Haythem Lafhaj, MA, MFT, CPT, PhD(c)
Associate Clinician
I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, high-conflict relationships, and questions of identity. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with certification in Child Play Therapy (CPT) and IFS Couples & Sex Therapy, allowing me to support both children and adults in building healthier emotional connections. My work focuses on helping clients understand themselves, repair relationships, and move toward meaningful change in their lives. Whether someone is struggling with relationship conflict, life transitions, cultural identity, or emotional overwhelm, my goal is to create a safe, thoughtful space where healing and growth can begin.
I am currently a PhD candidate in Developmental Psychology, where my research focuses on identity, code-switching, and resilience across systems and across the lifespan. My clinical foundation began with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, which shaped my commitment to systemic thinking and understanding how relationships influence emotional well-being. Along the way, I earned certification in Child Play Therapy, allowing me to help children process emotions, strengthen family bonds, and express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe. I also completed certification in IFS Couples & Sex Therapy, which supports my work helping couples navigate intimacy, trust, communication, and emotional disconnection.
As a Tunisian-American, I bring a multicultural and faith-informed perspective to therapy. Fluent in French and Arabic, I understand how culture, migration, faith, and identity shape family dynamics and personal experiences. Many of the individuals and families I work with are navigating complex cultural expectations, generational differences, or transitions between communities.
My clinical approach is collaborative, systemic, and strength-based. I often integrate principles from family systems work, trauma-informed care, identity development research, and experiential approaches such as play therapy and Internal Family Systems. I have extensive experience working with trauma, identity development, high-conflict relationships, family transitions, and cross-cultural dynamics.
At the heart of my work is the belief that people are capable of growth when they feel understood and supported. Whether I am helping a child find their voice through play, supporting a couple in rebuilding trust, or guiding individuals through questions of identity and belonging, I aim to create a space that is safe, curious, and deeply respectful of each person’s story.
Beyond therapy, my background includes work in community development and social justice, supporting diverse populations across nonprofit and professional settings. This experience continues to shape my belief that healing does not happen in isolation, but within relationships, families, and communities.
Private Pay Accepted
Insurances Accepted
