W AP KOUTEM M AP KOUTE W

Aurelie Zephir LMFT
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  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to M AP KOUTE W WAP KOUTE M, a podcast dedicated to the Haitian community, where we demystify mental health, address trauma, anxiety, and depression, and empower you to take charge of your emotional well-being. Hosted by Aurelie Zephir, a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, anxiety management, and depression treatment, this podcast is for anyone in the Haitian community who wants to break the stigma around mental health, embrace healing, and invest in personal growth. Through honest conversations, practical mental health strategies, and community-centered insights, we explore how prioritizing your mental wellness can help you retrain your brain, build emotional resilience, and show up as your best self—for yourself, your family, and your community. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s time we normalize seeking support, learning coping tools, and practicing self-care. Together, we’ll uncover how to process trauma, release limiting patterns, and move forward as stronger, healthier versions of ourselves. Whether you’re looking for guidance on anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, or personal growth, this podcast is here to support your journey. It’s time to heal, thrive, and create a healthier Haiti—starting with us. aureliezephir.substack.com

  1. What We've Lost: Haitian Identity, Culture & Returning to Our Roots | With Kimberly Lauriston, LCSW

    Jun 4

    What We've Lost: Haitian Identity, Culture & Returning to Our Roots | With Kimberly Lauriston, LCSW

    In this episode of W Ap Koute M, M Ap Koute W, I sit down with Kimberly Lauriston, LCSW-S, to explore Haitian identity, culture, ancestry, spirituality, and healing. Together, we reflect on what it was like growing up Haitian in the United States, the traditions that connected us to our culture, and the ways migration can shape our sense of identity. We discuss the wisdom passed down through our grandparents, the cultural practices that have been lost over time, and why so many people in our generation are searching for ways to reconnect with their roots. This conversation also explores the relationship between culture, faith, community, ancestral knowledge, and healing. We talk about what happens when traditions are not passed down, the importance of preserving cultural knowledge, and how returning to our roots can help us better understand ourselves. If you have ever wondered what parts of Haitian culture have been lost, what our elders carried, or how we can preserve our identity for future generations, this conversation is for you. Lakay Within is our ongoing community gathering where we come together to reflect, heal, and grow in a safe, culturally grounded space.” Then it makes sense when you invite them to join the community or sign up for the next gathering. Let’s give them context so they know why it’s meaningful! Join the free Lakay Within Community:https://chat.whatsapp.com/KOhFWacGTPGGwkQ6UqDLjW The next Lakay Within virtual gathering takes place June 9th at 7 PM CT. Learn more about Lakay Within, and therapy services:www.transformativehealingpathways.com About Kimberly Lauriston, LCSW-S Kimberly Lauriston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Director of Inmost Ease Counseling & Behavioral Health, and consultant with Elevation Coaching & Consulting. She provides teletherapy services in Texas and Florida. Website: www.inmosteasecounseling.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or mental health treatment. Aurelie Zephir is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering therapy services in California and Texas. Kimberly Lauriston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering teletherapy services in Texas and Florida. Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 9m
  2. Strong, Resilient… and Still Carrying So Much

    May 21

    Strong, Resilient… and Still Carrying So Much

    In this special video episode of W Ap Koute M, M Ap Koute W, I sit down with Dr. Gaetane Saint-Victor for a deeply honest conversation about healing in the Black and Haitian communities. Together, we explore the emotional weight many people carry silently while still appearing “strong” to the world. We talk about the “strong Black woman” archetype, perfectionism, survival mode, vulnerability, generational trauma, therapy resistance in our communities, and the pressure so many people feel to keep going no matter what they are carrying internally. We also discuss how culture, identity, faith, and past experiences shape the way people understand healing — and why asking for help can feel so difficult for many of us. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt emotionally exhausted while still showing up for everyone else, struggled to slow down, or questioned whether they are allowed to prioritize their own healing. I truly believe this episode will resonate with so many people in our community, and I hope it reminds you that healing does not make you weak — it allows you to finally put down what you were never meant to carry alone. The next Lakay Within virtual gathering will take place on June 9th at 7 PM CT. Lakay Within is a community healing space created for reflection, emotional wellness, and reconnecting with yourself in a gentle and supportive environment. You can learn more about Lakay Within, individual therapy services, workshops, and upcoming offerings on my website Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or mental health treatment. Aurelie Zephir is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering therapy services in California and Texas. Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    36 min
  3. Many Adults Are Learning What Children Needed First

