She/her
Clinical Therapist
Hello! My name is Janay Bankston. I’m a Licensed Social Worker but you can also call me a Self-Care Advocate, Change Agent, and Navigator. I’ve been in love with this field from a young age and that passion for helping and healing led me to the University of Toledo where I received my Bachelor’s of Social Work then continuing my training at Case Western Reserve University where I earned a Master’s of Science in Social Administration with a concentration in community practice for social change. I have over 6 years of experience working with the aging population in nursing rehabilitation facilities, children and families at youth enrichment centers, young adults in community mental health agencies, and groups and communities in neighborhood development corporations.
Self-Care Advocate: Self-Care is personal for me, learning self-acceptance, self-love, and self- preservation has made me a radical. Self-Care is just something that we don’t do enough of. Let me help you find your very own homemade restoration.
Change Agent: There is one thing certain and that is that things will change, for better or worse, life is unpredictable. As a change agent I help people cope with problems related to change and also be a catalyst in bringing about change needed for you to grow, heal, and overcome.
Navigator: What is it that you want to discover about yourself? What do you hope to find? Peace? Happiness? Success? Or, maybe it’s not about where you’re going, but about walking away from the things that no longer serve or honor you. Either way, I will help you navigate through the emotions, your past, and explore any barriers in your way in a safe environment.
My commitment to clients is to provide high quality therapeutic services in a caring and culturally aware and humble way. I strongly believe that as a therapist, I have a duty to affirm the racial, social, sexual, and spiritual identity of all people I serve. I’m experienced in processing grief and trauma, coping with anxiety and depression, developing healthy relationships with self and others, and increasing self-esteem. I offer an eclectic therapeutic style, designed to meet the needs of each client individually. Healing is hard work; you don’t have to do it alone, we are on this journey together. I believe that when “I” becomes “We”, mental illness becomes mental wellness.
I work with clients under the supervision of De’Asia L. Thompson, LISW-S. I am available (online only) Tuesday/Thursday 5-9pm and Saturday 1-5pm.