FindGottmanTherapists

The therapist listings come from BetterHelp. We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

TK Portrait of Thomas Kaufman

Thomas Kaufman

Relationship-focused counselor for life changes

LCPC, LPC Illinois

Experience
12 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Thomas

About Thomas

Thomas Kaufman is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Illinois. He brings 12 years of counseling experience and focuses on practical help for common life struggles.

Background and approach

He aims to make sessions straightforward and collaborative so clients can begin making changes quickly. He uses approaches such as the Gottman Method for relationship work, cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thinking, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and build meaningful action.

Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented, with attention to what is useful in daily life. Thomas emphasizes a team approach where client goals shape each step.

Thomas helps people address stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar concerns, and addiction-related problems. He also works with relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strains, grief, anger, workplace stress, and issues related to attachment and blended families.

He offers support for LGBT concerns and fatherhood issues as well. His style blends direct skill teaching with reflective listening.

He may use mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and narrative ideas when they fit a person's goals. The focus is on building coping skills, improving communication, and finding practical ways to move forward.

Sessions are offered through a variety of online formats and by phone to fit different schedules. Thomas works in Illinois and conducts therapy in English.

New clients begin by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session.

How Thomas Uses Approaches Online

Thomas often combines the Gottman Method and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in online work. The Gottman Method focuses on improving communication, reducing conflict patterns, and rebuilding connection in relationships. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify personal values and take small committed actions to live more in line with what matters to them.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will discuss goals, try methods that fit the client, and adjust based on what helps. That collaborative process means clients and the therapist decide together which tools to use as needs and priorities change.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for skills practice and relationship work. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a session needs to fit a short break. Live chat and text messaging offer quick check-ins, shorter reflections, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to continue steadily while life changes occur.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Thomas help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, and addiction-related problems. He also supports people facing relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and fatherhood concerns, grief, anger, workplace stress, and attachment or blended family challenges.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is collaborative and straightforward, combining skill teaching with reflective conversation. He focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions to improve daily functioning.
What background and experience does he have?
He has 12 years of professional experience in counseling. His work draws on cognitive behavioral ideas, acceptance-based strategies, and relationship-focused methods such as the Gottman Method.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He holds credentials as an LCPC and an LPC and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit differing needs and schedules.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBlended family issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessLife purposeMen's issuesPost-traumatic stressSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

12+ years

Licensed in

Wisconsin, Illinois

Languages

English