Shay Bankston

Shay Bankston is a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 20 years of experience supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. She offers straightforward, person-centered care and focuses on helping people find practical ways to cope. Shay creates a welcoming space that respects diverse identities and experiences.

She pays special attention to social anxiety, isolation and panic disorder, and often works with people affected by post-traumatic stress. First responders and members of LGBT communities are mentioned as groups she treats with sensitivity. She also addresses addiction, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting stress, and career strain.

Her style is collaborative and guided by evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a trauma-informed view. Sessions focus on building coping skills, developing emotional resilience, and breaking down problems into manageable steps. Shay aims to help people reconnect with strengths and move toward clear goals.

Practical concerns are part of the work. She helps clients create routines, handle control issues, and manage panic attacks when they occur. For people dealing with hoarding, HIV/AIDS related stress, or compassion fatigue, she blends problem-focused strategies with supportive listening.

Shay practices in Ohio and communicates in English. She accepts international clients and uses a subscription model for sessions that can be canceled at any time. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online work

Shay uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a trauma-informed outlook to help people manage anxiety, panic, and isolation. One approach focuses on step-by-step skill building to reduce panic and manage day-to-day anxiety. This method teaches breathing and grounding skills, pacing, and short behavioral changes to reduce the intensity of attacks or overwhelming moments.

Another approach centers on processing trauma and its aftermath through careful, paced conversations and strategies to reduce hypervigilance and intrusive memories. This work aims to help people regain a sense of control and rebuild routines without pushing past what feels manageable.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and how symptoms affect daily life before choosing techniques. Together they adapt the pace and focus to fit each person's needs and goals.

Confirm the therapist's current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when that helps, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can use different formats to make care more accessible while helping clients practice skills between sessions.