- Anger management
- Grief support
- Career planning
About Rell
Rell Spickerman is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan with about 40 years of experience across counseling and pastoral roles. He helps people dealing with anger, grief, relationship strain, depression, anxiety, addiction, and career questions. Sessions emphasize practical steps rather than long lectures.
He has combined work as a parish pastor with a career in mental health counseling. That mix led to roles as a hospice chaplain providing bereavement support and as a divorce mediator guiding parenting decisions. Those experiences shaped a down-to-earth style focused on workable choices.
Rell uses cognitive-behavioral approaches and rational emotive methods to challenge thinking that fuels strong emotions. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and solution-focused techniques to set clear goals and small steps. Narrative methods and life work planning appear when helpful.
He has a personal connection to LGBTQ issues through family, and that informs his awareness of gender and identity concerns. He notes modest experience with Ericksonian hypnotherapy and Healing Story Telling, which he may use selectively alongside other methods.
Rell describes himself as a guide rather than a sage. He aims to listen without judgment, use straightforward feedback, and apply humor where it eases resistance to change. Sessions focus on practical strategies people can try between meetings.
People come to him for help with anger management, coping with life changes, family of origin matters, and career planning. He combines theory with practical tools to help people take small, doable steps toward their goals.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions can fit
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It helps people identify values and take small actions that move them toward what matters, which can be useful for anger and ongoing frustration.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses practical exercises and skill practice to change unhelpful thinking patterns that feed anger and depression. Solution-Focused Therapy narrows attention to concrete goals and the next small steps that are likely to produce change.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That choice can change as progress is made, so early sessions often involve trying small techniques to see what helps.
Confirm the session formats available before booking since formats are not listed in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy week, shorten check-ins, or avoid travel time. They also allow people to practice skills in their everyday routines and bring real situations into the conversation.
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 work with?
He helps people with anger, grief, relationship strain, depression, anxiety, addictions, career and family concerns among other issues listed in his specialties.
What is his therapeutic style?
His style is practical and straightforward. He listens without judgment and uses humor and clear feedback to reduce resistance to change.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has about 40 years of combined experience as a mental health counselor and parish pastor, including work as a hospice chaplain and divorce mediator.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He holds an LMSW credential and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.