Havi Kligfeld
Offering couples therapy retreats in Los Angeles, California (Beverlywood) & Ellington, Connecticut
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
California: # 27171
Pennsylvania: # CW020463
New York: # 071205
Connecticut: # 10617
North Carolina: # C012438
Personally Speaking
I work with couples because I believe in love—not just as a feeling, but as a force that holds families, legacies, and entire lives together. And I believe in couples like you—right now, as you are.
A thriving couple has the power to radiate wellness through their family. But love isn’t easy. It’s rarely tidy. That’s why I’ve devoted my career to helping partners build strong, bonded, and emotionally intelligent relationships—ones that can withstand the inevitable stress of life and still grow more deeply rooted over time.
My approach is both hopeful and practical. I believe relationship health can be taught. There’s real science behind connection—and real tools that can help couples turn toward each other rather than away, even when the storm hits. You don’t have to eliminate struggle. You just have to learn how to love through it.
Clinically Speaking
One of my foundational clinical experiences was at the Ackerman Institute in New York City, where I trained in live supervision sessions with families and couples. Imagine: I was in the therapy room while an expert team watched behind a one-way mirror, phone in hand, offering real-time insights. Yes—it was nerve-wracking. But it was also transformative. I learned to listen more closely, to stay grounded in challenge, and to trust that even vulnerable moments can lead to powerful breakthroughs. That style of supervision taught me something I carry into every intensive: how deeply people need to feel seen and emotionally safe before they can truly risk change.
I’ve also become certified as a Gottman Method Couples Therapist. It’s not an easy designation to get, requiring hours of taping.
Although I now practice in Los Angeles and Ellington, Connecticut, my roots in clinical work run deep. I’ve spent years working with individuals, families, and couples from many walks of life—LGBTQIA+ partners, blended families, long-married couples, newly engaged, those questioning whether to stay or go. The thread that runs through all of them? The longing to be understood without judgment. To be cherished, not just tolerated.
In my own life, I’ve been shaped by nearly two decades of marriage to a partner who taught me how to face conflict with honesty—and how to insert humor and warmth into the daily rhythm of parenting three very different kids. I know what it means to juggle the emotional life of a household, to work the logistics of driving lessons, science fair projects, and dinner that might please everyone. And I believe that managing all of that with love and imperfection deserves its own kind of applause.
“She always directed us towards doing deep work with compassion.
Havi Kligfeld is an incredibly talented and thoughtful therapist. She helped my wife and I find insights into ourselves and into our marriage that have renewed our commitment to one another. I have seen several therapists over the years–both in an individual and a couples setting–and at no time have I experienced the same sort of breakthrough event that my wife and I did with Havi.”
In my office, you’ll find sunlight, quiet, and a therapist who will hold space for your best and your hardest truths. I’ll notice what’s working between you, not just what’s hurting. I’ll believe in your capacity to grow—together.
And if, like me, you’ve ever laughed through tears at a well-timed line in This Is Us, then you already understand how the most beautiful family stories are also the most complicated.
Let’s start rewriting yours.
