Ms. Bannister is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a board certified art therapist. She holds a Masters Degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. She has experience as a therapist in a variety of settings, including community-based work, schools, private practice and home based therapy. Her first career was in graphic design and communications.
Ms. Bannister works with clients of all ages and connects well with youth through playfulness and creative expression. Linda has a positive and affirming approach to therapy, recognizing your strengths and struggles with acceptance. She believes each individual has the potential to increase self-awareness and self-appreciation, finding courage and energy for bringing flexibility and change. She approaches therapy with creativity and curiosity to bring discovery and insight.
Ms. Bannister’s theoretical orientation is both integrative and eclectic, drawing from a variety of approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness practices, and trauma informed practices such as EMDR and polyvagal theory. She is open to questions of spirituality and faith.
She has specialties in stress, trauma, grief and loss, attachment difficulties, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems (ie. ADHD).
Ms. Bannister enjoys art making with a variety of media; watercolors and textile arts are favorites. She loves being outside, walking in the woods, puttering in the garden, and loves music of many genres. She shares life with her husband and enjoys spending time with their 3 adult children, one dog, and two cats.