Rell Spickerman, LMSW

Rell Spickerman is a licensed master social worker with 40 years of experience in counseling and pastoral care. He combines a long history in parish work with decades in mental health to offer steady, practical help. He is based in Michigan and conducts sessions in English.

He describes himself as a guide rather than an expert who tells people what to do. Sessions tend to focus on achievable steps and skills people can use right away. Humor and an open, non-judgmental stance are part of how he works to lower resistance and keep conversations honest.

Rell draws on cognitive behavioral approaches to challenge unhelpful thoughts and build new habits. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas to help people clarify values and take meaningful action. Narrative and solution-focused methods are woven in when they fit the concern.

His practice covers a wide range of issues including grief, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, and career questions. He also notes experience with bereavement, hospice issues, blended family and divorce-related decisions, and gender dysphoria among other topics.

Rell has worked as a hospice chaplain and as a divorce mediator, which shaped how he handles end-of-life conversations and parenting decisions after separation. He aims to blend theory and practical action while affirming growth and reasonable risk-taking.

How Rell Uses Therapy Methods Online

Rell often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking and behaving; this approach can be useful for depression, anxiety, and stress. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients name their values and take small steps toward a life that matters to them. Client-centered ideas guide the tone of sessions so conversations stay respectful and focused on the client's priorities.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that match the client's goals, and adjust over time based on what proves useful. That collaborative process helps clients feel involved in planning and in practical next steps.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions are a lower-bandwidth option and can fit into a lunch break. Live chat and text are useful for brief check-ins, ongoing coaching, or when someone prefers writing to talking. These options make it easier to maintain consistent sessions despite busy schedules or mobility limits.