Whitney Banister

Licensed Master Social Worker



In a world that often values rigid individualism and "self-made" narratives—ideologies rooted in white supremacy that cause significant harm—I commit to recognizing the profound complexities of being human and existing within interconnected systems. As a mental health therapist, I am deeply committed to bearing witness to individuals, families, and groups (ages 5+).

In our collaborative work, we gently explore your experiences. This journey is an unfolding process where mind, body, and memories can connect, allowing insights to surface organically. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, relational, and eclectic, richly woven with vibrant dashes of play and expressive arts therapy. I operate from a decolonized perspective, rooted in an anti-racist, 2SLGBTQQAI+ affirming, and neurodivergent affirming lens. Here, we prioritize your bodily, emotional, psychological, and spiritual autonomy, supporting you to connect with your power and cultivate a life rooted in authenticity and liberation.

Discover a therapeutic space where your truth is deeply honored.

And your inherent power can emerge.

I offer a decolonized, client-centered approach for individuals, families, and groups (no couples). Specializing in complex trauma, sexual abuse, and attachment, I provide relational, expressive arts therapy. My practice is anti-racist, 2SLGBTQQAI+ affirming, and neurodivergent-affirming, inviting you to connect with your intrinsic power within an authentic space.

Whitney Banister, LMSW

Some important facts about Whitney

I operate through the world professionally, and personally, from an anti-racist, 2SLGBTQQAI+ affirming, and neurodivergent affirming lens. Additionally, I utilize specific trauma frameworks when treating clients whose existence includes the need for such an approach.
I believe deeply that the arena constructed when humans enter a therapeutic relationship is sacred, and that bearing witness to someone else’s experience is a profound responsibility and honor.
I am deeply committed to advocacy work, which is heavily interwoven within my professional and personal existence.
 I believe bodily, emotional, psychological, and spiritual autonomy and choice are human rights.

Clinical Expertise

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Abuse Survivors

  • Caregiver Issues

  • Parenting

  • Self Esteem

  • Peer Relationships

Treatment Orientation

(This is just a fancy way of saying…” the types of therapy—or approaches toward therapy, I engage clients in…”)

  • Eclectic

  • Expressive Arts Therapy

  • Harm Reduction

  • Health at Every Size

  • Humanistic

  • Play Therapy Techniques

  • Sandtray Therapy

  • Trauma Focused

  • Strengths-based

  • Compassion focused

I am currently accepting new clients. Please utilize the contact form on the bottom of this page to inquire about services.

Insurances that are presently in-network

  • Aetna

  • BlueCross and BlueShield of Kansas

  • Medicaid

  • Sunflower Behavioral Health (KS Medicaid)'

  • United Healthcare (KS Medicaid)

  • ProviDRs Care 

Reduced rates are available on a sliding scale and availability basis. 
Please contact me for more information if you are interested in services but do not presently have, or choose not to utilize insurance services.

Unpack Your Story, Cultivate Your Power.

  • In our time together—whether you're an individual, part of a family system, or engaging in group therapy (ages 5+)—your safety is paramount.

  • My job in this arena is to create a secure space for you to explore your experiences, acknowledging that the path to understanding is often non-linear and unfolds over time.

  • My practice is designed for those seeking support with challenges often rooted in trauma, attachment wounds, or a fundamental lack of connection. I share insights on how, particularly in childhood, when choice is limited and the brain is rapidly developing, the body and mind are wired for survival in response to overwhelming events. We learn to make sense of the world, often through responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. These are not choices but profound adaptations—lessons I share with clients of all ages to help make sense of their own deeply intelligent responses.

  • This dynamic process fosters deep insight within a decolonized framework, with an emphasis on community and systemic understanding.

  • I am dedicated to providing an anti-racist, 2SLGBTQQAI+ affirming, and neurodivergent-affirming space where your bodily, emotional, psychological, and spiritual autonomy and choice are human rights.

  • Here, the focus is on profound empowerment, inviting you to embody your intrinsic self.

Let’s work together.


Fill out the initial contact form, and Whitney will reach out to you soon.