Dr. Thomas Kadela, LCSW

Dr. Thomas Kadela helps people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, trauma, stress, and addictive behaviors. He meets people where they are and works alongside them to set practical goals. He uses clear, straightforward language and encourages clients to choose how sessions go. With 30 years of experience and a credential as an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Dr. Kadela draws on several approaches. He commonly uses cognitive behavioral techniques to address thoughts and behaviors, and he blends mindfulness and acceptance strategies to reduce distress. Sessions can include skill practice and short assignments between meetings. He also offers a client-centered stance, listening carefully and following the client's lead about what matters most each week. For people wanting structure, he can apply targeted interventions for insomnia, chronic pain, anger, or trauma-related concerns. For others, he can provide coaching-style conversations or problem-solving support. Dr. Kadela has a long history in clinical settings and in training roles, and he has worked with inpatient, outpatient, and residential programs. He has experience giving workshops and publishing in professional journals. He lives and practices in Illinois and conducts sessions in English. Online work includes video, phone, chat, and text-based messaging. He typically balances this work alongside other professional roles and will discuss the best format and pace during an initial match and scheduling conversation.

How cognitive and acceptance approaches work online

Dr. Kadela commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing patterns of behavior. CBT works well for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many daily setbacks by teaching concrete skills and short exercises to try between sessions.

He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and choose actions that match their values. ACT can be useful for chronic stress, persistent worry, and challenges where avoidance keeps people stuck.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He treats therapy as a collaboration and will discuss options, try techniques, and adjust based on what is helping most. Clients are invited to share their preferences and goals so the plan fits their life.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and guided exercises. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers audio only. Live chat and text can support brief check-ins, skill practice, or ongoing coaching between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work or family schedules and to continue progress from different locations.