- LGBT support
- Family of origin issues
- CBT and ACT methods
About Rell
Rell Spickerman is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) based in Michigan with 40 years of experience in counseling and pastoral roles. He has focused work with people facing grief, relationship strain, LGBT issues, career concerns, stress, anxiety, addictions, and family-related problems. He also lists family of origin issues among his areas of attention.
Before and alongside his counseling work he served as a parish pastor and a hospice chaplain, which shaped his experience supporting bereavement and end-of-life matters. He also has experience in divorce mediation and guiding parenting decisions during separation processes. These roles contribute to a practical, hands-on approach in sessions.
His methods draw on cognitive-behavioral ideas, rational emotive techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. He mixes brief, goal-directed work with conversations that examine personal stories and beliefs. Sessions often include straightforward skills practice and decision-focused planning.
Rell describes himself as a guide rather than an expert who tells others what to do. He emphasizes listening without judgment, uses humor to lower resistance, and supports people who want clear, practical steps. He also notes modest experience with Ericksonian hypnotherapy and healing storytelling, which he may bring in when appropriate.
People who are looking to address lasting patterns from their family of origin, manage grief, sort out career or relationship choices, or reduce anxiety and anger may find his focus relevant. Before booking, confirm current session formats and how he schedules work in Michigan.
Approaches used and how online sessions work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on identifying what matters to a person and taking committed action toward those values. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and life changes by combining acceptance strategies with practical behavior steps.Client-Centered Therapy centers conversations on the person's perspective and priorities. The therapist listens, reflects, and supports the person's own problem solving rather than directing every step, which can help when people are sorting out relationship and identity questions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches concrete skills to change them. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, anger, and patterns that come from family of origin dynamics.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That may mean trying brief, solution-focused exercises one week and narrative or values-based work another week.
The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. For people who prefer it, skills practice and story work can be carried out in remote sessions just as they are in person.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with grief, relationship strain, LGBT issues, career questions, stress, anxiety, addictions, family problems, and related concerns including family of origin issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses practical, solution-focused conversations with skills practice and story work. He aims to guide people toward clear, usable steps rather than only talk.
How much experience does he have?
He has 40 years of professional experience spanning pastoral work, hospice chaplaincy, mediation, and mental health counseling.
What credential and region apply to his practice?
He holds an LMSW and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported and does he work internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.