Vanessa Banks

Hello and welcome to Better Help! I want to commend you for reaching out for help. This is often a major, yet courageous step one can make! My name is Vanessa Banks, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Criminal Justice, from Howard University in 2015. I have worked in many different settings with adults and youth, who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, trauma/abuse, substance use, and more. For almost ten years, I have worked fiercely to support and engage marginalized persons and communities; while affirming their stories, and existence within and against systems. While anchoring myself within strengths-based, existential and person-centered approaches, I have a great passion in fostering healing within individuals. Throughout many years of experience, I learned the power of listening and how it aids in developing and building transformative platforms and bridges for some of the most challenging experiences and environments such as substance use, depression, anxiety, poverty, and community violence. As your therapist, I hope to help to facilitate your own encounter with yourself and working alongside you as you explore values, assumptions, and ideals. This is a space where you can be your authentic self without judgement. You have started your journey towards healing, allow me to join you as your support. I look forward to working with you!