Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
Hi – I’m Dr. Kadela and it’s nice to “meet” you. They wanted me to write a little about myself so here you go! Note – if you have insomnia this might just put you to sleep – so enjoy that perk at no charge!
– Why are you on BetterHelp?
I have nearly 30 years of assessment and treatment experience. I only work with 1-2 clients at a time on BetterHelp since I work full time with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and am also a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer (neither of which I formally represent here). BetterHelp allows me to work with cool people like you in a more casual setting. Before coming to the DVA I specialized in children and families.
– What would our sessions look like?
Well – that’s really up to you! I may have gone to school for a long time to be called “Dr.” but you’ve spent a long time being you – and you’re the expert of you! So we are both experts, and therefore equals, in this partnership. So YOU get to pick how we spend our time together. Do you want Executive Coaching? Or to use me as more of a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings (sometimes known as Gestalt Therapy)? Do you want to target an issue like Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Sleep, Communication or Anger? If that’s the case you can choose an Evidenced Based Psychotherapy (EBP). EBPs are well researched and have proven outcomes. They almost always involve homework in-between our sessions. You can see you have a lot of choices and we can talk about what’s right for you, and what you think would be best, but I am formally trained in:
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP)
• Social Skills Therapy (SST)
• Anger Management (AM)
• Solution Focused Brief Psychotherapy (SFBP)
• Problem Solving (PS)
No matter what we do I take a holistic approach. I believe we need to balance Body, Mind and Spirit (however you define Spirit). When one of them is out of whack (not a technical term) the other two go wonky (again not a technical term). It’s like driving a vehicle with three round tires and one square – it’s very clunky and uncomfortable!
– Resume/Curriculum Vita
OK – here is the boring stuff. I’ve been practicing for over 26 years and during that time I’ve taught/teach at University at both the Graduate and Undergraduate levels. I’ve published in a few journals. I’m Board Certified in my discipline. I’ve worked and/or supervised inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment programs. I’ve been on the conference circuit and given many workshops and keynote speeches. I’ve held job titles such as Chief Clinical Officer of National Programs, State Director, Chief Administrative Officer, Training Director, Supervisor of Specialty Programs, etc. I am a US Army Combat Veteran. Let me know if you want more details as I’m happy to share. I hope I get to meet you!
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Dr. Thomas Kadela is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois (LCSW #149007447) with 30 years of assessment and treatment experience. He maintains a professional yet approachable style and limits his online caseload to one or two clients at a time because he works full time with the Department of Veterans Affairs and serves as a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer – neither of which he formally represents here.
Before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs, he specialized in work with children and families. On-line sessions with Dr. Kadela are shaped by the client – he views the relationship as a partnership in which the client is the expert on their own life and he brings clinical expertise to the process. Whether a person wants executive coaching, a sounding board consistent with Gestalt approaches, or focused treatment for issues such as depression, trauma, anxiety, sleep disturbances, communication difficulties, or anger, the format and goals are chosen collaboratively.
When a targeted, evidence-based approach is preferred, Dr. Kadela is formally trained in several proven therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), Social Skills Therapy (SST), Anger Management (AM), Solution Focused Brief Psychotherapy (SFBP), and Problem Solving (PS). These interventions frequently include practice or homework between sessions to reinforce progress.
He takes a holistic approach that attends to Body, Mind and Spirit (however a person defines Spirit). When one domain is out of balance the others are often affected – the result can feel as awkward as driving with three round tires and one square one. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Kadela has taught at both graduate and undergraduate university levels, published in journals, earned board certification in his discipline, and worked in or supervised inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment settings. He has presented at conferences and held leadership roles such as Chief Clinical Officer of National Programs, State Director, Chief Administrative Officer, Training Director, and Supervisor of Specialty Programs. A U.S. Army combat veteran, he is willing to provide additional professional details on request and looks forward to the possibility of working together.
For many common concerns – including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and navigating life changes – online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions. This approach can deliver meaningful support for those seeking help with ordinary and complex life issues.
One of the main advantages of remote therapy is flexibility. People can connect in the way that works best for them – by video call, phone session, live chat, or in-app messaging – which makes it easier to integrate therapy into a busy schedule or a changing life.
Therapists who provide online services are licensed professionals, and a client may choose to change therapists at any time if a different fit is desired. For many, the combination of evidence-based care and convenient access makes online therapy a practical and effective option.
© All rights reserved.