ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in South Bend, IN

I did not stumble into this work — I chose it, and I choose it every day. I am Bianca Gist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana.

I am also a former collegiate athlete, and that background shapes how I show up — I know what it feels like to carry a lot and still need someone genuinely in your corner. My experience is rooted in the spaces where people need the most and are often given the least — Chicago Public Schools, foster care, home-based services, and community mental health. Through my private practice, Her Sole Purpose LLC, I work with children, adolescents, student-athletes, and families using CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. I use what works for the person in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all approach. I work well with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the weight of environments that were not built for them. Therapy with me is honest, grounded, and focused on what actually helps you move forward — not just cope.

If any of this resonates, I would love to connect.

On a personal level, I enjoy time with my teen daughters & my best friend- my little, not so little puggle dog, Rizzo. I enjoy traveling & exploring beautiful places. I also love to cook and share meals with family & friends. I am passionate about and involved with many social causes on local, national and global levels that keep me busy.

I believe that a strong, authentic therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change. I am a licensed therapist who has worked in a variety of settings, supporting people through some of life’s most difficult moments. I have experience working with children, adolescents, college students, and adult women. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported—while also encouraged to grow.

As a therapist, I prioritize transparency by sharing my own experiences with mental health to help normalize its importance in our lives, recognizing that we are all human. I employ metaphors and humor as tools to gently navigate past defense mechanisms and identify the underlying causes of challenges. My approach focuses on addressing root issues rather than solely managing symptoms. While symptom management is an important component of effective therapy, my ultimate goal is to facilitate lasting healing and empower clients toward long-term well-being.

We are all travelers in this lifetime. Everyone is traveling to the same destination, but all benefit from a guide/professional support. I pass no judgment, I only meet people where they are at and where they wish to be. Let's get you to where you wish to be. I do encourage holistic and alternative methods to get to your goals, but am not against traditional approaches and in fact combining clinical with alternative have proven to have the best outcomes. Be prepared to put in the work. There will be homework, and it will be challenging. It could in fact be the most difficult thing that you do, but it is in your best interest.

With more than thirty-one years in the mental health field, I bring both deep experience and a genuinely warm, unconditional presence to every session. I've had the privilege of working with people at every stage of life — from children as young as three to adults in their late nineties — across settings as varied as military bases, schools, residential programs, nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees from the Indiana School of Social Work at IUPUI.

I believe every person has inherent value in this world, and I show up fully in your corner. My approach is collaborative — I work alongside you. Outside of the therapy room, I'm a proud mom of three and grandmother of five (my greatest joys), a dog and cat owner, and someone who recharges through travel, gardening, live music, and time in the outdoors. That human life informs how I connect with the people I work with.

I’m a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, families, and adults across school, community, and clinical settings as both a licensed school counselor and licensed mental health counselor. Much of my experience has been in school settings, supporting children, teens, their parents, and caregivers. This work has given me deep insight into attachment needs and the impact of early life experiences on our adult relationships and self-concept.

I am a BIPOC and queer-affirming licensed psychologist who is still in love with this work, 20 years in!