What inspired you to become a therapist?
My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t linear, but it was deeply personal. I began in the corporate world, then moved into ministry, where I often found myself sitting with people who were carrying complex emotional and spiritual burdens. Over time, I realized what I loved most was helping people slow down, pay attention to their inner world, and ask honest questions about who they are and how they want to live. Becoming a therapist was a way to lean fully into that work and to help others do the same with compassion and clarity.
What is something you would like new clients to know about beginning the counseling process?
Starting therapy can feel unfamiliar or uncertain, and that’s okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. In fact, you’re not supposed to. What matters is the willingness to show up with openness, even if that means starting from a place of discomfort, confusion, or just a gut sense that something needs to change. Therapy isn’t about performance, it’s about presence. It’s a space where your questions, fears, and hopes are all welcome.
How would you describe your style or approach in counseling?
I try to bring a balance of structure and openness to therapy. My work is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps clients engage with their inner experience more flexibly, clarify their values, and take action aligned with those values. I also draw from narrative, existential, and attachment-based theories because we’re shaped by our stories and our relationships, and those patterns matter. In session, you can expect me to be curious, honest, and calm. I work at your pace, always aiming to create a space where insight and change can unfold without pressure.
What self-care practices do you enjoy doing most?
My favorite self-care is often the quiet kind. I enjoy my time with a book that stretches my mind or heart—whether it’s theology, philosophy, or a good novel. I also enjoy a good cup of coffee, card games, a trip to the gym, and carving out time for reflection through prayer, journaling, or simply sitting in solitude. For me, self-care is about staying connected to what matters most so I can show up well in the places I’m called to serve.
How do I schedule an appointment with Tommy?
You can email me directly at
tgullberg@springtreecounseling.com. I see clients both in our Chicago office and virtually.
If you are interested in learning more about Tommy, you can read his full bio
here.