood disorders, and complex relational dynamics. My approach is warm, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, DBT, and trauma-informed care. I create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they work through challenges and reconnect with their strengths. My goal is to help individuals gain clarity, build resilience, and move forward with intention and confidence.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, I focus on building a safe, respectful, and open space where you feel comfortable sharing your story at your own pace. I’ll ask questions to better understand what brings you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any important parts of your background that shape who you are. I don’t expect you to have all the answers or know exactly where to start, just a willingness to show up and be honest about what’s going on for you. Together, we’ll begin to identify your goals and lay the groundwork for meaningful change.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the balance of warmth, directness, and deep respect for each client’s lived experience. I integrate evidence-based methods like CBT, ACT, DBT, and solution-focused strategies within a trauma-informed, culturally responsive framework. Clients often tell me they feel truly seen and heard in our work together, and that I help them connect the dots in ways that lead to real insight and lasting change. My approach isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about helping you live with more clarity, intention, and alignment with who you truly are.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best suited to work with adults who are navigating life transitions, managing mood disorders such as anxiety or depression, or exploring women’s issues such as identity, relationships, and work-life balance. Many of my clients are professionals, caregivers, or students who appear to be “doing fine” on the outside but are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected on the inside. I offer a supportive space where you can unpack what’s beneath the surface, reconnect with your strengths, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
About Renessa Banks
Renessa Banks offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Ohio.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have experience using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my clinical practice to support individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I use ACT techniques to help clients clarify what matters most to them and take meaningful steps toward those values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts and emotions. It’s a powerful framework that empowers clients to shift from struggle to intentional living.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I regularly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that impact their emotions and behavior. With over 25 years of experience assessing and supporting individuals in crisis, I’ve found CBT to be an effective, structured approach for addressing issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma. I integrate CBT techniques to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and support clients in making practical, lasting changes aligned with their goals.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally sensitive therapy is at the core of my clinical approach. With over two decades of experience working with diverse populations, I intentionally create a therapeutic space that honors each client’s cultural identity, lived experiences, and worldview. I approach therapy with cultural humility, curiosity, and respect, recognizing how systems of oppression, generational trauma, and cultural values shape mental health. My goal is to foster a space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to show up fully as themselves.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients tap into their strengths, identify what’s working, and build practical steps toward their preferred future. With a strong foundation in crisis assessment and support, I appreciate SFBT’s forward-thinking, goal-oriented approach. I focus on amplifying client resilience, highlighting small successes, and fostering a sense of hope and possibility, even in challenging situations. This approach aligns with my commitment to empowering clients to take meaningful action and create change on their own terms.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my clinical work to support clients in building skills around emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. With a background in working with individuals in high-stress and crisis situations, I’ve found DBT to be especially effective for clients navigating intense emotions, trauma, or patterns of self-harm. I use DBT strategies to help clients increase self-awareness, manage emotions more effectively, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.