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ABOUT
KARI

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

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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.

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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.

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Service(s) Offered: 
Individual counseling (adults)
Couples counseling
Family counseling
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Client Focus: 
Adults
First responders
Veterans
Couples​
LGBTQ+
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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
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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

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Northern Illinois University (CACREP-accredited), 2014-2016

Doctoral (PhD) coursework, Counselor Education and Supervision

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Oakton Community College, 2013-2014

Certificate, Advanced Substance Abuse/Addictions Counseling

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EMDR International Association, 2012-2013

EMDR trained, Level I and Level II

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Adler University - Chicago, 2009-2012

Master of Arts (MA), Counseling Psychology

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University of Illinois at Chicago, 2004-2008

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Applied Psychology

"Kari is AMAZING!!!  She saved my marriage.  She was my daughter's counselor also and helper her tremendously.  I think she is awesome, and I would recommend her to everyone."
          - W.S., former client
"Kari helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life.  She is amazing, and I always felt so comfortable talking to her!"
          - K.M., former client
"Kari was amazing and helped me through the darkest year of my life.  I was blessed for her to be the one who helped me through everything.  My daughters also felt comfortable with her in our family sessions!"
          - P.G., former client
"Kari let me know I wasn't being cast adrift to be on my own.  It was very comforting."
          - G.R., former client
"If you or someone you care about is in need of therapy, I would recommend Kari with great confidence."
          - Rita R., former colleague
Testimonials