- Years in practice
- 30
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Illinois
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
- Focus
- Sleeping disorders
About Thomas
Dr. Thomas Kadela is a licensed clinical social worker with thirty years of experience. He focuses on practical, down-to-earth help for parents who are stressed, anxious, grieving, or managing major life changes.
He writes plainly and treats the client as a partner in finding useful steps forward. Sessions begin with what the person in front of him needs. He balances short-term problem solving with longer-term skill building.
That might mean coaching on sleep, anger, or communication, or using structured therapy when symptoms like depression, trauma, or addiction need targeted work.
Background and approach
He draws from a mix of cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches. Therapy can include hands-on tools, simple homework, and check-ins about progress. The focus is on changes that make daily life easier and more manageable.
Dr. Kadela has worked in many settings, including hospitals, residential programs, and university classrooms. He also serves in the United States Army National Guard and has experience with veteran-focused care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
His background gives him experience with trauma, first responder issues, and caregiving stress. He offers a collaborative style that treats the client as an equal partner. Parents who want clear steps, practical tools, and a flexible approach may find his style helpful.
Sessions aim to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, manage anger, and support coping during transitions.
What Thomas works with
Everything Thomas lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Thomas helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Sleeping disorders
- Anger management
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Divorce and separation
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- First responder issues
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Narcissism
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Thomas lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often called ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It emphasizes values-driven action so someone can make steady progress even when emotions are strong. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on practical tools to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression, sleep, and coping skills. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus in daily life.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. He treats clients as partners and will discuss goals, preferences, and which methods fit best. That collaborative process helps pick a plan that can include short exercises, structured homework, or coaching-style sessions depending on what the client wants.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful when demonstrations or reading nonverbal cues help. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone needs a shorter check-in. Live chat or messaging works well for brief updates, tracking progress, or getting quick tools between sessions. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into busy parenting routines and varied schedules.
Questions people ask about Thomas
What concerns does he help with?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, anger, addictions, parenting concerns, and career or life changes.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a collaborative, down-to-earth approach that blends problem solving, coaching, and skill building tailored to each person's needs.
How much experience does he have?
He brings thirty years of clinical experience across inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings, and has taught at the university level.
What credentials and region are listed?
He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices with a background that includes work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and service in the United States Army National Guard.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does he offer?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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