Annika Schaefer
Counselling
For over 20 years, I’ve been dedicated to helping others navigate life’s challenges and crises, offering fresh perspectives and support. My passion for understanding the intricacies of human nature drives me in this work, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they navigate challenging seasons. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive. I support individuals through a range of challenges, including traumatic experiences, posttraumatic stress injuries, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and stress.
My core belief is to meet you where you are, with the goal of building a meaningful and authentic connection. I approach therapy with positivity, openness, and genuine care, and aim to create a space where you feel respected, heard, and supported - regardless of your background. I value transparency and strive to balance direct communication with humour, thought provoking questions, and empathy in our sessions.
My commitment is to foster a trusting and accepting relationship where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences as we work toward healing and I believe that the strength of the client-counsellor relationship is key for exploring and addressing your concerns. Collaboration is central to my approach, as we develop strategies tailored to your individual needs, with the ultimate goal to promote deeper insight, enhance your sense of purpose, and diminish symptoms to facilitate growth, healthier functioning, and healing.
In addition to my person-centered and holistic approach, I am trained and integrate various therapeutic modalities to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client. These include Polyvagal Theory, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and mindfulness, depending on your individual preferences, needs, and goals.
When I am not in the counselling room, I enjoy spending time with my family, connecting with my community, gardening, and cooking. I love the outdoors and enjoy extended walks in our beautiful city of St. Albert, the mountains, or at the ocean and capture nature’s beauty with my camera along the way.
