Michelle Spendlove

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 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 recreational 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

Recent client feedback:

• Michelle gave me the tools to enable me to begin to turn my life around. It was a very positive, enabling experience. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to others.
• Michelle is so approachable and provides a warm, safe environment for talking. She succeeds in making you feel good about yourself and encourages open discussion about topics which have been closed away for too long. I particularly appreciated 'explanations' given by Michelle. I think that's what helped me the most. Friends have commented upon the difference in me too.
• I only went for two sessions, but I found them so helpful! Each time after seeing Michelle I felt refreshed. I realised I was progressively shaking off some of the weight on my shoulders. Michelle is professional and friendly and makes you feel comfortable.
• Michelle was the second counsellor I met, the first I just hadn’t seemed to gel with and knew the relationship with my counsellor was key to the sessions being a success. I instantly felt at ease in Michelle’s presence and the environment felt a safe place. 

I do not work with children and adolescents, or couples.

I do not work evenings or weekends.

I operate on a one-to-one basis with persons over the age of 18 only.

Introductory/Assessment session £29
This is a 50-minute session and will entail getting know each other briefly, going through a small amount of paperwork; and having a chat about how the counselling process works and may benefit you. This is your opportunity to have a ‘taster’ session, and for us to establish whether I’m the right counsellor for your needs.

Payment for this session must be made prior to our meeting, via bank transfer & is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.

Further individual sessions £44
Each session takes place in my homely counselling room in Huddersfield (Or via video call via WhatsApp; and lasts for 50 minutes.

One-off session £66

A one-off session is exactly how it sounds - you just attend once. These sessions are for an hour and a half; and are intended for those who feel that they would just like to feel supported in 'offloading' to someone who can give them non-biased support. These sessions are also good for those who feel that they need to get something off their chest confidentially that they've never felt able to talk to anyone about.

You are welcome to get in touch by email, telephone, via the form on this website, via text message, or the contact page on my website.

Thanks,
Michelle
www.HigherGroundCounselling.co.uk

There is pay and display parking at the front of the property, although many clients prefer to park in Sainsbury's, which is a very short walk away.

I regret that there is no disabled access.