Norlan McKenzie

I’m Norlan McKenzie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with survivors of domestic, sexual, relational, and childhood abuse. I understand that the effects of abuse can stay with you long after the experience itself, affecting how you see yourself, your relationships, and your sense of safety.

My British Caribbean roots and my own experiences with life’s highs, difficult lows, and new beginnings have shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. I bring not only my education and professional experience to this work, but also the perspective that comes from navigating life’s challenges.

I am also a survivor of domestic abuse. My personal experience has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to live through abuse, the challenges of moving forward, and the courage it can take to rebuild your life.

I know that healing isn't always straightforward. You may feel ready to move forward one day and uncertain the next. I understand how difficult it can be to regain trust in yourself, feel safe in your relationships, or rediscover who you are after abuse. These experiences have shaped my passion for supporting survivors and helping others know that healing and new beginnings are possible.

My approach to therapy is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), which helps us understand the different parts of you that have learned to protect, cope, or survive. Instead of judging or trying to get rid of these parts, we become curious about what they are carrying and what they may need.

In our work together, we’ll look beneath patterns that may leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or hard on yourself. I’ll help you better understand your emotions and reactions while making room for more compassion toward yourself. The goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself, more confident in your choices, and less controlled by past experiences.

Many people who have experienced abuse worry about being judged, misunderstood, or asked to share painful experiences before they feel ready. I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when trust and safety have been difficult.

Our first session is really about getting to know you. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what has been weighing on you, and what you hope might be different in your life. You can share as much or as little of your story as feels comfortable. There is no expectation that you tell me everything at once.

We’ll also spend some time talking about what you need to feel comfortable in therapy and any questions or concerns you may have about the process. I want you to have a sense of what working together might feel like and whether I feel like the right fit for you.

Most importantly, you can expect to be met with compassion, curiosity, and respect. You don’t need to arrive with the right words or know exactly where to begin. We can start wherever you are and take it from there, together.