Michelle Spendlove

I work from 10am until 3pm weekdays. 

Regrettably, I am unable to work evenings or weekends.

I am currently recognised by the following insurers:

* Vitality Health

* Aviva

*WPA

* Allianz 

(Please enquire with them before booking, if they are your insurer and you are hoping to have counselling paid for by them)

Hi, I'm Michelle, a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist, passionate about helping adults who want to help themselves. I'm a Registered Member of the BACP and the NCPS, based near Huddersfield town centre, and I also offer video counselling for your convenience.

Receiving therapy for my past traumas inspired me to change careers over a decade ago. Counselling helped me examine my life, giving me the courage and tools to become 'unstuck' and envision a fulfilling future. Now, I'm dedicated to supporting others in doing the same.

As an Integrative therapist, I blend different approaches from various talking therapies and tailor my style to suit each individual. My core training is in Person-Centred Therapy, but I often incorporate other models, such as Psychoanalytical, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy (particularly for anxiety management and day-to-day stress).

Clients often say my down-to-earth demeanor and open-mindedness help them feel comfortable and understood. I attribute this to my years of psychotherapeutic training and my unusual life experiences, which have helped me be completely non-judgemental in my work.

My practice balances warmth and professionalism, helping you gain the self-awareness to make positive long-term changes. Most importantly, I view you as a person, not a 'patient'. Together, we can explore your thoughts and feelings to find the root cause of your issues and start the healing process.

Starting therapy can feel daunting, so I ensure my sessions have a non-clinical and relaxing feel. You will always be accepted for who you are and never judged on what you share. Each session moves at your pace, and you'll never be pushed to discuss anything before you're ready.

I work with a wide range of issues, most commonly anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, workplace stress, relationships, bereavement/grief, and family concerns. I’m Neurodiversity trained and am a GSRD-knowledgeable therapist, welcoming clients over eighteen, of any gender, race, or faith. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and an ally to sex workers and those with alternative lifestyles.

As a former Professional member of the Institute of Psychedelic Therapy, I am psychoactive substances informed and offer a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to explore their personal experiences, both negative and positive (though I do not specialise in addiction counselling).

If any issues on my profile resonate with you, I offer a completely confidential counselling service. I'm here to share the burden with you, to really listen, and to support you when you feel stuck.

Over the years, I have collected many testimonials from clients who have completed a course of therapy. These can be viewed on my website, www.HigherGroundCounselling.co.uk, along with a photograph of my counselling room and further information about the 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,