Wade Bergquist

More About Wade

Who I Am and How I Work

I specialize in behavioral and substance addictions, couples therapy, trauma, anxiety, and stress for adults aged 21 and older, both male and female. With nearly three decades of experience in the recovery community and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (Magna Cum Laude), my work is grounded in lived experience, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to helping people create meaningful change.

Addiction isn’t simply a matter of willpower—it’s driven by patterns deeply wired into the brain and nervous system. Through extensive clinical training in substance addiction and compulsive behaviors, I offer a clear, informed perspective to help clients identify what’s fueling their actions and guide them toward lasting transformation. My approach is honest, structured, and tailored to each individual. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—just real, collaborative work.

In couples therapy, I utilize Pragmatic-Experiential Therapy for Couples (PET-C), a direct yet emotionally attuned approach grounded in the science of attachment, neurobiology, and relational accountability. PET-C rests on a key principle: relationship breakdowns are a shared, 50/50 dynamic. This means no finger-pointing—only a willingness to reflect honestly and grow. When we work together, expect to be challenged with compassion. Blame and excuses won’t move the needle—ownership will.

Whether you’re facing addiction, relationship challenges, or internal struggles, I provide a safe, honest space rooted in empathy and accountability. My therapeutic framework integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic theory, and practical recovery wisdom—combining insight with action. We will explore what you can control and what you cannot, ensuring you critically examine your thoughts. The last thing I want is for you to navigate life believing untrue thoughts. After all, the greatest harm often comes from unquestioned beliefs.

I’m also trained in discernment counseling, guiding couples at critical crossroads to decide whether to repair, separate, or remain in uncertainty—always with clarity, mutual respect, and steady support.

If you’re ready to do the work, I’m here for it. I believe in growth. I believe in healing. And I believe you don’t have to do it alone.

What to Expect in Therapy

Therapy with me isn’t passive—it’s an active, collaborative process. I offer a space that is safe, direct, and judgment-free—where you can be honest, even about the things that feel hardest to say out loud.

This work is tailored to you—your challenges, your patterns, your goals. It’s not about fixing you; it’s about helping you see clearly, feel deeply, and grow into the person you’re meant to be.

Whether you’re looking for relief from something specific or you’re ready to dig deep and transform your life, I’ll meet you there—with compassion, clarity, and a steady presence you can count on.

This isn’t surface-level work. But if you’re ready to face yourself and take real steps forward, I’m here—and honored to walk with you. FYI…research strongly suggests that humans are not optimally equipped to heal from pain in isolation.

Neglecting your mental health is a lot like skipping dental checkups. You might get by for a while with daily maintenance—like journaling, exercising, or meditating—but just as brushing and flossing can’t remove built-up plaque, personal efforts alone may not address deeper emotional patterns or unresolved stress. Over time, what’s ignored can lead to more significant issues—whether it’s a cavity or a crisis.

Mental health professionals, much like dental professionals, are trained to spot underlying concerns early, provide preventative care, and support long-term well-being. Just as we accept the importance of routine dental visits to maintain a healthy smile, regular mental health care plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy mind.

Outside the Office: Life in Motion

I find clarity and joy in movement—whether riding my motorcycle, mountain biking rugged trails, or walking the streets of Manhattan during my annual getaway to the NYC. These rhythms mirror the emotional highs and lows I help clients navigate in therapy: full of challenge, exhilaration, and growth.

The arts also ground me. Music, theater, and visual storytelling connect me to the deeper human experience—the same kind of honest reflection I find in AA meetings, where humility and connection guide my own continued healing.

At home, my two dogs remind me to slow down and savor life’s simple joys. And when the moment calls for stillness, I enjoy a cigar or pipe—an intentional ritual of reflection, presence, and appreciation.​