Thomas Buckner - Licensed Therapist in Illinois

Accepting new clients

15 years experience | Counselor of Color | Intl Clients Welcome

About Thomas Buckner

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person’s unique journey, with expertise in addressing depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, and mood disorders.

Please note that Better Help (or any specialty site) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or require immediate support. In such situations, please contact 911 or local emergency services. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a crisis counselor immediately.
I offer a supportive space for exploring life’s most profound challenges, including social anxiety, relationship dynamics, personal growth, and healing from past experiences. My therapeutic style centers on understanding individual strengths and creating meaningful pathways toward emotional wellness.

My practice embraces diverse experiences and perspectives, with a commitment to providing affirming, respectful care. Whether you’re struggling with workplace stress, relationship transitions, or personal transformation, I’m dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.

I believe in the power of collaborative healing, where we work together to uncover your inherent resilience and develop practical strategies for sustainable emotional well-being. My goal is to help you cultivate self-understanding, build meaningful connections, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

Ready to talk with Thomas? Thomas is accepting new clients online.

Work with Thomas

Licenses

LCPC

180.013446

Professional experience

Addictions
ADHD
Anger management
Bipolar disorder
Career difficulties
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
Coping with life changes
Depression
Family conflicts
LGBT
Relationship issues
Self esteem
Stress, Anxiety
Trauma and abuse

Additional Focus Areas

Abandonment
Antisocial personality
Attachment issues
Avoidant personality
Blended family issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Co-morbidity
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Dissociation
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family of origin issues
Fatherhood issues
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Hoarding
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Intellectual disability
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Multicultural concerns
Narcissism
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Paranoia
Personality disorders
Phobias
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Postpartum depression
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Self-love
Sexual assault and abuse
Sexuality
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Somatization
Traumatic brain injury
Visually impaired
Women's issues
Workplace issues

Clinical Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Existential Therapy
Gottman Method
Internal Family Systems
Jungian Therapy
Mindfulness Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy

Languages

English

15 Reviews

“Thomas does a great job of listening and helping me work through my issues. He also helps by keeping in contact through the week and sending me worksheets that also help me work me through the issues I am dealing with.”

“I am having a wonderful experience with my therapist (Thomas Buckner). He is compassionate, understanding, and genuinely took the time to listen without judgment. I always feel comfortable expressing my thoughts and emotions, and his guidance gives me a better perspective and practical tools to navigate difficult situations. I truly appreciate his professionalism and support and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a caring and trustworthy therapist.”

“Top notch therapist!”

“Wonderful!!”

“Thomas is a very helpful, understanding and supportive therapist”

“Thomas is an excellent therapist and does a great job balancing listening and providing feedback/advice. Our conversation flow and he makes opening up easy for me, which has been a difficult step for me in the past. I have excited to see how I will continue to grow with Thomas' help.”

“A+”

“It’s always great to chat with Thomas. We are just learning each other so I’ll have a better review later on in the sessions.”

“Thomas Buckner is so down to earth, comforting and extremely attentive to the goals I set for my journey through therapy. I truly enjoy hearing is expert opinion and sometimes just having his ear makes me more calm and ready to unpack real traumas that I can't speak through with anyone else. He's one of the most "people person," therapists I've met in a long time!”

“Thomas is very supportive, while pointing out behaviors that may need to be addressed. He’s a great listener.”

“He’s great and getting me on the right track.”

“good with OCD”

“I think Tom is a really experienced therapist and his ability to have a conversation that in then moment doesn’t initially feel like therapy but just chatting with someone you know that cares. Then his advice hits you later on through the week or the day where you go “wow, that makes sense now”. 10/10”

“Thomas is a very warm, inviting man. He put me at ease immediately. He was very relatable and understood what I was saying. He gives great feedback and tools to better me. I like him a lot!!!!!❤️”

“Excellent therapist, very supportive, understanding, and intelligent”

These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.