LaKisha Hudson
LaKisha “Dr. KiKi” Hudson, Ph.D., LCPC, LPC, CST, CRC, RCFI, is the visionary founder of Zen’n’ish®, a boutique clinical therapy and wellness practice dedicated to helping individuals and couples reclaim their authentic selves.
Blending evidence-based approaches with soulful, creative methods, she integrates Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (M-CBT), SAFE EMDR, and her trademarked Cyclical Gardening Therapy® to guide clients toward lasting self-regulation, healing, and holistic growth. Her work also weaves in Reiki healing and sound therapy, reflecting her belief that mind, body, and spirit must be nurtured in harmony.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Hudson has become known for her ability to create transformative spaces that invite deep self-reflection, emotional wellness, and vibrant personal growth. She is licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina, and also holds telehealth authority to serve clients in Idaho and Vermont, extending her reach to support individuals and couples across multiple regions. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Transpersonal Psychology from Sofia University, where her research focused on the integration of mind, body, and spirit through her dissertation, Cyclical Gardening and Connection. She also earned a dual-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Thomas University, and she is nationally certified as a rehabilitation counselor.
Through Zen’n’ish®, Dr. Hudson combines her clinical expertise, intuitive creativity, and passion for empowerment to help others cultivate clarity, balance, and joy—so they can bloom into the fullest version of themselves.
• Reiki Healing: First Degree
• Sound Therapy Techniques & Practical Therapy Sessions
• AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
• Registered Child Forensic Interviewer
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• Clinical Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
• School Counselor K-12
• Assistant School Principal
• EMDRIA approved EMDR Training
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• University of South Carolina
• Modern Sex Therapy Institutes
• University of South Carolina- B.S.
• University of South Carolina- M.Ed.
• The Chicago School
• Sofia University- Ph.D.
• Thomas University- M.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the deep spiritual work ethic and reverence for education instilled by my parents, which planted the seeds of my passion for helping others grow. That early foundation, nourished by advanced studies in Clinical Mental Health and Transpersonal Psychology, has blossomed into a career rooted in compassion, curiosity, and innovation. Every client I meet through my private practice expands my understanding of the human spirit and reminds me why I do this work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to build a life’s work that nourishes your soul as much as it serves others. When your passion fuels your purpose, your career becomes more than a job; it becomes a legacy of impact and joy.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Protect your authenticity as fiercely as you pursue your credentials. This work will ask you to hold space for others’ emotions, so make sure you’re tending to your own. Seek mentors who see your potential, not just your productivity, and remember that your unique voice is your greatest asset. The world doesn’t need another copy: it needs you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, in mental health today is moving beyond symptom management to truly fostering whole-person healing. We’re seeing rising burnout, disconnection, and emotional overwhelm, yet also a growing openness to integrative approaches that blend evidence-based therapy with mindfulness, creativity, and holistic care. This shift invites us to reimagine what healing can look like and to build spaces where people can reconnect with themselves in lasting, transformative ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I’m guided by authenticity, compassion, and curiosity. These are values that root both my work and my life. I believe in creating spaces where people can feel seen, safe, and free to grow into their fullest selves. Inclusivity and equity shape how I serve others, while joy, love, and wonder shape how I move through the world. Whether I’m holding space for clients, mentoring future counselors, or recharging with my husband, my dog, and the quiet of nature, I aim to live in a way that reflects the healing I hope to inspire.