Dr. Thomas Kadela

Compassionate, collaborative care with evidence-based tools

LCSW Illinois

Experience: 30 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Sleeping
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Thomas

Dr. Thomas Kadela offers a collaborative, client-guided approach that begins with identifying what matters most to the person seeking help.

Background and approach

With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, he centers sessions on each client’s priorities, whether they want coaching, symptomatic relief, or skills for managing emotions and sleep. He emphasizes shared expertise: the client as expert on their own life and the clinician as a trained partner in change.

Dr. Kadela draws on evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), alongside client-centered and mindfulness-based approaches, tailoring interventions to the concern at hand.

He has substantial experience addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep problems, anger, addictions, and a wide range of relationship and identity-related challenges. His practice balances practical strategies with attention to values and overall wellbeing.

Licensed as an LCSW in Illinois, he combines clinical work with a background in teaching, program leadership, and contributions to professional literature. Sessions can include structured, homework-supported therapies or more open coaching and consultation styles depending on client preference and goals.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care

Dr. Kadela commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) among other methods. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and difficulties with anger. It often includes specific strategies and homework to practice skills between sessions. ACT emphasizes clarifying personal values and developing psychological flexibility so clients can take meaningful action even when uncomfortable thoughts or feelings arise; it can be helpful for coping with chronic stress, grief, and life transitions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist partners with each client to explore goals, try methods that fit their preferences, and adjust the plan over time. Sessions can blend structured, skills-based work with more conversational, client-centered support so the path forward reflects what the client wants to accomplish.

Online therapy options include live video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and communication styles. These formats allow clients to access evidence-informed interventions and coaching from a licensed professional with flexibility for work and life commitments.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does this therapist address?

The practice focuses on a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping difficulties, anger, depression, addictions, grief, intimacy and relationship issues, career and self-esteem challenges, and ADHD among others.

What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?

The clinician offers a collaborative, client-centered style that may include evidence-based therapies like CBT or ACT, skills work, or a coaching-oriented conversation based on client preference.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

The clinician brings about 30 years of assessment and treatment experience, plus experience teaching at the university level and presenting professionally.

Where is the therapist licensed and located?

The therapist practices from Illinois and holds the credential LCSW with the registration IL LCSW 149007447.

In what languages can I communicate with this therapist?

Therapy is provided in English; international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available for online work?

Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what fits their needs and schedule.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger managementDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English