Vika Hunter, MA, LCMHCA
Licensed Clinical Health Mental Counselor Associate
Vika has experience working with children (5+), adolescents, college students, mandated clients, and young adults. She offers individual counseling that may also include psychoeducation, wellness support, and skill-building interventions. In her work, Vika often integrates the Expressive Arts to help clients explore their experiences in creative and meaningful ways. Her approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to meet each person where they are in their growth and healing process.
Vika's counseling approach integrates Expressive Arts Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She takes a multimodal approach that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and a strength-based focus. Her areas of specialization include anxiety management, substance use prevention and recovery, identity development, life transitions, and anger management. Above all, she strives to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow in self-awareness and confidence.
Qualifications |
Vika earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy from Appalachian State University, where she was deeply inspired by the integration of creativity and psychology. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina.
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Counseling Background |
Dr. Sally Atkins, founder of the Expressive Arts program at Appalachian State University, wrote in her poem "Tell Me, She Said":
"Listen: In the silence between there is music; In the spaces between, there is story. Pay attention: We are listening to each other into being." This message captures the heart of Vika's work with children and families. She believes that art, play, and creative expression help us make sense of our stories, especially when words are hard to find. Her approach is rooted in expressive arts, using movement, music, visual art, and imagination as pathways to connection, healing, and understanding. Through a multimodal and relational approach, Vika works to build stronger family connections, help children discover their voice and sense of self, and facilitate an environment for individuals to feel safe enough to express themselves. She often invites individuals to explore questions such as: How can creativity help us express what we feel? How can art be a safe space for change and growth? What Vika loves most about expressive arts therapy is that you do not have to be "good" at art. You just have to bring yourself. The process invites each person, child, and adult alike to show up fully and discover what is possible through creativity and play. |
Specialization |
Vika has a passion for working with children, teens, and families, using creative, art, and play-based approaches to help young people express themselves and build emotional awareness. She also supports young adults who are navigating anxiety, life transitions, substance use or addictions. Drawing from expressive arts and evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), she helps individuals and families strengthen connections and foster meaningful growth.
Her approach also integrates mindfulness, holistic wellness, and parental guidance to support emotional expression and resilience. Vika is especially committed to creating an inclusive and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ youth and for all individuals seeking healing, authenticity, and growth. |
Personal Life |
Outside of counseling, Vika loves taking strolls with her 85-pound boxer mix, Alakai. When she is in homebody mode, you can find her curled up with a mug of hot chocolate watching her favorite show, Gilmore Girls. Despite her allergies, she loves being outdoors, whether it is a short winter walk, soaking up the sun in summer, or crunching through fall leaves. You can also find her piecing a puzzle together, playing a game of Sudoku, or Scrabble to decompress.
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