Michael Spackman, PACFA
Practical support for life in transition
Continue with Michael
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- Direct and supportive
- Skills and coaching
- Focus on midlife concerns
About Michael
Michael Spackman welcomes people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or ready for change. He aims to make the first step easier by listening without judgment and helping people work out what matters to them. Michael is straightforward and supportive when life feels heavy or confusing.
He uses clear, practical ways of working. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on small changes that make a real difference day to day. Michael helps with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, trauma, ADHD and questions about identity including LGBT matters.
Michael has eight years of professional experience and holds PACFA credentials. He encourages people to speak about painful memories and current struggles at a pace that feels manageable. That approach helps when processing trauma or difficult relationships.
Sessions are collaborative and aim to build skills people can use outside the room. Michael draws on a mix of strategies to help with thinking patterns, emotional regulation and clearer communication. He also offers coaching-style support for people wanting practical changes in work or relationships.
People who book can expect a calm, down-to-earth tone and practical steps to try between sessions. Michael supports people through bereavement, family tension, chronic health challenges and questions about commitment and attachment. He invites clients to start with what feels most urgent and then work towards longer term goals.
He uses clear, practical ways of working. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on small changes that make a real difference day to day. Michael helps with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, trauma, ADHD and questions about identity including LGBT matters.
Michael has eight years of professional experience and holds PACFA credentials. He encourages people to speak about painful memories and current struggles at a pace that feels manageable. That approach helps when processing trauma or difficult relationships.
Sessions are collaborative and aim to build skills people can use outside the room. Michael draws on a mix of strategies to help with thinking patterns, emotional regulation and clearer communication. He also offers coaching-style support for people wanting practical changes in work or relationships.
People who book can expect a calm, down-to-earth tone and practical steps to try between sessions. Michael supports people through bereavement, family tension, chronic health challenges and questions about commitment and attachment. He invites clients to start with what feels most urgent and then work towards longer term goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English
Approaches that translate to online support
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and take steps that align with their values. It is useful when someone feels stuck or unsure what matters most. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in relationships and how early experiences shape current connections, which can help with commitment concerns and attachment issues. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises a respectful, non-judgemental conversation where the client leads topics and pace, supporting those working through grief or identity questions.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael treats this as a shared process and will discuss which methods fit a person's aims and style. He draws on different tools to match goals, whether the priority is symptom relief, clearer communication or practical life changes.
The practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions into busy days and reducing travel time so work or caregiving routines are easier to manage. Some people prefer shorter check-ins when life is hectic, or sessions without video when bandwidth is limited. The biography does not specify exact session formats, so confirm current session options before booking. An initial matching questionnaire and scheduling step are used to arrange sessions that suit each person.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this counsellor help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and related concerns. The profile also lists ADHD, anger, family issues and LGBT matters among areas he addresses.
What is his general approach to therapy?
He uses a collaborative, practical style that focuses on current problems and small, sustainable changes. Conversations aim to be non-judgemental and paced to the client's needs.
How much experience does he have?
He has eight years of professional experience working with people across a range of concerns including trauma, grief and family conflict.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is listed with PACFA and is based in Australia.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.