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LCSW

Dr. Thomas Kadela, LCSW

  • Experience30 years
  • LocationIllinois
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Thomas

Dr. Thomas Kadela brings nearly 30 years of clinical experience to his work and may be a fit for individuals seeking help with issues such as stress, anxiety, trauma, sleep problems, anger, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, ADHD, grief, career questions, and related life changes.

Background and approach

He approaches each person as a partner in the process, drawing on a range of evidence-informed methods while respecting the client’s own expertise about their life. He holds an LCSW and has combined roles in clinical practice, teaching, publishing, and leadership across inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings.

His background includes work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and service as a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer, alongside earlier specialization in children and families. Dr.

Kadela emphasizes a holistic perspective that attends to body, mind, and spirit and offers flexibility in session goals and structure, including coaching-style work or targeted evidence-based therapy for concerns like insomnia, trauma, or depression.

In sessions he helps clients select approaches that fit their goals and preferences, and he commonly uses cognitive and mindfulness-informed therapies as part of a tailored plan. He practices in Illinois and conducts sessions in English.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and increasing psychological flexibility, helping people accept difficult thoughts while committing to actions that align with what matters to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and is useful for problems such as anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and some forms of chronic pain. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and stress-reduction practices that can support emotional regulation and reduce reactivity.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Kadela works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Together the therapist and client decide whether to pursue skills-based CBT work, values-oriented ACT, mindfulness practices, or a blended plan adapted over time.

Online sessions are available via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and access from different locations. These formats allow ongoing therapeutic engagement, homework exchange, and coaching between sessions, making it easier to fit consistent work into busy lives while remaining responsive to each client’s preferred way of communicating.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does he address?
He works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping difficulties, anger, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, career questions, ADHD, and other life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style is collaborative and client-centered, treating clients as partners and tailoring sessions to the person’s goals whether that means coaching, skills-building, or focused evidence-based therapy.
What is his background and experience?
He has nearly 30 years of clinical experience, has taught at graduate and undergraduate levels, published in journals, and held leadership roles in clinical programs while also speaking at conferences and workshops.
What credentials and location apply to his practice?
He holds an LCSW with Illinois license number IL LCSW 149007447 and practices in Illinois.
Which languages does he use in sessions and does he accept international clients?
Sessions are conducted in English and he does not accept international clients at this time.
How can sessions be conducted?
He offers multiple online formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
What should I expect about cost and scheduling?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time, and scheduling depends on current availability.
How do I begin working with him?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger managementDepression

Also works with

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

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 shameImpulsivityIsolation / 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

What Thomas can help with

Dr. Thomas Kadela works with clients on stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, anger management, and depression.

How Thomas approaches therapy

Thomas's clinical approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois.

Therapy style

Thomas taught at University at both the Graduate and Undergraduate levels.