ABOUT ME

The person behind Awakened Path Counseling

Hi, I'm Nicole Niedfeldt, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and the heart behind Awakened Path Counseling. I'm drawn to this work because I believe no one should have to carry anxiety, grief, or big life changes alone. My hope is that our time together feels calm, unhurried, and honest, a place where you can slow down, be yourself, and move forward at your own pace.

Who I work With

I specialize working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, and life transitions. I have a particular passion for helping people who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. Whether it’s anxious spiraling, low motivation, or persistent sense of heaviness, I work with individuals who feel trapped in their thoughts and disconnected from themselves — and together, we create space for relief, clarity, and change.

  • Anxiety

    For anxious spiraling, overthinking, and the self-doubt that keeps you stuck in your head.

  • Depression

    For low motivation, emotional numbness, or persistent sense of heaviness.

  • Bipolar Disorder

    Recognizing patterns and steadying the waves when moods shift, with compassionate support.

  • Grief & Loss

    The loss of loves one, and the quieter losses; identity shifts, unfulfilled hopes, and life not going as planned.

  • Life Transitions

    College and early adulthood, entering or leaving relationships, empty nesting, retirement, and new chapters.

  • Infertility, postpartum, & new parents

    Support for women navigating infertility or postpartum shifts, and for new parents.

I also support clients moving through significant life transitions: college students adjusting to adulthood, individuals entering or leaving relationships, women navigating infertility or postpartum shifts, new parents, empty nesters, and retirees seeking meaning in a new chapter. I’m especially drawn to grief work — helping clients process not only the loss of loved ones but the quieter losses that come with identity shifts, unfulfilled hopes, and life not going as planned.

How I work

I believe therapy should feel human, not clinical. I show up as a real person — grounded, curious, compassionate, and sometimes gently humorous — and I create space where your full self is welcome. You don’t have to filter your feelings or shrink your story here. Whether you’re feeling anxious, emotionally numb, overwhelmed, grieving, or just unsure of what you need, we’ll work with that.

Faith, if you’d like it included

For clients who would like their faith included in the therapy process, I provide space to explore how spirituality and Christian beliefs can be a source of strength, hope, and meaning. I don’t lead with theology or scripture, but I respect the importance of faith in healing and welcome it as part of your story if it’s meaningful to you.

My Approach

I use an integrative, evidence-based approach that blends several modalities — each offering different tools and perspectives to support your growth and healing. I also view therapy through a trauma-informed lens, recognizing that our past experiences, even those we don’t always label as trauma, often shape how we see ourselves and relate to the world around us.

In our work together, we may draw from:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Using cognitive restructuring, Socratic questioning, and behavioral activation to notice unhelpful thinking patterns and gently shift them. In conversation, we explore the beliefs underneath your reactions, look at them with curiosity, and try small, practical changes that fit the life you want.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Practicing cognitive defusion, acceptance, and values clarification so you can make room for difficult thoughts and emotions instead of fighting them. Together, we identify what matters most to you and set small, committed actions that move you toward it, even on the days that feel heavy.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    Exploring early relationships, recurring patterns, and the defenses that once kept you safe. Through open-ended reflection and gentle interpretation, we build insight into how the past may be shaping the present, and make space for new ways of relating to yourself and others.

  • Mindfulness-Based Approaches

    Using grounding exercises, breathwork, body scans, and guided imagery to help you come back to the present moment. These skills offer steady ways to calm your nervous system when anxiety or overwhelm feels consuming.

  • Narrative Therapy

    Using externalizing conversations, re-authoring, and exploring unique outcomes to separate you from the problems you face. Together, we notice moments that don't fit the old story and build one that reflects your strengths and values.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    Building practical skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Together, we balance acceptance of where you are right now with steady, compassionate steps toward change.

Above all, therapy with me is collaborative and responsive. We’ll go at your pace, focus on what matters to you, and adapt our approach as your needs evolve. My goal is to create a space that feels steady, supportive, and real — where you can explore, shift, and grow without pressure or pretense.

Experience & Credentials

My clinical experience has taken me through a wide range of settings, from child and adolescent inpatient care to adult intensive outpatient programs and outpatient therapy. These diverse experiences have shaped how I approach therapy — with flexibility, deep respect, and an understanding that healing looks different for everyone.

Master’s in Clinical Psychology
Argosy University, Twin Cities - 2012

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy - License #1541
https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/

Registered Florida Telehealth Provider
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (TLHT) - #TPMC6228
https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/

When I’m Not in Session

When I’m not in session, I’m most at ease outside — especially during Minnesota summers. Ilove camping, gardening, crafting, and starting my mornings with a good cup of coffee on thedeck. Some of my favorite moments are the simple ones: watching the animals roam, feeling thesun on my face, and soaking in the quiet.

I also enjoy spending time on the water — boating, fishing, and taking in the calm that comes with being near the lake. I share my home with my husband, daughter, two dogs, two cats, and a small flock of chickens. Time with them — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a slow evening at home — helps me stay grounded, connected, and present in the work I do.

Ready to Connect?

I know it can be hard to take the first step into therapy — and finding the right provider can feel overwhelming. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, feeling stuck in anxious thoughts, or simply ready for something to shift, you don’t have to do it alone. Therapy offers a space to slow down, feel heard, and begin moving toward the life you want to build.

If this resonates with you, I’d be honored to support you.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can share a bit about what’s going on, ask any questions, and see if it feels like a good fit.

Schedule Your Free Consult →