Rayme Mkwananzi, LICSWA

Rayme Mkwananzi’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)

I am passionate about helping people, how may I help you?

I moved from Missoula Montana to Vancouver Washington 19 years ago. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, while living in Missoula. I have 4 beautiful children that I have raised as a single parent and could not be more proud of each one of them.

At my core, I define myself as a Christian and spiritual; I enjoy attending church on a regular basis. Although my faith is a significant part of my life, I also understand and respect other’s core values and will meet you wherever you’re at on your life’s journey!

A good portion of my background has been spent as a School Social Worker/School Counselor in the Evergreen School District here in Vancouver, WA. However, the last several years I have honed my craft by working primarily as a Child and Family Therapist in a private practice setting. I found both types of work to be incredibly rewarding.

My ultimate goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and positive environment in which clients and I can collaboratively work on identified goals. I focus on a person’s strengths and look at them through the lens of their current environment. My approach is to work with you, to create the best version of yourself. I really enjoy laughter and try to include that in our work together. I believe we all need more joy and laughter in our daily lives.

I approach clients using a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques all while focusing on the individual in their natural environment. I am an advocate on giving homework as I feel that if one isn’t practicing what is being discussed in therapy, it tends to make it that much harder to make sustainable change. I want to be able to support you in the best way that I can and provide guidance along the way.

Specialties and areas of focus

Children (6+)
Teens
Families
Blended families/step-parenting/foster care/adoption
Divorce
Anxiety/Stress
LGBTQI
Depression
Grief/Loss
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Life Transitions

Q&A with Rayme

1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?

I feel that each situation is different and that requires me to be flexible. I start where the client is comfortable starting.

2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?

I do not necessarily come to session with a predetermined agenda. I have an idea of where we need to go, but am flexible as to how long it takes us to get there and overall what that process looks like. I feel that is something we determine together. I see myself as providing more guidance versus being a leader.

3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?

I believe my ability to build rapport with all ages is a great strength. I also think my use of humor and fun is unique to me. I am compassionate and understanding as well.

4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?

I think I would love to be able to fly. Sometimes a larger perspective is so helpful and freeing.

5.) What makes you laugh?

I think for me the question is more what doesn’t make me laugh!! I totally believe that laughter heals.

6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

I have always thought having dinner with Mahatma Gandhi would be an experience that would forever change my life.