Brianna Banks is deeply committed to individuality and to gaining new experiences that challenge and grow her perspective. She is passionate about embracing change and learning, always seeking out opportunities to step outside her comfort zone and explore what the world has to offer.

Brianna enjoys spending her free time with her German Shepherd, Mia, taking long walks and hiking in the Appalachian Mountains. She finds nature to be a great way to relax and recharge.

Before scheduling a first session, clients should know that Brianna values building a strong, collaborative relationship and often uses humor to create a comfortable environment. She is currently finishing her dissertation and is on track to be fully licensed and complete her PhD by 2025. Brianna is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals while fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental space for growth.

In the first session, Brianna aims to build rapport with the client, establishing a trusting and comfortable environment. The focus will be on identifying the client’s reason for seeking counseling and understanding the underlying issues they are facing. By developing a deeper understanding of the person, Brianna can collaboratively set goals and begin to create a plan for addressing their needs in future sessions.

In the first session with Brianna, clients can expect an introduction where they will discuss their reasons for seeking counseling. This session will focus on identifying the primary issues they are facing and setting the foundation for future sessions. Brianna will listen actively, ask questions to understand their concerns, and collaboratively develop a plan for addressing their goals and challenges. The aim is to create a comfortable space where clients feel heard and supported.

Brianna is inspired by witnessing the positive change and growth in her clients. Seeing them develop new skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals drives her passion for counseling. The progress her clients make reinforces her commitment to supporting them through their journey toward meaningful, lasting transformation.

Brianna chose to practice at Thriveworks because of the strong support provided, as well as the positive energy and compassion from the team. She values the collaborative environment that encourages both personal and professional growth, which aligns with her approach to providing empathetic, client-centered care.

Brianna wishes all clients knew that growth is a continuous process and doesn't have to stop. She believes that applying the skills learned during sessions to everyday life is just as important as the work done during the sessions themselves. Consistent practice and effort outside of therapy are key to making lasting changes and achieving personal goals.

Brianna is most excited to work with clients who have clear goals but may not know how to achieve them. She is particularly motivated to support individuals who are ready for change and eager to put in the effort to overcome obstacles, develop new strategies, and make lasting progress toward their aspirations.

Brianna works best with clients who are managing anxiety, depression, and life transitions, or those who may be struggling to achieve their goals. She enjoys helping individuals navigate adjustments in their lives and develop strategies for growth. Additionally, Brianna has a particular passion for working with women on women-specific issues, providing a supportive and empowering environment to address their unique challenges.

Brianna decided to become a counselor because she is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential. She doesn't simply want to offer support; she wants to help people transform into the best versions of themselves. Having always been told she is approachable and empathetic, Brianna saw counseling as the perfect career to leverage these natural skills and make a lasting, positive impact on others.