about
Kari
Mika-Lude
Kari Mika-Lude, MA, LPC (WV), LCPC (IL), AADC-S (WV), CAADC (IL), ALPS (WV), NCC, MAC, ICAADC, CCTP, CCCJS, ACS, NREMT; Owner/CEO and Therapist


I'll be honest with you... therapy is hard work. At times it can even be scary or painful. The good news is: You don't have to do it alone! We'll work together to overcome challenges and meet your goals.
My approach is holistic, focusing on you as a whole person and working to identify the source(s) of a problem in addition to reducing symptoms. I take an integrative approach with each client based on individual needs, but much of our work together will involve examining thoughts/beliefs, feelings, and behaviors; identifying any negative or maladaptive patterns; and working to alter those patterns to be more useful and constructive. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an evidence-based therapeutic approach for treating trauma.

Service(s) Offered:
Individual counseling (adults)
Couples counseling
Family counseling
Client Focus:
Adults
First responders
Veterans
Couples
LGBTQ+
Specialties:
Trauma/PTSD
EMDR
Addiction/co-occurring disorders
Depression and other mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Stress management
Relationship/family/parenting
concerns
Codependency
Anger management
Grief/loss
Self-esteem
Divorce
Licenses & Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS) in the State of West Virginia (license #2276)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois (license #180.009652)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Clinical Supervisor (AADC-S) in the State of West Virginia (certificate #16-323)
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) in the State of Illinois (certificate #32778)
Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
Clinically Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCCJS)
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS; #ACS01983)
Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT)
40-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention and Advocacy certification
40-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention and Advocacy certification
Education & Training
Northern Illinois University (CACREP-accredited), 2020-2022
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Counselor Education and Supervision
Northern Illinois University (CACREP-accredited), 2014-2016
Doctoral (PhD) coursework, Counselor Education and Supervision
Oakton Community College, 2013-2014
Certificate, Advanced Substance Abuse/Addictions Counseling
EMDR International Association, 2012-2013
EMDR trained, Level I and Level II
Adler University - Chicago, 2009-2012
Master of Arts (MA), Counseling Psychology
University of Illinois at Chicago, 2004-2008
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Applied Psychology