- Person-centered approach
- Trauma-informed care
- Works with ADHD
About Shay
Shay Bankston is a licensed independent social worker (LISW) in Ohio with 20 years of experience. She focuses on helping people cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life changes. Shay aims to offer a respectful, affirming space for a wide range of concerns so people can feel heard and understood.
Her work often centers on practical coping skills and steady emotional support. She helps people facing panic attacks, social anxiety, isolation, and post-traumatic stress. Shay has particular sensitivity to first responder stress and to LGBTQ+ related issues, and she also addresses parenting, relationship, and intimacy-related concerns.
Shay uses a collaborative, person-centered style. Sessions focus on what matters to the individual and on building concrete strategies for daily life. She helps people identify patterns, practice new skills, and test small changes between meetings.
Over two decades of practice have given her experience with addictions, grief, and control-related struggles, including hoarding and compassion fatigue. She also supports people dealing with ADHD symptoms, career stress, and HIV / AIDS related challenges.
People who choose Shay can expect straightforward conversations and tools they can try at home. She accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English. To begin, clients follow the site's Start Therapy process to match and schedule with her.
Evidence-based approaches and online care
Shay practices evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and healing from trauma. One commonly used approach helps people learn coping strategies for anxiety and panic by teaching breathing, grounding, and step-by-step exposure to feared situations. Another helpful approach centers on trauma-informed care, which focuses on understanding how past experiences affect current reactions and on building safety and pacing during recovery.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shay works with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and what feels achievable. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.
The profile does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into busy days, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find remote sessions useful for maintaining continuity of care while managing work, family, or other responsibilities.
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 people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. Other focuses include parenting, relationship and intimacy issues, addiction, grief, and career stress.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and person-centered, emphasizing practical coping strategies and steady support. Sessions work on identifying patterns and trying concrete changes between meetings.
What is her professional background?
Shay has 20 years of clinical experience working with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns. That experience includes work with first responder stress, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is an LISW - a Licensed Independent Social Worker - practicing in Ohio.
Which languages are offered and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English, and she does accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not specify session formats, so please confirm current options before booking to know how sessions are conducted.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.