Gayle Nausks Founder of Nauska Counseling
Gayle Nauska
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Independent Practice in Anchorage, Alaska.
I work with adults, primarily using individual counseling.
My areas of expertise are: substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, sexual abuse, spiritual issues, health issues/chronic conditions, caregiver stress, and families with special needs children.
Although I have learned a lot from professional schooling, I consider my main teachers to have been life experience and my clients over the years.
Education
Graduate Counselor Certificate - University of Alaska,
Anchorage, 2010
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Native Ministries - Vancouver School of Theology, 2009 (British Columbia)
Masters of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology - University of LaVerne (Anchorage), 1993
In addition to being in Private Practice, I am an ordained Episcopal Priest, and serve as an Associate Minister at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Anchorage.
Certified in EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). It is a very empowering, effective, and efficient approach to working with trauma.
Why I do what I do
I find people to be fascinating. I have met such courageous and resilient people as my clients. Often they mainly need someone to walk with them through the difficult paths. Other times, they need some tools on how to manage a situation. It is an honor and privilege to be able to walk with people through some of the worst times of their lives.
Personal
I am a widow, and have been adopted by the Raven moiety. The drum in my office (logo) shows my Tlingit name, which means 'helping hand'.
In addition to my work in the office, at times I am called to go to Work Sites as a Grief Specialist. I also teach classes for RADACT (Regional Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselor Training)
I am originally from the Midwest, but my family kept moving west from college campus to college campus as my father taught. I have been in Anchorage since 1974, and am very fortunate that my parents and siblings (and off spring) still live in Anchorage. I enjoy traveling, but cannot see myself living anywhere else than Alaska. My children have four legs and are hairy. I often bring my dog, Sasha to the office.
Growing up with two special needs brothers (one is now deceased), I have an understanding of how the family is affected. Did you know that the majority of siblings who have a special needs sibling will go into the helping professions?
Hobbies
I have recently discovered quilting, and am a beginner at beading. I am a singer; love reading; and going for walks with Sasha. I have a special needs brother who is an awesome athlete in Special Olympics. In the Summer, I am his partner in Bocce with the Unified Sports team. My family has been very involved in Special Olympics for many years.