- Person-centered care
- Evidence-based techniques
- Emphasis on coping skills
About Shay
Shay Bankston is an Ohio licensed independent social worker with 20 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes in a straightforward, compassionate way. Shay aims to make sessions feel like a steady place to breathe and think clearly when things get hard.
Her work gives space for panic, social anxiety, and isolation to be named and addressed. She pays particular attention to first responder concerns and to the experiences of LGBTQ+ clients. Shay helps people develop practical coping skills for stress, grief, relationship strain, and addiction-related worries.
Shay uses a collaborative, person-centered approach. That means she and the person in therapy decide together what goals and strategies fit best. She draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a trauma-informed perspective to guide that work.
In sessions she focuses on building resilience and workable habits rather than quick fixes. People learn tools for managing panic episodes, handling control issues, and reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress. She also supports those facing career strain, compassion fatigue, hoarding concerns, and challenges linked to HIV/AIDS.
Her practice emphasizes plain language and practical steps. New clients can expect clear explanations, gentle challenges, and ongoing review of progress as goals evolve.
Evidence-based approaches and online therapy
Shay uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and emotional processing. One approach emphasizes coping skills training to help people manage panic attacks, anxiety, and stress through breathing, grounding, and behavioral strategies. Another approach involves trauma-informed work that helps people process difficult experiences and reduce symptoms related to post-traumatic stress.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shay treats therapy as collaborative and will discuss goals, preferences, and daily demands to decide which techniques to try. She checks in regularly and adapts the plan based on what helps most for the individual's situation.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking. When offered, online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also let people attend from a place that best supports their focus, and make it simpler to maintain continuity of care if schedules or locations change.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Shay address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, panic disorder and panic attacks, social anxiety, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, and related concerns.
What is Shay's therapeutic approach or style?
Her approach is collaborative and person-centered, using evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a trauma-informed lens to build coping skills and resilience.
How much clinical experience does Shay have?
She has 20 years of experience working in mental health settings and community practice.
Where is Shay licensed and based?
She holds the LISW credential and practices in Ohio.
Which languages are offered and are international clients supported?
Sessions are offered in English, and she does accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
Specific session formats are not listed here; please confirm current options before booking so you know whether a format fits your needs.
How is pricing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Shay?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.