Michael Spackman, PACFA
Practical support for people facing hard times
Details
| Name | Michael Spackman |
|---|---|
| Credentials | PACFA |
| Based in | Australia |
| Registered with | PACFA |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 8 |
About Michael
Michael Spackman is a counsellor who helps people feeling stuck by offering straightforward, compassionate support. He works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression and trauma, and also assists people navigating ADHD, relationship strain and identity questions. He aims to make first steps easier and less isolating.
Michael creates a calm, non-judgemental space where thoughts and feelings can be spoken plainly. He listens first, then helps people find practical ways to manage intense emotions and difficult decisions.
Background and approach
Sessions focus on what matters most to each person in their everyday life. His approach draws on Narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-based ideas. That mix helps people reshape unhelpful stories about themselves, build values-led action, and understand how relationships affect mood and behaviour.
He also uses client-centred and cognitive tools when they suit the work. Michael has eight years of professional experience and holds PACFA credentialing in Australia. He works with adults across a wide range of concerns, including trauma, loss, anger and sexual or identity issues.
He explains options clearly and checks in about what feels helpful. Sessions tend to be practical and conversational. People will leave with small, doable steps to try between appointments.
Michael describes his role as supportive and collaborative - he helps people experiment with new ways of coping and telling their story.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse among the things Michael works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- ADHD
- Family conflicts
- Anger management
- Depression
- Coaching
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Fatherhood issues
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Hearing impaired
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Intellectual disability
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Attachment-Based Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Existential Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Internal Family Systems: Listed by Michael among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Michael directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Michael directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How different approaches work online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and make choices based on what matters most. It supports reducing avoidance and taking small steps toward a valued life. Narrative therapy focuses on the stories people tell about themselves; it helps separate the person from the problem so different, more helpful stories can emerge. Attachment‑based ideas look at how past and current relationships shape feelings and behaviour, and help people find safer ways to connect and set boundaries.Finding the right blend of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your goals and try different ways of working to see what fits. Together you will decide which methods to use and adjust them as progress is made.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging to match practical needs. Video calls allow face‑to‑face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier if bandwidth is limited or if you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat or messaging can suit quick check‑ins, short coaching-style support or when you need flexibility during a busy day. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while fitting it around work, study and family commitments.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns can Michael help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief as well as ADHD, anger and relationship problems. He also supports people with identity‑related and sexual culture concerns such as BDSM and kink.
What is his general therapy style?
Michael uses a conversational, client‑centred style that prioritises listening and practical steps. Sessions are plain spoken and focus on what the person wants to change.
How much experience does he have?
He has eight years of professional experience working in Australia across a range of mental health and relationship concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
Michael holds PACFA credentialing and practises in Australia.
Which languages and international arrangements apply?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available online?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text‑based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions operate via a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Michael are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Michael where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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