Ashama Mckenzie

Hi, I'm Ashama! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with eight years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, trauma, and difficult life transitions. Maybe you've been feeling weighed down, questioning your worth, struggling to move forward, or constantly wondering "what if?" My goal is to help you better understand what's keeping you stuck, recognize your strengths, and find practical ways to create meaningful change.

My background includes crisis intervention, hospice care, family therapy, and eight years of active-duty Navy service before entering the clinical field. These experiences have shaped the way I approach therapy with resilience, perspective, and genuine compassion. I understand that life can take unexpected turns, and I believe you deserve a space where you can be yourself, feel supported, and work toward a healthier, more confident version of yourself.

My approach is direct, supportive, and practical, but always rooted in genuine care. I believe therapy should be more than just talking about what's wrong. It should also help you understand yourself, recognize patterns, and develop tools you can actually use in your everyday life.

I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and behavioral approaches to help you explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences while finding healthier ways to respond to life's challenges. Whether we're working through anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, or past experiences, I'll meet you where you are while also encouraging you to challenge unhelpful patterns and take meaningful steps forward. My goal is to help you build resilience, strengthen your confidence, and feel more in control of your life.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and talk about what brings you to therapy. We'll explore what you've been experiencing, what's most important to you right now, and what you'd like to change. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin.

You can expect me to be honest, compassionate, and genuinely engaged throughout our work together. I'll listen without judgment, ask thoughtful questions, and offer encouragement while also challenging you when it can help you grow. Together, we'll identify realistic goals, build on the strengths you already have, and develop practical strategies that support lasting progress. I want you to leave therapy feeling more confident in yourself and better equipped to navigate whatever life brings your way.