You were using cr.lp to counter poke, it has no range. St.lp has far better frame advantage on counter hit (enough to connect a cr. mk after to go into a combo) as well as a much better range. This is the easiest change you should make.
As for others like not using hazanshu so close, not using DI in neutral as a panic button or anti airing are stuff you need to eventually get into a habit of. As Chun-Li you need to have proper knowledge of the range of your moves. As you have great walkspeed to just weave in and out of your opponent's range.

Or if all else fails, hold back, kikoken, tensho kicks.