Michael Wilkes-Spellman

Michael Wilkes-Spellman is a counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, anger and relationship concerns. He also supports those dealing with grief, career changes, depression and compassion fatigue. Michael trained in counselling and is an NCPS member, and he offers sessions on weekday evenings to fit around other commitments.

He uses an integrated approach and adapts his work to each person. Much of his practice draws on person-centred methods and cognitive behavioural ideas. That means he spends time understanding someone’s experience, then works with them to spot unhelpful thoughts and habits and try different ways of responding.

Sessions are straightforward and practical. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on small, manageable steps. He also brings in mindfulness and motivational interviewing when these suit the client’s aims.

Michael has been practising since 2011, which gives him thirteen years of experience. He continues to update his skills in wellbeing topics and mixes different methods to match what the person needs. He works part time as a counsellor and offers evening appointments during the week.

People come to him for issues linked to intimacy, family tensions, trauma and abuse, adoption and foster care concerns, ageing and caregiving stress, and more. He aims to make room for each person’s story and to help them find clearer ways forward.

Approaches that guide online work and how they help

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person’s own experience. The counsellor listens closely and helps someone make sense of their feelings and choices, which can be useful for relationship and grief issues.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviour patterns. It helps identify unhelpful thinking and tests new ways of responding, which can reduce anxiety, anger and low mood.

Mindfulness Therapy brings attention to the present moment and simple mental exercises. This can help with stress, rumination and managing strong emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Michael will work together with the person to decide which methods suit their goals and preferences. He adapts techniques over time so the work stays practical and relevant.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, for example by avoiding travel or allowing evening appointments. They can also let people choose quieter surroundings, use audio-only check-ins if preferred, or make shorter sessions easier to schedule. Registered or accredited professionals and therapists often offer these practical choices to match everyday life.