LCSW, 27 years of experience
I am Ayana Foluke McKanney, a seasoned Clinical Social Worker and Life Coach with over 27 years of experience in both public and private sectors, helping individuals and families navigate life’s most challenging circumstances. I hold clinical social worker licenses in New York (#098940), New Jersey (#44SL06739500) and Rhode Island (#ISW04317). I believe that obstacles are opportunities for growth, and I support my clients in reflecting on their experiences, safely processing their feelings, and then choosing empowered ways to move forward. I specialize in supporting individuals heal, build fulfilling careers, navigate family dynamics, and create a life of balance and purpose.
The first session will be a time for me to gather important background information, while creating a safe, trusting space for you to begin sharing your personal story.
I bring a compassionate, down-to-earth, and client-centered approach, fostering an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered. I am flexible, reflective, and fun, always aiming to create an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere for my clients.
I work with clients from diverse backgrounds impacted by abuse and neglect, struggling in relationships, suffering from substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, navigating the criminal justice system, immigration issues, developmental disabilities, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
I work with you to develop mindfulness skills to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them.
I work with you to rapidly create distance from emotional responses to trauma and other mental health problems, rewrite your story and remove triggers using ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy).
I'll help you develop skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
I recognize my worldview is not universal; I am curious, respectful of various cultures, experiences, beliefs, practices and values. I realize I am learning from my client as well as sharing new information. I am open to incorporating your relevant therapeutic healing practices into treatment in order to be culturally appropriate.
Instead of solely focusing on deficits or problems, we will work together to actively identify and highlight your unique strengths, resilience, and existing resources and abilities.