Dr. Thomas Kadela , LCSW

Dr. Thomas Kadela, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), brings nearly 30 years of assessment and treatment experience to his work. He balances a long career in clinical practice with roles in public service, including full-time work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and service as a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer - roles he does not formally represent here. Prior to that work he focused on children and families, and he has also taught at both graduate and undergraduate levels, published in academic journals, held board certification in his field, and served in leadership and supervisory positions across inpatient, outpatient, and residential programs.

He approaches therapy as a collaborative partnership in which both therapist and client contribute expertise. He frames clients as the experts on their own lives while offering professional guidance, whether the work takes the shape of executive coaching, a reflective sounding board informed by Gestalt ideas, or targeted evidence-based psychotherapy. When appropriate he draws on structured, research-supported methods that commonly include homework between sessions to support progress. He lists formal training in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral approaches for depression, insomnia, and chronic pain, Social Skills Therapy, anger management, Solution Focused Brief Psychotherapy, and problem solving.

Dr. Kadela emphasizes a holistic view that balances body, mind, and spirit and likens imbalance to driving a vehicle with mismatched tires - uncomfortable and inefficient. He is a US Army combat veteran and has presented widely at conferences, delivered workshops and keynotes, and supervised specialty programs. He is open to sharing more of his background on request and welcomes conversations about what approach might fit an individual client best.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or emotions are present. It is often useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions by teaching skills to accept internal experiences while committing to value-driven behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is commonly applied to depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and chronic pain and typically includes practical exercises and between-session practice to build new habits.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship in which the therapist follows the client's lead and supports self-discovery. This approach can be especially helpful when someone needs space to process emotions, explore identity, or strengthen self-understanding.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Dr. Kadela works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best align with their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and adapts the plan as work progresses.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it possible to fit care into busy schedules, manage energy and mobility considerations, and maintain continuity of support across changes in routine. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver structured interventions, coaching, and supportive listening in ways that meet many people's needs.