Meet Kaela Norris, Doctoral Practicum Clinician
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Kaela Norris, Doctoral Practicum Clinician (She/Her)
Kaela Norris, MA is a warm, empathetic therapist who creates a safe, judgment-free space for adults navigating anxiety, depression, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. She offers therapy in person in Irvine, California, and virtually across the state through Affirming Psychological Services.
As a clinician of Black descent, Kaela brings cultural awareness, authenticity, and compassion to her work. She is especially passionate about supporting adults impacted by people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional invalidation, and chronic self-doubt. Kaela helps clients slow down, reconnect with themselves, and heal at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
Kaela’s approach to therapy is integrative and client-centered, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic approaches, Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She tailors each session to meet the client’s needs, blending evidence-based tools with compassion and cultural responsiveness. When treating anxiety, she helps clients recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns. When addressing depression, she uses behavioral activation and restructuring of self-critical beliefs.
Kaela values honesty, presence, and emotional connection in the therapy room. She believes that meaningful change grows through relationship, self-awareness, and feeling deeply understood. Her style is collaborative, grounded, and affirming, honoring each client’s inherent worth and resilience.
Kaela earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Queens University of Charlotte and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is supervised by Dr. Katie Moore, PsyD (PSY #32941).
If you’re looking for a trauma-informed, CBT, or culturally responsive therapist who integrates EMDR and TF-CBT with warmth and authenticity, contact Kaela today to schedule a session.