Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy often comes with questions. This page is here to help you understand what therapy at Bridgework Counseling is like, how to get started, and what to expect along the way.
If you don’t see your question answered here, you’re always welcome to reach out. Nicole is happy to help you decide whether this feels like a good fit.
Getting Started
Is therapy right for me?
Quick answer:
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or tired of handling things alone, therapy may be a helpful next step.
. Many people come to therapy not because something is “wrong,” but because something isn’t working the way it used to. You might notice patterns you want to change, emotions that feel harder to manage, or stress that’s starting to affect your relationships, work, or sense of self. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole works collaboratively with you to explore what’s going on and decide together whether therapy feels like a good fit for your goals and needs.
What is your approach to therapy?
Quick answer:
Therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to you.
. Nicole takes an integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, mindfulness-based approaches, acceptance and values-based work, and relational therapy. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, sessions are shaped by your goals, nervous system responses, and what feels most supportive at each stage of your work together.
What kinds of concerns do you help with?
Quick answer:
Nicole works with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, burnout, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
. At Bridgework Counseling, support is available for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, chronic stress, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss (including non-death losses), emotional overwhelm, burnout, relationship and communication challenges, identity exploration, and feeling “stuck.” Therapy is not limited to diagnoses. Nicole focuses on understanding your lived experience and tailoring support to what you’re navigating right now.
What if I’m not sure what I want to work on?
Quick answer:
That’s completely okay! Many people start therapy feeling unsure.
. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Part of the process at Bridgework Counseling is slowing down, getting curious, and making sense of what you’re experiencing together. Nicole helps clients clarify goals over time, at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
Quick answer:
No. A diagnosis is not required to begin therapy.
. Many clients seek therapy for personal growth, stress, relationship challenges, or emotional patterns they want to understand better. While diagnoses can be helpful in some situations (such as for insurance or treatment planning), therapy at Bridgework Counseling is centered on your experiences, goals, and strengths, not on labeling.
What if therapy hasn’t helped me in the past?
Quick answer:
A past experience doesn’t mean therapy won’t help now.
. There are many reasons therapy may not have felt helpful before: timing, fit, approach, or what you were ready for at the time. Nicole invites open conversations about past experiences with therapy and works collaboratively to adjust pace, style, and focus so therapy feels more aligned and effective for you now.
What ages do you work with?
Quick answer:
Nicole works with children, adolescents, and adults, starting at age 6.
. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole provides therapy for clients ages 6 and up, including children, teens, and adults. Sessions are developmentally appropriate and tailored to each stage of life, whether that means supporting emotional regulation and coping skills in childhood, navigating identity and relationships in adolescence, or addressing stress, trauma, grief, and life transitions in adulthood. If you’re unsure whether therapy would be a good fit for you or your child, Nicole is happy to talk through options and next steps.
How do I know if Bridgework Counseling is a good fit for me?
Quick answer:
The therapeutic relationship matters and it’s okay to take your time deciding.
. Feeling comfortable, respected, and understood is essential for therapy to be effective. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole prioritizes transparency, collaboration, and a nonjudgmental space. If you have questions or want to learn more before scheduling, you’re encouraged to schedule a free initial consultation. Finding the right fit is part of the process.
What Therapy Is Like
What happens in a typical session?
Quick answer:
Each session is a safe, collaborative space where Nicole helps you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences while working toward your goals.
. Sessions at Bridgework Counseling usually last about 50 minutes. Nicole begins by checking in on how you’ve been feeling since your last visit, and then you collaboratively decide what to focus on in the session. Therapy may include talking through challenges, learning and practicing skills, exploring thoughts and emotions, or trying evidence-based exercises such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, or EMDR. Each session is tailored to your needs, pace, and goals, creating a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
How long will therapy take?
Quick answer:
The length of therapy depends on your goals and needs.
. Some clients come for short-term support, such as a few months to develop coping skills or navigate a life transition. Others engage in longer-term work to address deeper patterns, trauma, or ongoing challenges. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole regularly checks in about progress and goals, so therapy evolves to match your journey rather than following a rigid timeline.
How often will I need to come to therapy?
Quick answer:
Most clients start with weekly sessions, though frequency can be adjusted based on your needs.
. Weekly sessions are common because they help maintain momentum and support skill-building between visits. Some clients benefit from every-other-week sessions or short-term check-ins after initial work. Nicole works with you to create a schedule that feels sustainable and effective for your goals, and this can change over time as your needs evolve.
Will I have to talk about everything right away?
Quick answer:
No, therapy is always paced to your comfort and readiness.
. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole respects that opening up takes time. You decide what to share and when, and therapy unfolds at a pace that feels safe and supportive. Gradual exploration allows you to process experiences more effectively and build trust in the therapeutic relationship.
Will I be asked to do homework?
Quick answer:
Sometimes, yes, but it’s always practical and meaningful.
. Homework or between-session practice is a way to apply what you explore in therapy to real-life situations. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole only assigns exercises that are relevant and manageable, such as mindfulness practices, thought-tracking, or small behavior experiments. These activities are collaborative and designed to support your growth, not to feel like extra pressure.
How do I know if therapy is working?
Quick answer:
You’ll often notice small changes in how you think, feel, or handle stress before bigger changes occur.
. Progress in therapy can show up as improved emotional regulation, clearer communication, reduced anxiety, or greater self-understanding. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole regularly reviews goals and progress with you, adjusting techniques or focus areas as needed. Therapy is a collaborative process, so your feedback is always central to determining whether it’s helping.
