DR. Michelle Kukla

As a thought leader on mental health Dr. Kukla helps athletic organizations, Fortune 500 companies and the community by empowering them with knowledge to increase their performance.

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About Michelle

Meet Dr. Michelle Kukla, Psy.D., a celebrated figure in the world of clinical psychology and a seasoned expert with over a decade and a half of enriching experience. This dynamic powerhouse is not just any psychologist but a beacon of hope for countless souls navigating the challenges of psychiatric and medical illnesses.

As the visionary founder and driving force behind the Healthy Living Counseling Center, she brings together a galaxy of wellness professionals, each delivering unparalleled services and care. A prodigious scholar, Dr. Kukla’s impressive journey has led her from Roosevelt University, where she clinched her master’s and doctorate, to the renowned Mayo Clinic Health System for her internship, and beyond. Her stellar credentials also spotlight a two-year fellowship in Neuropsychology. And if you’ve tuned into wellness segments on television, chances are you’ve seen her sharing insights on everything from pediatric care to adult mental health. She’s also recognized for her prolific contributions to GoodTherapy.org.

Dive deep into Dr. Kukla’s expertise, and you’ll unearth a rich tapestry of skills. Her advanced neuropsychology training empowers her to craft transformative, brain-inspired behavioral solutions. These aren’t just any solutions—they’re tailor-made to elevate your life quality. Spanning diverse specialty areas, Dr. Kukla champions holistic care for all, be it kids, teens, adults, or seniors. From mood disorders and relationship challenges to life transitions and trauma, she’s the expert therapist you’ve been seeking.

Beyond psychological disorders, her specialized toolkit encompasses therapeutic interventions for those grappling with health challenges. From chronic pain and migraines to diabetes and neurological conditions, Dr. Kukla is the guiding star for many. And for the resilient women battling issues like infertility, postpartum depression, and chronic pelvic pain, she is a beacon of hope.

In the therapeutic realm, clients find solace in Dr. Kukla’s positive and empathetic embrace. Her therapies aren’t just about healing; they’re about empowerment, resilience, and personal growth. Collaborating with a gamut of medical professionals, she ensures holistic care for every client. With certifications in trauma therapy and affiliations with esteemed organizations like the American Psychological Association, Dr. Kukla is truly a force to be reckoned with.

An advocate for holistic wellness, she is also a proud collaborator with the ‘Give an Hour‘ initiative, dedicating her expertise to our brave military members. Moreover, her trailblazing Empower Hour initiative stands as a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual trauma, ensuring they never walk alone.

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.

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.

Recent Podcast on PAVE

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.

Dr. Kukla Discusses Autism Support on The Answer Inc. Show

Dr. Kukla also appeared on the Answer Inc Autism & Awareness Cable Show, where she shared her expertise on support services and therapies for children and teens with autism.  

Featured Articles

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

Treating Postpartum Depression: What Are My Options?

Postpartum depression comes with various challenges, but there are many things you can do to feel better. Treatment options include therapy, medications, and self-care.

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.

Featured Events / Workshops

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

Mental Health Therapies Workshop

Dr. Kukla speaks at a local community workshop discussing therapies for mental health.