Meet Aurelie
I’m Aurelie Zephir, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, podcast host, and creator of Lakay Within.
My work is rooted in one simple truth: healing begins when we stop carrying everything alone.
As a Haitian woman, therapist, and space-holder, I care deeply about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, supported, and reminded that they do not have to perform strength all the time.
So much of my work centers emotional wellness, rest, nervous system care, trauma, self-connection, and helping people return home to themselves.
Through speaking, workshops, podcast conversations, community spaces, and retreats, I support people in slowing down, reflecting honestly, and reconnecting with the parts of themselves they may have had to silence, ignore, or push through.
Lakay Within
Lakay means home. Lakay Within is an invitation to come home to yourself.
I created Lakay Within as a culturally grounded space for women to slow down and become curious about themselves, their stories, and the experiences that have shaped who they are.
At the heart of Lakay Within is a belief that guides much of my work: there is nothing inherently wrong with you. The ways we learn to cope, protect ourselves, relate to others, and move through the world often have a history. When we begin to understand that history, we can meet ourselves with more compassion and make room for something different.
Lakay Within offers different ways to begin that journey, whether you are ready for deeper guided support, prefer to explore privately at your own pace, or simply want a community where you can begin reflecting and connecting.
Speaking & Workshops
I speak and facilitate restorative workshops on emotional wellness, rest, nervous system care, emotional regulation, trauma, and self-connection.
My speaking style is warm, reflective, culturally aware, and grounded in both education and practical tools. I create experiences that give people space to pause, better understand what they are carrying, and leave with something they can bring into their everyday lives.
Signature topics include:
Rest Without Guilt
An exploration of emotional labor, burnout, and the beliefs that can make it difficult to slow down and care for ourselves.
Staying Grounded While Supporting Big Feelings
A nervous-system-informed conversation about remaining present around stress and strong emotions without absorbing everything around us.
Big Feelings, Safe Spaces
An exploration of emotional regulation, co-regulation, validation, and compassionate boundaries.
Selected Speaking and Community Work
Rest Without Guilt: A Restorative Talk for Professionals
Eanes Independent School District, July 31, 2026
Rest Without Guilt
Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crown, May 31, 2026
Mental Health Matters: Understanding Trauma
Haitian Women’s Alliance, September 19, 2025
Mental Health Workshop
Haitian Austin Hub, September 6, 2025
Haitian Community Mental Health Talk
Austin Haitian Community, July 13, 2024
Resilience Rise: How Haitians Can Overcome Trauma, Part 1 and Part 2
Higher Transformation Church, April 2024 and May 2024
Podcast
I am the host of W Ap Koute M, M Ap Koute W, a mental health podcast rooted in the Haitian community and the conversations we do not always have openly.
Through personal stories, culturally grounded conversations, and mental health education, I explore topics such as emotions, trauma, relationships, identity, family, and the ways our experiences shape how we understand ourselves.
The podcast is one of the ways I hope to make conversations about mental health feel more human, accessible, and connected to our culture and lived experiences.
Education and Credentials
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
California State University, Los Angeles, 2016
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis
National University, 2019
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
California and Texas
Certifications include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-informed care.
Therapy Services
Therapy remains an important part of my clinical work.
At this time, therapy information and availability are listed through my Psychology Today profile only.
If you are interested in individual therapy, please visit my Psychology Today profile to learn more about my current availability, clinical services, and how to schedule a consultation.
Interested in connecting?
Fill out some info and we will be in touch I’ll be in touch as soon as possible