About Me
Hi, I’m Nicole Niedfeldt — a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and the therapist behind Awakened Path Counseling.
I specialize in 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 a 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.
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.
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 a 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.
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.
Certifications
Master's in Clinical Psychology 2012 - Argosy University, Twin Cities
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) - MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy License # 1541
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): Identifying patterns of unhelpful thinking and learning how to shift them. This might look like exploring your automatic thoughts, challenging self-criticism, or experimenting with new behaviors that align with your values.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Learning how to make space for difficult emotions rather than fighting them. In session, this can look like practicing mindfulness, identifying what truly matters to you, and building small steps toward a more meaningful life — even when things feel hard.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Gaining insight into how past experiences, early relationships, and internalized beliefs may still be influencing your current emotions and behavior. This often includes gentle reflection, deepening awareness, and making sense of patterns that no longer serve you.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Helping you reconnect with the present moment, your body, and your breath — especially when anxiety or overwhelm feels consuming. This may include grounding exercises, guided imagery, or simply slowing down and noticing what’s coming up.
Narrative Therapy: Exploring the stories you’ve been told — and the ones you tell yourself — about who you are, your worth, and what’s possible. Together, we’ll begin to re-author those narratives with compassion, curiosity, and your own voice at the center.
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.
When I’m Not in Session
When I’m not in session, I’m most at ease outside — especially during Minnesota summers. I love camping, gardening, crafting, and starting my mornings with a good cup of coffee on the deck. Some of my favorite moments are the simple ones: watching the animals roam, feeling the sun 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.