Michael Wilkes-Spellman, NCPS

Michael Wilkes-Spellman is a counsellor with 13 years' experience who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression and relationship or intimacy concerns. He also supports those facing grief, career changes, caregiver strain and challenges linked to ageing and geriatric issues. Michael works part time and offers appointments on weekday evenings. He trained in 2011 and is an accredited member of the National Counselling Society, often called NCPS. He updates his skills regularly and blends different ways of working to match what each person needs. In sessions Michael focuses on each person’s unique experience. He listens without rushing and helps people make sense of their distress. When helpful, he looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep problems going, and works with clients to try new responses. His approach mixes client-centred listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy. He also draws on mindfulness and psychodynamic ideas when they suit the situation. Motivational interviewing may be used to support people making life changes or facing difficult decisions. People meet him for help with a wide range of issues. He regularly works with adults, couples and older adults on separation, trauma, grief, caregiving stress and sexual or relationship concerns. Sessions aim to be collaborative and focused on the outcomes the person wants.

How Michael’s approaches work online and in therapy

Client-Centred Therapy places the person's experience at the heart of the work. The counsellor listens closely and reflects what matters to the client so they feel understood and can explore feelings safely. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact; it uses practical exercises to test unhelpful thinking and to develop different habits that ease symptoms. Choosing an approach is part of the journey rather than a single decision. Michael will work collaboratively to find what fits best, drawing on different methods and adjusting as goals and circumstances change. The aim is to match techniques to the person's needs and preferences. Details about the exact session formats offered should be confirmed before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel, and allow shorter check-ins when time is limited. It also lets people join from a comfortable setting and can make regular weekly work more achievable. Speak with the therapist when scheduling to confirm which formats are currently available and to arrange times that suit everyday life.