Rell Spickerman, LMSW
Compassionate counselor guiding practical change
Details
| Name | Rell Spickerman |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LMSW |
| Based in | Michigan |
| Licensed in | Michigan |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 40 |
About Rell
Rell Spickerman is a Licensed Master Social Worker with four decades of experience in counseling and pastoral care. He combines years as a parish pastor with long work in mental health to support people facing big life changes. He writes plain guidance and aims to be a steady, nonjudgmental presence in sessions.
He often draws on narrative ideas to help people reframe difficult stories in their lives. He also uses cognitive-behavioral tools to identify thoughts and habits that keep problems going.
Background and approach
Sessions tend to focus on practical steps and clear goals that fit each person’s life. Rell has worked in hospice chaplaincy and provided bereavement support, so end-of-life concerns and grief are familiar areas for him. He has also used dispute management skills in mediation to help people make parenting and separation decisions.
His background includes career planning and life-work coaching as part of long-term problem solving. He states a special interest in LGBT issues informed by family experience and offers support around gender dysphoria and related concerns. He also addresses anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, eating struggles, and anger.
Rell emphasizes listening, humor, and unconditional positive regard to lower resistance and encourage change. People who want straightforward, experience-based guidance often find his style helpful. He favors a collaborative approach that blends storytelling, practical exercises, and short-term plans.
Rell practices in Michigan and holds the LMSW credential.
What this therapist works with
His listing names LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief among the things Rell works with, alongside the areas below.
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Blended family issues
- Cancer
- Commitment issues
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Infidelity
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Rell among the ways he works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Rell among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Rell among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Rell among the ways he works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Rell among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Rell directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Rell directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How his approaches translate to online care
Rell commonly uses Narrative Therapy to help people retell and reframe the stories that shape their lives, which can change how they see problems and possible futures. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take small steps toward a life they value, especially when anxiety or avoidance gets in the way. In many sessions he brings a client-centered stance - listening closely and letting the person set pace and priorities.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He will discuss different methods and try out what fits each person's goals and preferences. That collaborative process may include mixing storytelling, values-based exercises, and practical homework to test new ways of coping.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for a fuller conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions work when lower bandwidth or hands-free time is needed. Live chat and messaging can suit brief check-ins or step-by-step coaching between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or travel while keeping the focus on steady progress.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does Rell commonly help with?
He works with a wide range of concerns including LGBT issues, grief and bereavement, relationship and intimacy-related problems, career planning, depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, and self-esteem.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He blends Narrative Therapy with practical, goal-focused techniques. Sessions emphasize listening, reframing life stories, and building short-term steps people can try between meetings.
What is his professional background?
He brings 40 years of combined experience as a parish pastor, hospice chaplain providing bereavement support, counselor, and mediator with work in career planning and dispute management.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a Licensed Master Social Worker, abbreviated LMSW, and practices in Michigan.
Which languages and international arrangements are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do people begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Rell are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Rell where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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