Thomas Kaufman
For the past 20 years, I have worked with families, couples, adults, and adolescents. Using cognitive-behavioral theory with narrative techniques, I help empower clients to explore areas within their lives that present challenges and inhibit change, and assist them with finding solutions that will work for them.
I love using the power of Story and Myth to help clients reach a deeper understanding of themselves and how the challenges that they present with do not define who they are as a person.
However, I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is a vital component within any program, which means that I believe that any work needs to be collaborative between myself and my clients. I am certified to deliver trauma-focused treatments as well as providing services to help manage stress and anxiety.
First session
Within our first session, we will explore factors that bring you to services and how those factors have been posing challenges for yourself. We will also develop a plan that can help you understand more about how we will resolve those challenges.
Strengths
My greatest strength is my ability to use metaphors and analogies to help reframe clinical challenges. I am a big believer that sometimes exploring an issue from a different perspective. I love using the power of Story and Myth to help clients reach a deeper understanding of themselves and how the challenges that they present with do not define who they are as a person. I also take a great deal of pride in my nonjudgemental, unconditional positive regard that I have for all my clients. I think when it comes to Change, the biggest factor that can help bring that Change into existence is the rapport that I develop with my clients. The connection between therapist and client is a sacred one for me, and I take steps to help ensure that it is as strong and solid as possible.
Ideal clients
Within my overall practice, I love working with people who recognize that there is a need for change, and they recognize how change can benefit them, however, they struggle with the follow-through. Have you ever decided that this was the year that you were going to get into shape, however, even though you have the best of intentions to bring this change into your life, for whatever reason, you are not able to actually commit to completing the workouts. Working together, we will be able to identify barriers to change, and more importantly, we will develop a plan that can help overcome those barriers, and bring into your Life the change that is desired.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
One of my goals is helping clients identify negative thought patterns while also exploring the personal stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. Together, we will explore how examine how certain life stories contribute to unhealthy emotions or behaviors and then reframe both the story and the automatic thoughts that reinforce it.
Gottman method
I find that the Gottman Method for Couples Counseling helps couples improve their relationships by strengthening communication, increasing emotional connection, and teaching practical conflict-management skills. Together, we will begin to recognize harmful interaction patterns, such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling, while replacing them with healthier responses that encourage understanding and respect. The method also focuses on building friendship, trust, and shared meaning within the relationship through structured exercises and intentional communication practices.
Faith based therapy
I am also able to offer Faith-based psychotherapy, as I believe that helping you use your spiritual beliefs, values, and religious practices into the therapeutic process can support emotional healing and personal growth. This approach can also help you to explore mental health challenges in a way that aligns with your faith traditions, and I believe this can increase comfort, trust, and enhanced sense of Identity.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Man
White
Top specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Other specialties
ADHD
Addiction
Bipolar Disorder
Career Counseling
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Grief
LGBTQ
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
Military/Veterans
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Couples Counseling
Elders (65 and above)
Gender-fluid
Individual Therapy
Man
Non-binary
Transgender
Woman
Licensed in
IllinoisLicense 180018397
WisconsinLicense 5311 - 125