Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 19 ratings

Ayana Foluke Mckanney

LCSW, 27 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

About me

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.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

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.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

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.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

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.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Grief

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I work with you to develop mindfulness skills to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them.

Trauma Informed Care

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).

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I'll help you develop skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help manage intense emotions and improve relationships.

Multicultural

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.

Strength-Based

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.

Location

Virtual
Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 19 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

July 20, 2025

Ayana has a warm presence about her. She actually listened. I felt safe. I didn’t feel judged and I didn’t feel like I was talking to a Dr. which was a huge plus for me. I felt like I was speaking with a real person. I went in feeling like I was at a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10…. 1 being the lowest. I left feeling like I was at a 6. Looking forward to my next session.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Ayana

July 14, 2025

Wonderful to talk to. Very personable. She asks the right questions to get more out of the session

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Ayana