    May 7

    Many Adults Are Learning What Children Needed First

    There’s a common belief that inner child healing is about being overly emotional, avoiding responsibility, or “coddling” yourself. But that’s not what it is. In this episode, I explore what inner child work actually means—and why so many adults are learning emotional skills later in life that they needed much earlier. For the first time, I’m joined by a very special guest: my daughter. Through our conversation, you’ll hear what emotional awareness can look like when it’s nurtured early—naming feelings, expressing them safely, and learning how to regulate. Afterward, I reflect on what happens when those tools are missing, and how that can show up later in life as: * anxiety * people pleasing * emotional shutdown * fear of rejection * difficulty trusting This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder: Healing is not about going backward. It’s about responding differently now. Lakay Within If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to invite you into Lakay Within. Next gathering: May 12th Disclaimer This podcast is educational and not a substitute for therapy. Aurelie Zephir offers therapy in California and Texas. Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min

  4. Apr 23

    When Trauma Shows Up as Anxiety and Depression (What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You)

    Sometimes what we call anxiety or depression is not random. It’s not something separate. It’s something your body has been holding for a long time. In this episode, I explore how trauma can live in the body and show up as anxiety, panic, emotional numbness, or depression — often without us realizing it. We talk about: * what trauma actually is (beyond the event itself) * how the nervous system responds to overwhelm * the difference between activation (anxiety) and shutdown (depression) * why your body may still be “stuck” in survival mode * and why so many people don’t recognize trauma in themselves This episode is not about diagnosing. It’s about awareness. Because sometimes the question is not: “What’s wrong with me?” But rather: “What has my body been holding?” Lakay Within If this episode resonated with you, I want to gently invite you into Lakay Within — a space for Haitian women to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with themselves in community. Next gathering: May 12th at 7:00 PM CT virtual Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. Aurelie Zephir offers therapy services in California and Texas. Learn more here Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    17 min

  5. Apr 9

    Surviving Is Not the Same as Healing

    In this episode, I explore a question that has been sitting with me lately: Why is it so hard for so many of us — especially in the Haitian community — to ask for help? Many people are carrying anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, chronic stress, and emotional pain… while still functioning every day. They are going to work, taking care of their families, showing up for everyone else, and because they are still “doing life,” they convince themselves that they must be okay. But surviving is not the same as healing. In this episode, I talk about: * why survival is often mistaken for wellness * what functional anxiety and depression can look like * how the body holds what the mind tries to avoid * fear around therapy and what it may uncover * the deep trust issues that exist in our culture * why therapy can feel unfamiliar or unsafe * and why faith and therapy do not cancel each other out This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and ask yourself: What have I been carrying that I’ve convinced myself is normal? Because healing doesn’t only belong to the people who have “fallen apart.” It also belongs to the people who have been holding it together for far too long. Lakay Within If part of this episode resonated with you because you’ve been needing a safe place to slow down and begin, I want to gently invite you into Lakay Within — a space created for Haitian women to reconnect with themselves, reflect, and heal in community. 🗓️ Next gathering: April 14th More details can be found on my website Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. Aurelie Zephir offers therapy services in California and Texas. Learn more here: Website Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  6. When Anger Turns Into Guilt: Holding Both Truths in Healing

