Kanika Wadhwa, LCPC (she/her)
Founder & Therapist
I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years
of experience supporting individuals across life stages and cultural backgrounds. After working in large and small institutions on the frontlines for over a decade, I saw firsthand how systems can overwhelm rather than uplift.
I started Diya Counseling to create something different… a quieter, gentler space where you can feel seen without having to explain everything.
I specialize in working with adults who are navigating:
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Grief and loss
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Relational or complex trauma
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Immigration, bicultural identity, and adjustment issues
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Parenting, infertility, and pregnancy-related concerns
My approach is honest and compassionate, informed by feminist, relational, and trauma-sensitive frameworks. I also draw from narrative therapy, mindfulness, CBT, and attachment theory to tailor sessions to your needs.
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​​My Professional Background
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B.A. in Psychology, University of Delhi, India
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M.A. in Counselling Psychology, Amity University, India
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M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago
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Licensed (LCPC #180.009091) in the state of IL since 2014
"Outside the therapy room, I’m a bilingual South Asian immigrant who moved to Chicago in 2008 to pursue my Master’s degree. Like many of my clients, I continue to navigate what it means to live between cultures, holding both the challenges of being a minority in the U.S. and the privileges I have gained with certain South Asian identities. These lived experiences shape the lens through which I approach therapy: with cultural humility, curiosity, and a deep respect for complexity. When I’m not working, you’ll find me soaking up time with my kids or enjoying being with nature."