Wade Bergquist

More About Wade Bergquist

Clinical Interests:

Specializing in behavior/substance compulsion, couples therapy, trauma, and anxiety.

As an experienced psychotherapist, I bring expertise and empathy to my work. With a Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (graduating Cum Laude) and 28+ years of experience in the wellness community, I specialize in addressing behavioral compulsion. I have also completed comprehensive substance counseling coursework, enhancing my knowledge. My experience provides me with profound insights into the challenges of compulsive behaviors.

Additionally, I have received training in the Pragmatic-Experiential Method for Improving Relationships (“The PEX Method”). This approach incorporates recent neurobiology and relationship science advancements, providing practical strategies to strengthen connections. I am deeply passionate about couples therapy because I believe that all mental health begins at home, and a healthy home is rooted in strong relationships among primary caregivers. By fostering healthy connections, we can create a nurturing environment that supports the well-being of everyone involved, ultimately leading to improved mental health for families as a whole.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic theory, which I adapt to meet each client’s unique needs. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment where individuals can explore their challenges, foster self-discovery, and facilitate meaningful change. Whether you are addressing specific issues or seeking personal growth, I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey toward wellness and fulfillment.

Clinical Approach:

Subject: Supporting Your Path to Healing and Personal Growth

Hello Future Clients,

I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share a little about my therapeutic approach, and how I can assist you in navigating your unique journey toward healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

With 28+ years of experience in the field of addiction and a Master’s in Counseling and Psychology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, I specialize in working with individuals struggling with behavioral and substance compulsions, trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges (couples therapy). My work is deeply rooted in supporting people through the complexities of their experiences, whether that’s overcoming addiction, managing anxiety, or improving interpersonal dynamics.

Through years of clinical training, formal education, and direct experience in the field, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of the underlying psychological and neurobiological factors that drive compulsive behaviors—particularly in the realm of substance use. I’ve also pursued extensive coursework in substance counseling, which has enhanced my capacity to assist clients in both their recovery and their broader emotional and psychological growth.

For those seeking to strengthen their intimate relationships (dating or married), I am trained in the Pragmatic-Experiential Method for Improving Relationships (PEX Method). This evidence-based approach integrates cutting-edge research in neurobiology and relationship science, providing practical tools for couples to deepen their emotional connection and improve communication. I believe that the foundation of mental health and emotional well-being begins at home, where healthy, supportive relationships foster stability and resilience for all involved.

With a deep understanding of relationship dynamics, addiction recovery, and personal transformation, I am exceptionally well-equipped to handle all aspects of discernment counseling. Whether couples are struggling with communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, or uncertainty about the future of their relationship, I provide a structured, compassionate space to explore their options. My experience in addiction recovery gives me a unique lens on how personal growth and behavioral patterns influence relationships, while my expertise in couples therapy ensures that both partners feel heard and supported. By helping clients gain clarity on whether to recommit, separate, or continue exploring their path, I guide them toward decisions rooted in self-awareness rather than fear or avoidance.

My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with psychodynamic principles, creating a flexible, client-centered approach that is tailored to your specific needs. Above all, my priority is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your challenges, gain insight into your behaviors, and develop the skills and mindset necessary to create meaningful change.

Whether you are seeking to address a specific mental health challenge, enhance your relationships, or engage in broader personal growth, my goal is to support you in fostering greater self-awareness, healing, and fulfillment.

If you would like to discuss how we can collaborate to address your unique goals and concerns, please reach out. I would be honored to connect and explore how I can best support you on your path.

With compassion,
Wade Bergquist, MA, LPCC Track

Hobbies:

The Road, the Canvas, and the City Lights

Life is best experienced in motion—whether it’s the hum of a finely tuned motorcycle beneath me, the grind of my mountain bike tires over a rugged trail, or the steady rhythm of my steps through the streets of Manhattan on my annual pilgrimage to the city. Each of these moments fuels a different part of me: the thrill-seeker, the thinker, the observer.

The open road calls to me, and my motorcycle is more than just a machine—it’s a companion, a vessel for clarity, a means of escape and return. The same spirit of movement carries over to mountain biking, where every climb and descent mirrors the highs and lows of life, teaching me resilience and the value of hard-earned momentum.

Yet, just as I chase adventure, I also seek stillness. The arts draw me in, whether through music, theater, or a painting that stops me in my tracks. I find stories in brushstrokes and melodies, moments of reflection in galleries and concert halls. It’s the same deep reflection I find in my AA meetings, where honesty, humility, and connection keep me grounded.

At the end of the day, nothing beats time spent with my two dogs, who remind me to embrace joy in the simple things—a familiar routine, a shared moment, an unspoken understanding. And when the mood strikes, I savor the slow ritual of a good cigar, a small indulgence that reminds me to pause and appreciate life’s details.

Each year, I carve out time for Manhattan, a city that never fails to recharge me. Its energy, its history, its endless pulse—it’s a place that reminds me why I keep moving, learning, and growing. Because in the end, life isn’t about staying in one place. It’s about the journey, the stories, and the moments in between.