Meet Nicole Zegiestowsky, M.S.
Hello, my name is Nicole (she/her)!
In case you are wondering: My last name is pronounced phonetically as: “Zig-eh-Tau-ski.”
My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, humanistic, feminist. and emotion-focused.
I actively incorporate our relationship, the “therapeutic alliance,” into sessions which may look like:
checking in on how a moment felt to you,
asking questions like, “Do you feel I am understanding what you’re going through?”
connecting through humor
I use what is called the, "biopsychosocial model," which highlights a person’s physical health, psychological health, and social health.
Social health refers to the influence of relationships, religion, faith, economic status, culture, and social/systemic stressors (such as racism, sexism, discrimination, oppression, or misogynoir) on a person’s health and well-being.
Our work will incorporate what does matter to you and ditch what does not matter to you.
Prior to private practice, I have provided outpatient and residential psychotherapy services to children, teens, adults, seniors, couples, and families through community mental health, interdisciplinary primary care, and tribal health agencies.
I'm originally from the east coast and moved to Alaska in 2016. I love life in Alaska and cannot imagine living elsewhere!
In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, paddling, foraging, fishing, playing instruments (piano and viola), birding, or spending time with my pets.
If you believe we may be a good fit together, I can't wait to hear from you.
Keep scrolling to read more about my qualifications and training ("the boring stuff")
Mental Health Awareness: Seasonal Depression
Accepting New Clients: Improve Sleep Quality for Adults
5 Things to Consider When Searching for a New Therapist
Trainings & Qualifications
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, along with undergraduate degrees in psychology from Alaska Pacific University and Montgomery County Community College.
Click here to see which evidence-based treatments and modalities I use in psychotherapy sessions.
I am a pre-licensed psychotherapist, which means I am pursuing my LPC in Alaska under the supervision of Psychologist and board approved supervisor, Dr. Hannah Ekstrom (License #125200, #196093).
If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to call me today and learn more.
I was fortunate to have served as a 2019-2020 LEND Fellow (Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) through the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development.
This fellowship provided experience and training specific to clients who have developmental disabilities (such as Autism or ADHD) and/or dual diagnoses.
Starting Therapy is Hard.
Are you questioning "everything" following a new health diagnosis? Or, has chronic illness been impacting your mental health, relationships, or work-life balance?
Has the hobby which once brought you joy no longer giving you that spark?
Do you wake up feeling exhausted, or do your thoughts feel out of control?
No matter what you are going through, you deserve to feel joy and find meaning in your life.
The treatment modalities I use the most in my clinical work are:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Emotion-Focused Therapy,
and Somatic Therapy