    Mar 26

    When Anger Turns Into Guilt: Holding Both Truths in Healing

    Sometimes, when you finally allow yourself to feel anger, the next emotion that shows up is guilt. In this episode, we explore a common and confusing part of the healing journey — especially when it comes to our relationships with caregivers. As adults, when we begin to reflect on our childhood, we may recognize moments where our needs were not met. This awareness often brings up anger — anger that has been held in the body for years. But as healing continues, another layer appears. We begin to understand our caregivers differently — their limitations, their experiences, and the reality that they may have done the best they could with what they had. And that’s where the conflict begins. In this episode, we explore: * Why anger is a necessary part of healing * How childhood experiences show up in adulthood * The difference between your younger self and your adult self * Why guilt often follows anger * The difficulty of holding two truths at once * How to respond with compassion instead of self-blame * What it means to integrate all parts of yourself You don’t have to choose between: “I was hurt” and “They did their best” Both can exist. Lakay Within Lakay Within is a space created for Haitian women to slow down, reconnect, and heal in community. The next gathering will take place on April 14th. If you’ve been looking for a space to pause and be supported, you are warmly invited. You can find more details here. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. Aurelie Zephir offers therapy services in California and Texas. Learn more here Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    11 min
  7. Why We Love the Way We Do: Understanding Attachment Styles

    Mar 12

    Why We Love the Way We Do: Understanding Attachment Styles

    Why do some people pull away when relationships get close while others feel anxious when distance appears? In this episode, we explore attachment styles and how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with others in adulthood. Attachment is the emotional bond we develop with our caregivers early in life. These early experiences often influence how we show up in romantic relationships, friendships, and even conflict. In this episode, we discuss: * The four main attachment styles * How childhood experiences influence emotional connection * Why anxious and avoidant dynamics often show up in relationships * How healing attachment patterns is possible We also explore this topic through a cultural lens, reflecting on how love and emotional expression are often experienced in Haitian families — where sacrifice and providing were often expressions of love, even when emotional validation was not always part of the culture. Finally, we talk about how healing attachment can happen through awareness, safe relationships, and sometimes therapy — where someone may experience a consistent and secure connection for the first time. Lakay Within I also share about Lakay Within, a healing space I created for Haitian women to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience healing in community. The next gathering will take place on April 14th. You can find the details on my website. Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. If you are located in California or Texas and are interested in therapy services, you can learn more by visiting my website. Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  8. When Things Don’t Go As Planned

    Feb 26

    When Things Don’t Go As Planned

    Have you ever walked into a space with a clear vision, only for everything to unfold differently? In this episode, I share a recent personal experience that challenged me to slow down, sit with discomfort, and reconnect with a younger part of myself. When things didn’t go as planned, old patterns around vulnerability, safety, and expressing needs resurfaced, and I had to pause long enough to listen to what my nervous system was telling me. We talk about: • what happens when vision and reality don’t match • how old survival patterns can show up unexpectedly • the difference between numbing and nurturing • and the healing power of writing a letter to your younger self This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t only happen when things go perfectly, sometimes it begins when we allow ourselves to be seen, imperfectly and honestly. Lakay Within: I also briefly share about Lakay Within, a healing space created for Haitian women to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and feel held in community. The next gathering will take place on March 10th, and you can find more information here. Please note: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual therapy. If you’re listening from California or Texas and are interested in therapy services, you can learn more about working with me by visiting my website. Get full access to Aurelie Zephir LMFT at aureliezephir.substack.com/subscribe

    13 min
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About

Welcome to M AP KOUTE W WAP KOUTE M, a podcast dedicated to the Haitian community, where we demystify mental health, address trauma, anxiety, and depression, and empower you to take charge of your emotional well-being. Hosted by Aurelie Zephir, a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, anxiety management, and depression treatment, this podcast is for anyone in the Haitian community who wants to break the stigma around mental health, embrace healing, and invest in personal growth. Through honest conversations, practical mental health strategies, and community-centered insights, we explore how prioritizing your mental wellness can help you retrain your brain, build emotional resilience, and show up as your best self—for yourself, your family, and your community. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s time we normalize seeking support, learning coping tools, and practicing self-care. Together, we’ll uncover how to process trauma, release limiting patterns, and move forward as stronger, healthier versions of ourselves. Whether you’re looking for guidance on anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, or personal growth, this podcast is here to support your journey. It’s time to heal, thrive, and create a healthier Haiti—starting with us. aureliezephir.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Aurelie Zephir LMFT
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Aurelie Zephir
  • Show Website
    W AP KOUTEM M AP KOUTE W