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TB Portrait of Thomas Buckner
Online therapist

Thomas Buckner

Compassionate counselor for practical change

Credentials
LCPC
Experience
15 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Thomas

Thomas Buckner is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who helps people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood concerns. He offers straightforward support for stress, addictions, low self-esteem, and identity questions such as LGBT issues. The first meeting focuses on understanding what matters to the person and what feels most urgent right now.

His style is warm and practical. He listens closely and then suggests simple tools to try between sessions.

Background and approach

Sessions often include talking through patterns, learning skills for managing strong emotions, and setting small steps toward clearer goals. Thomas draws on several evidence-based approaches to fit each person’s needs. He uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and build action, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot and change unhelpful thoughts, and Attachment-Based ideas to track how early relationships affect current bonds.

He also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Client-Centered methods when those are a good match. With 15 years of experience as an LCPC Thomas has worked with a wide range of concerns including trauma and abuse, bipolar and depressive disorders, ADHD, chronic stress, caregiver strain, relationship and communication problems, and issues tied to divorce or blended families.

He frames therapy as a collaborative process rather than advice-giving. People who choose him usually want practical strategies plus space to reflect. Thomas helps clients set realistic goals, practice new ways of coping, and notice progress over time.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and take small action steps toward those values while accepting difficult thoughts and feelings. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress when someone wants practical direction tied to personal values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with real-life experiments. It is commonly used for anxiety, mood concerns, and coping with everyday stressors. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people build safer ways of connecting and communicating in relationships.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Thomas will talk with each person about goals and preferences, and together they decide which methods to try. Therapy often combines techniques from different approaches so the plan fits the individual situation.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week and to check in between meetings. Many people find that having multiple formats helps them practice skills in real time and keeps progress moving forward.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Thomas most often address?
He works with depression, anxiety, trauma and mood disorders, plus stress, addictions, self-esteem, and identity concerns such as LGBT issues.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His approach is warm and practical. He listens, helps set clear goals, and teaches concrete skills to try between sessions.
What is his clinical background?
He has 15 years of experience as a licensed clinician. His work has included mood disorders, trauma, caregiver stress, and relationship challenges.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He holds an LCPC license in Illinois with license number IL LCPC 180.013446 and practices in Illinois.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or countries?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
15 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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