Michelle Spendlove

I work from 10am until 3pm weekdays. 

Regrettably, I am unable to work evenings or weekends.

Hi, I'm Michelle, and I'm a qualified counsellor/therapist, passionate about helping people who want to help themselves. I'm a Registered Member of the BACP, and my homely therapy room is based near Huddersfield town centre. I also offer video counselling via WhatsApp, depending on your preference.

I'm an Integrative counsellor, which means I use a range of counselling techniques taken from various talking therapy models, so I can support you in the best way possible. Together, we will explore your thoughts and feelings to find the root cause of your issues and begin the healing process.

Many of the enquiries I receive are from people who have solely had CBT therapy in the past, which has helped them with anxiety management techniques for dealing with day-to-day life, but not got to the bottom of the issues in order for the clients to gain enough self-awareness to make long term changes.

This is why my service is as individual as each client, and I tailor my approach depending on what each client needs. I operate my practice with compassion, by viewing you as a person - not a 'patient'.

My clients tell me that my down-to-earth, open-minded demeanor makes me very relatable, helping them to feel at ease enough to fully open up. I attribute this not only to my years of psychotherapeutic training, but also to my past unusual life experiences, which have helped me be completely non-judgemental in my work. I strive to provide a service that balances both humanness and professionalism.

Having been on the other side of the room before, I understand how nerve-wracking beginning the process can be. That's why I pride myself on the non-clinical, truly empathic, and relaxing feel that my sessions provide in my own Private Practice. You can rest assured that you will always be accepted for who you are and never judged on what you disclose in therapy. Each session is directed at your own pace, so you remain completely in control throughout. You will never be pushed to discuss anything you don't feel ready to talk about until you feel fully at-ease. I'm here to share the burden with you, to really listen, and to support you when you feel stuck.

I work with a huge range of issues, particularly issues surrounding Anxiety, Self-esteem, and Relationship issues. I am also a GSRD-knowledgeable therapist (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship diversity). I work with clients of any gender, race, and faith. I am an LGBTQ+ friendly, sex-worker and alternative lifestyles allied practitioner. I am also a professional member of the Institute of psychedelic therapy. I am psychoactive substance aware and offer a safe space for clients to explore and examine their personal experiences (Although I do not offer specialist addiction counselling).

If one of the problems listed on my profile in the ‘issues’ section is something you feel you would like support with, I offer a completely confidential counselling service.

Thanks,

Michelle

The initial session at Higher Ground Counselling will last 50 minutes and will entail getting to know each other briefly, going through a small amount of paperwork; and having a chat about how the counselling process works. Payment for this session must be made prior to our meeting, via bank transfer; & is nonrefundable in the event of cancellation, or if it is established by the end of the session that the counselling isn't suitable for either of us,