- Evidence-informed methods
- Coaching and skills
- Practical homework
About Thomas
Dr. Thomas Kadela welcomes people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about next steps. He writes plainly and asks questions that help people clarify what matters. Sessions are shaped around what each person wants to work on, whether that is sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance concerns, or career and relationship questions.
He brings nearly 30 years of clinical experience to the work and uses straightforward methods. He describes the therapeutic partnership as one of equals - the client knows their life best, and he offers clinical perspective and tools. He often blends talk, practical exercises, and short between-session tasks so progress continues between meetings.
Much of his background is in clinical practice, teaching, and program leadership. He has experience in inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings and has delivered workshops and keynote talks. He also serves in the Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer and works with the Department of Veterans Affairs in a full-time role.
His clinical style draws on Cognitive Behavioral ideas, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness approaches. Those methods are used to address issues such as trauma, anger, grief, parenting stress, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
Dr. Kadela holds the LCSW credential and practices in Illinois. He offers a collaborative mix of coaching, skills training, and evidence-informed therapies tailored to the goals a person brings to sessions.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people clarify what matters to them and take small actions toward those values despite difficult thoughts or feelings. It can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and uses structured exercises to change unhelpful habits; it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and chronic pain. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal skills to manage intense emotions and relationship stress.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences, try methods that fit those goals, and adapt the plan as needed. Clients often mix coaching, skills practice, and targeted therapy work depending on what feels most useful.
If you are considering online therapy with him, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, offer shorter check-ins when needed, and let people use mindfulness or behavioral exercises at home between meetings. Licensed professionals can tailor session content so tools and homework fit everyday life and the specific issues you bring.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and related problems like sleep difficulties, anger, addictions, career strain, and grief.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He takes a collaborative approach where the client and therapist decide together what to work on, using practical exercises and short homework assignments between sessions.
How long has he been practicing?
He has about 30 years of assessment and treatment experience, including teaching and program leadership roles.
What credentials and location are listed for this clinician?
He holds the LCSW credential and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does pricing and billing work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.