Understanding your child's
mental health journey
General educational resources for parents navigating childhood anxiety, emotional development, and family wellbeing β informed by international training in child psychology and genuine cultural understanding.
Aix-Marseille University, France
English Β· French Β· Arabic
International Credentials
Hayfa earned her B.S. in Psychology from Tunis El Manar University and her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Aix-Marseille University in France, where she is currently completing her M.A. She has practiced as a psychologist in both France and Tunisia, where she also served as a school psychologist.
U.S. Licensure Status
Hayfa is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services, under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S. She is currently completing the requirements necessary to become a licensed LPCC in Ohio.
About Hayfa
A cross-cultural lens on child & family wellbeing
Hayfa Bouzouita brings a rare international perspective to child psychology β combining academic training and clinical experience in Europe and North Africa with supervised practice in the United States.
- B.S. in Psychology β Tunis El Manar University (Tunisia)
- M.S. in Clinical Psychology β Aix-Marseille University (France)
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology β Aix-Marseille University (France) Β· In Progress
- Former private practice and school psychologist experience in Tunisia; clinical work with psychological associations in Marseille
- Fluent in English, French, and Arabic β deeply familiar with immigrant and bicultural family experiences
- Currently a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services in Westerville, Ohio, under clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S
Hayfa Bouzouita, MS
Clinical Therapist Intern Β· Under Supervision
Fluent in Arabic and French
I am a clinical mental health counseling intern with international experience in child and adolescent psychology. Originally trained overseas as a clinical psychologist, I have practiced in France, Tunisia, and the United States, both in private practice and within mental health centers, working alongside interdisciplinary teams. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate, adapt, and support clients from diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.
In addition to my clinical experience, I have also taught ballet to children and adolescents. Through that work, I focused not just on technique, but on helping students build confidence, develop a sense of discipline, work collaboratively in groups, and find joy in creative expression. This experience deepened my passion for fostering emotional growth, resilience, and healthy identity development in young people. It allowed me to blend art and science using structure alongside creativity to help youth develop a strong sense of self.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral challenges, family conflict, acculturation stress, trauma, and major life transitions. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family systems work. I believe therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all process, so I take time to understand each client's unique story and tailor treatment to meet their individual needs, values, and goals.
Having lived and practiced in different countries, I bring a deep awareness of multicultural issues, including cultural identity, adjustment, and the challenges of assimilating into new environments. I strive to provide a safe, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel respected, understood, and empowered to grow.
I am deeply committed to my work and hold a strong belief that healing begins when clients feel seen, supported, and accepted, just as they are.
Child Mental Health
Educational articles
for parents
General information articles to help you understand and support your child's emotional development β written clearly, without jargon. These are not a substitute for professional advice.
Anxiety & Worry
Recognizing Childhood Anxiety: What Parents Need to Know
Learn to distinguish normal worry from anxiety that may benefit from professional support β and how to talk with your child about their fears.
Development
Emotional Development Milestones: Ages 5β12
What emotional growth looks like at each stage of childhood, and how parents can offer meaningful support along the way.
School & Learning
When School Becomes Stressful: Supporting Your Child
Academic pressure is a leading source of stress for children. Here's how to help without adding to the load.
Self-Regulation
Big Emotions, Small Bodies: Helping Children Self-Regulate
Young children experience intense emotions before they have the tools to manage them. Practical strategies for everyday life at home.
Family Relationships
Sibling Conflict and Family Harmony: A Parent's Guide
Understanding sibling dynamics through a developmental lens, and strategies that build connection rather than competition.
Adolescence
The Teen Years: Understanding Adolescent Mental Health
Mood swings, identity, peer pressure, and knowing when to seek professional guidance β a guide for parents of teenagers.
Long-Form Resources
Comprehensive
Parent Guides
General information guides for parents navigating complex child mental health topics β grounded in research, written for real life. Not a substitute for professional consultation.
The Complete Parent's Guide to Childhood Anxiety
From the neuroscience of the stress response to practical tools for anxious children at home and school β a comprehensive resource for parents navigating childhood anxiety in all its forms.
Read the Full GuideMore Guides Coming Soon
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children
Building emotional vocabulary and resilience from early childhood through the teen years.
Navigating School Transitions with Your Child
New schools, new grades, and new social worlds β a guide for parents who want to support through change.
Trauma-Informed Parenting: What It Means
Understanding how adverse experiences affect children's behavior and relationships.
Sleep, Stress & Your Child's Mental Health
The science behind children's sleep needs and how rest shapes emotional wellbeing.
Multicultural Families
Raising children
between cultures
Bicultural and immigrant families face a unique psychological landscape. These resources speak to the real experiences of children navigating identity, language, and belonging across cultures.
1 in 4
U.S. children live in an immigrant family household
200+
Languages spoken in Ohio schools
β 40%
Greater cultural stress for second-generation immigrant youth
3
Languages Hayfa speaks and writes fluently
Bicultural Identity in Children
Helping children develop a secure sense of self when they belong to more than one cultural world β and why this dual identity is a strength, not a burden.
Bilingual Children & Language Development
Dispelling myths, celebrating cognitive advantages, and understanding the emotional dimensions of growing up multilingual.
Cultural Adjustment & Acculturation Stress
Resources for parents navigating the psychological impact of moving countries and supporting children through major cultural transitions.
Arab & North African Families in the U.S.
Culturally grounded resources for MENA families β honoring values, traditions, and the specific mental health considerations of this community.
Licensure Pathway
Working toward U.S. licensure in Ohio
Hayfa Bouzouita, MS is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services under clinical supervision, and a Non-U.S. Licensed Child Psychologist (France and Tunisia). Full transparency about her current status is provided below.
Completed
B.S. Psychology β Tunis El Manar University
Foundational academic training in psychology at one of Tunisia's leading universities.
Completed
M.S. Clinical Psychology β Aix-Marseille University
Graduate clinical psychology degree from a top French research university.
In Progress
M.A. Clinical Psychology β Aix-Marseille University
Currently completing the M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology.
Completed
International Practice β Tunisia & France
Private practice and school psychologist in Tunis; clinical work with psychological associations in Marseille.
In Progress
Clinical Therapist Intern β Serenity Behavioral Health Services, Westerville, OH
Currently practicing as a Clinical Therapist Intern under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S, and completing requirements toward U.S. professional licensure. Not yet independently licensed in the United States.
Future Goal
Licensed Practice β Columbus, Ohio
Upon achieving Ohio licensure, plans to establish a practice specializing in children, adolescents, and multicultural families.
Get in Touch
Contact Hayfa
To connect through Serenity Behavioral Health Services, please reach out via her profile or call directly.
Currently accepting clients. Hayfa is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Practice
Serenity Behavioral Health Services
Address
5011 Pine Creek Dr, Westerville, OH 43081
Phone
Languages
English Β· FranΓ§ais Β· Ψ§ΩΨΉΨ±Ψ¨ΩΨ©
Current Status
Clinical Therapist Intern Β· Under Supervision
Ready to connect?
Visit Hayfa's profile at Serenity Behavioral Health Services to learn more or schedule an appointment.
View Serenity Profile π (614) 948-3273Hayfa Bouzouita, MS is a Clinical Therapist Intern under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S at Serenity Behavioral Health Services and is not independently licensed in the United States. This website does not establish a professional relationship.