Mrs. Fatima Banister, LCSW, MPA
(She/Her)
About Me
I work with Black women who often carry the weight of being everything for everyone—always showing up, always pushing through. That pressure to be perfect or to keep the peace can take a toll, especially when it's tied to past trauma or family dynamics that taught you to put yourself last. My focus is helping you reconnect with your voice, the one that may have gotten quiet in your relationships, your workplace, or even in how you speak to yourself. You might find it hard to make decisions, to trust your own gut, or to feel like what you say really matters. That’s where I come in. As a therapist trained in EMDR, I use approaches that go beyond just talking. Together, we’ll work on releasing old patterns, healing what’s beneath the surface, and building trust in your own inner wisdom. This work is deeply personal, and I hold it with care. Therapy is about coming home to yourself in a space that feels safe, affirming, and rooted in respect for your full humanity.
Education & Experience
Nazareth College - MSW 2013 SUNY Brockport - MPA 2016
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
EMDRIA Member CSWE - Council on Social Work Education
Specialty Area
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Family Issues
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Sexual Abuse
- Somatic Issues
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
Population Served
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Expats
- First Responders
- Underserved
Language
- English
Insurance
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
- UnitedHealth
MVP