Michael Wilkes-Spellman , NCPS

Michael Wilkes-Spellman is an accredited member of the National Counselling Society, holding the NCPS credential. He completed his counselling training in 2011 and continues to broaden his skills across a range of wellbeing topics to stay current with evolving practice.

Working part time, Michael offers appointments on weekday evenings to accommodate clients with daytime commitments. He practises an integrated approach and tailors support to each person he works with, drawing mainly on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioural techniques to guide sessions. This combination places emphasis on the individual experience of distress while also identifying and, when appropriate, addressing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.

Michael welcomes adults, couples and older adults, supporting them through many life challenges with a calm, respectful and collaborative style. He aims to help people better understand their difficulties and to find practical, personally meaningful ways to move forward.

Therapeutic approaches for online sessions

Michael primarily uses client-centered therapy, which focuses on understanding each person's unique experience and creating a supportive space where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings. This approach helps with issues related to relationships, grief, identity and major life changes by prioritising the person’s perspective.

He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical, goal-focused method that helps people recognise and shift negative thinking patterns and behaviours. CBT can be especially helpful for managing anxiety, stress, low mood and unhelpful coping habits.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michael works collaboratively with people to identify their goals, preferences and responses to different techniques, adapting his integrated practice to suit each client's needs and circumstances.

Online sessions via video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people balancing work, family or other commitments. These options make it easier to access regular support from licensed professionals without extensive travel, and allow Michael to offer weekday evening appointments that fit into a busy life.