Karli Bigler, LCPC, NCC
I am a licensed psychotherapist who works with both children and adults, approaching mental health through a developmental lens.
My practice lives in two worlds. With adults, I offer talk therapy rooted in psychodynamic theory — a space to slow down, reflect, and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. With children, I step into the world of play therapy, meeting kids where they are and walking alongside them through life’s biggest challenges. I think of my role as being in the passenger seat of your journey: you’re always the one driving, and I’m here to offer a gentle nudge toward new routes and a steady presence when the road gets bumpy.
At the heart of everything I do is relationship. Research tells us that the connection between a therapist and client is the greatest predictor of meaningful change — and I take that seriously. Getting to know the people I work with, earning their trust, and creating a space where they feel truly seen is what I care about most.
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Counseling from Northwestern University. I’m currently pursuing my Association for Play Therapy (APT) credential and completing a 100+ hour Child Centered Play Therapy Certificate with a Neurorelational Emphasis through the PlayStrong Institute. My training in psychodynamic therapy has deeply shaped how I work — helping me attune to patterns, explore how the past shows up in the present, and honor the profound impact of human connection. All of it is in service of one goal: supporting the growth of healthy, confident, and creative minds.