Dr. Michelle Kukla, Psy.D.

Nationally Recognized Psychologist | Trauma & Peak Performance Specialist

Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 20+ Years Experience
Serving 40+ States via PayPact

Helping high achievers and trauma survivors heal with expertise, empathy, and innovation

Why choose Dr. Kukla?

✅ 20+ years supporting executives, creatives, and trauma survivors

✅ Fellowship-trained in neuropsychology and brain-based therapy

✅ Clinically trained at Mayo Clinic and Roosevelt University

✅ Clinically trained at Mayo Clinic and Roosevelt University & more

✅ Trusted by CEOs, athletes, artists, and veterans/first responders

✅ Practicing in 40+ states via PSYPACT for secure online therapy

✅ Concierge-style sessions available for self-pay clients

✅ In-network with Aetna 

Meet Michelle

Dr. Michelle Kukla is a seasoned clinical psychologist, neuropsychology fellow, and founder of the Healthy Living Counseling Center. With over 20 years of experience, she’s helped thousands navigate trauma, mood disorders, brain injury, and chronic health challenges.

Dr. Kukla delivers brain-based, trauma-informed therapy to high-achieving adults—including executives, creatives, and professionals navigating personal or career-related adversity. Her approach integrates advanced neuropsychology with deep empathy and holistic care.

Featured in media like Chicago ABC News, Psych Central, and GoodTherapy.org, Dr. Kukla is a trusted voice in mental health—and a powerful advocate for women, veterans, and trauma survivors. She’s also able to see clients in 40+ states through PSYPACT.

“My goal is to help you reclaim your story and restore your wholeness—no matter what you’ve been through.”

Learn More About Dr. Kukla

FEATURED ON

Dr. Kukla also serves in leadership roles with national nonprofits supporting trauma survivors — as Secretary of Erase PTSD Now and former VP of PAVE.

PAVE LOGO

Trusted by Those Who Lead, Create, and Serve…


“She gets high-stakes pressure. I walk into every boardroom with more clarity and calm.”

CEO

“I’ve worked with therapists before—but none with her level of insight and intuition.”
Film Director

“Michelle helped me process trauma without reliving every painful detail. That made all the difference.
Former Field Reporter/War Correspondent

“She helped me understand what PTSD was doing to my mind and body—and gave me tools that actually worked.”
Marine Vet

“I came in mid-burnout, unsure if I even wanted to keep creating. Her work helped me find my voice again.”
Songwriter

“It’s rare to find someone who combines deep clinical skill with that much humanity.”
— Marketing Executive

Working with Dr. Kukla has been a game-changer, she’s helped me sharpen my mental focus and stay resilient under pressure. Her support was as vital to my on field performance as any physical training.
Elite Athlete

Recent Appearances

Dr. Kukla consistently garners media attention as a sought-after guest on leading podcasts, contributes scholarly articles to esteemed publications, and graces key events with her expert presence.

Featured Podcasts

Eva LaRue: Surviving Stalking
Survivors.org Podcast

Dr. Michelle Kukla, Psy.D., PAVE Board Vice President and founder of Healthy Living Counseling Center spends an afternoon with Eva La Rue, actress and model, best known for her roles on All My Children and CSI: Miami. On this episode of the Survivors.org Podcast, Eva bravely shares her harrowing story of surviving stalking as this January 2024 marks the twentieth annual National Stalking Awareness Month.

Finding Genius Podcast

Finding Genius Podcast interviews two incredible guests to discuss a cutting edge approach to treatment resistant PTSD. Hear from Dr. Michelle Kukla about how the Stellate Ganglion Block is resetting the nervous system, bringing hope to those suffering from trauma and revolutionizing how severe PTSD is treated.

PAVE Podcast

Dr. Kukla and world renown Dr. Vincent Felitti of the Adverse Childhood Experiences study discuss how trauma in childhood affects the health of adults on Survivors.org Podcast.

Trauma & The Body | Survivors.Org Podcast

Beth O’Hara, from Mast Cell 360 and Dr. Michelle Kukla talk about trauma and the impact on the body with special attention on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome on Survivors.org Podcast.

Featured Interviews

National Broadcast Radio FM (NBRFM)

Dr. Kukla on 2/4/19 is interviewed on National Broadcast Radio FM (NBRFM) regarding HLCC’s integrative behavioral practice.

Voyage Chicago Magazine Interview’s Dr. Kukla

Voyage Chicago Magazine Interview’s Dr. Kukla and finds Healthy Living Counseling Center to be a hidden gem in the Chicagoland area.

Woman with a lot on her mind in front of an abstract image of her subconscious thoughts.

Cathy Cassata, freelance writer and interviewer of Jennifer Aniston, Michael Phelps, Queen Latifah and Tiffani Thiessen sits down with Dr. Kukla in May 2021 for her expertise in women’s maternal mental health for Psych Central.

Request a Consultation

Dr. Kukla offers a complimentary phone consultation to explore your needs and determine the right fit.

To schedule a session or inquire further, please call:
847-701-4452

Please note: Dr. Kukla operates a private-pay practice, which allows for greater privacy, flexibility, and personalized care. Limited Aetna coverage may apply.