What if I feel uncomfortable or stuck in therapy?
Quick answer:
Feeling stuck or uncomfortable is normal and part of the counseling process.
. Therapy often brings up emotions, memories, or challenges that feel uncomfortable. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole encourages open conversations about these moments. Sharing what feels difficult or confusing allows you to explore it safely, adjust strategies, and gain insight. Feeling stuck does not mean therapy isn’t working. It can be an important part of growth.
Fees, Insurance, & Scheduling
How much does therapy cost at Bridgework Counseling?
Quick answer:
Fees depend on the type of session you’re scheduling, with specific rates for intake, individual, couples, and family therapy.
. At Bridgework Counseling, Nicole strives to make therapy accessible while providing expert care. Current rates are posted on the Rates & Insurance page and include an intake and assessment fee and session fees for different formats, such as individual, couples, or family therapy. Fees may vary if you’re using insurance because your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan’s benefits, co-pays, deductibles, and coverage limits. You also have the option to pay out of pocket and request a “superbill” to file for reimbursement with your insurance company.
Where are sessions held?
Quick answer:
Sessions are held in Nicole’s office in Baxter, MN, or virtual sessions are available for those not in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
. Bridgework Counseling offers in-person sessions at our Baxter location, designed to be private, comfortable, and welcoming. Depending on your needs and preference, Nicole also offers telehealth (video) sessions. This allows you to access therapy from home or another private, safe space, making it easier to fit counseling into your schedule.
Do you accept insurance?
Quick answer:
Yes. Bridgework Counseling is in-network with some insurance plans and can support out-of-network reimbursement as well.
. Bridgework Counseling is currently in-network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBSMN) and Blue Plus (Blue Cross), Medica, UCare, United Healthcare, Allina Health Network and Aetna plans, and continues to pursue contracts with additional insurers. If your plan isn’t in-network, Nicole can provide a superbill (an itemized invoice you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement for out-of-network benefits). We encourage you to contact your insurance member services before your first session to understand your mental health benefits, including whether therapy is covered, what deductibles/co-pays may apply, and what your expected out-of-pocket costs would be.
How do I schedule a session?
Quick answer:
You can schedule a session online or by contacting Nicole directly.
. To start, your initial 15-minute consultation can be scheduled online through the Bridgework Counseling website. Once you become a client, you’ll have access to a secure portal through Nicole’s EHR system where you can schedule future sessions if you prefer. Most clients schedule their next appointment at the end of each session or set up a standing day and time that recurs automatically. This approach keeps scheduling simple and consistent, while allowing flexibility to adjust as needed.
What payment methods do you accept?
Quick answer:
You can pay with debit or credit card, HSA, or FSA card.
. Bridgework Counseling accepts payment by debit or credit card, as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. Before your first session, you’ll set up a secure card-on-file for automatic payment arrangements. This helps ensure smooth billing after each session. If you have questions about payment options, feel free to reach out. Nicole is happy to help you understand your choices.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
Quick answer:
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice when possible.
. At Bridgework Counseling, we ask for 24 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule or cancel a session. This allows us to offer the time to another client. Late cancellations or missed sessions without notice may be billed at the full session rate. If scheduling is a challenge, Nicole can help you explore options to make sessions more manageable.
Do you offer a consultation before starting therapy?
Quick answer:
Yes. A free 15‑minute initial consultation is available.
. To help you determine if Bridgework Counseling feels like a good fit, Nicole offers a free 15‑minute consultation. This quick conversation lets you share what brings you to therapy, ask questions, and see whether working together feels comfortable before scheduling your first full session.
Policies, Confidentiality & Safety
What happens if I’m worried about my safety or someone else’s?
Quick answer:
Your safety and well-being come first, and Nicole will work with you to determine next steps.
. If concerns about safety come up in therapy, Nicole’s goal is to support you while also meeting legal and ethical responsibilities. This may include creating a safety plan together, identifying support people, or connecting you with additional resources. Whenever possible, Nicole will involve you in these conversations so you understand what is happening and why.
Do you offer crisis services?
Quick answer:
No. Bridgework Counseling is not a crisis or emergency service.
. Nicole provides outpatient therapy and is not available for crisis response outside of scheduled sessions. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact a local crisis line. Nicole can help you identify appropriate crisis resources during regular sessions so you know where to turn if urgent support is needed.
What if I have questions about policies or boundaries?
Quick answer:
You are always welcome to ask questions.
. Therapy works best when expectations are clear. Nicole encourages clients to ask questions about policies, boundaries, confidentiality, or anything else that feels unclear. These conversations are part of building trust and creating a therapy experience that feels safe, respectful, and collaborative.
How are my records and information kept secure?
Quick answer:
Your information is stored securely using a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record system.
. Bridgework Counseling uses a secure, HIPAA-compliant electronic health record system to store notes, billing information, and communication. This helps protect your privacy and ensures your information is handled responsibly. Nicole takes confidentiality and data security seriously and follows professional standards to safeguard your records.
Is therapy confidential?
Quick answer:
Yes. What you share in therapy is private, with a few legal and safety-related exceptions.
. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy at Bridgework Counseling. Nicole keeps what you share private and protected under state and federal laws. There are a few limits to confidentiality, which include situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, or when records are legally required by a court. These limits are reviewed before your first session so you know exactly what to expect.