Dr. Lynn Bañez

When people ask me, "Why do you do what you do?" this is my answer: I felt called to this profession. Growing up in a family with domestic violence and substance abuse, I often felt alone and in pain. If it hadn't been for music, sports, and a few caring adults, I might not have made it safely to where I am now. I left home and embarked on a winding path to adulthood and my career in mental health. I've always been a helper, a mediator, and a fighter for the oppressed. I chose this profession to help others who feel sad, alone, unwanted, or abused. I want to help them find that they are not alone on their journey and that the path will not always seem so dark. I made it, and they can too. Everyone has a life worth living, even if it doesn't feel that way in the moment.

In my self-care time, I enjoy singing in my church's choir, their smaller acapella choir, ringing in the bell choir when I have the time, collecting, selling, and buying Pokémon cards and collectibles, and I am a self-described "weather and tech geek."

I work from a Trauma-Informed perspective, infusing the most up-to-date information on the neuroscience of trauma and the connection between mental health and physical health. When asked about my approach to therapy, I often say, "I believe in working with the whole person and tailor my approach to the client I am working with. I tend to draw from Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and tend to be less directive in sessions, allowing the session to unfold based on where the client is at in the moment. I can be more directive depending on the client. Over the course of my career, I have never stopped learning and have gathered quite the toolbox of skills and helpful resources that I readily make available for clients."

I believe in working in partnership with my clients. From our first contact to set up an appointment, I listen respectfully and without judgment. I value each person's dignity and want to get to know them as the wonderful people they are, not as the labels society often places upon them. I want clients to get to know me and ask me questions. Mutual trust is vital for therapy to be most helpful. We have to earn each other's trust. As a client, it is your right to find the best therapist for you and your needs. As a therapist, it's my privilege to be chosen to work with you. Whether I'm the best fit for you or not, you are the most important person in the helping/healing relationship.

If you're struggling with life's challenges or feeling distressed, hopeless, anxious, lonely, frustrated, misunderstood, sad, or angry, I am here to help you. I am here to listen, support, and guide you in addressing the issues that you feel are hindering you from fully succeeding or engaging in life and in your relationships. You are the expert in you, and you're seeking help to change and grow to reach your life's goals, fully engage in your life, and improve relationships with yourself and others. Your unique story is the map from which we will work together.

If you're experiencing the emotions above and want help overcoming life's challenges, I invite you to review my listed specialties, issues, and treatment approaches. I listen, value, and validate each client, forging a mutually trusting relationship.

I incorporate humor, music, and other creative or physical activities. My virtual office is a judgment-free zone!