🌿 Supporting Mental Health in Our St. Albert Community

I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be at this year’s St. Albert Lifestyle Expo!

Mental health belongs in our everyday spaces. It touches every part of our lives—from how we parent and work to how we show up in our relationships. Stop by my booth at Servus Credit Union Place to:

✨ Chat in a relaxed, no-pressure environment
🌱 Explore my Mental Health Toolkit and practical “takeaway tools”
🤝 Simply say hello and share what wellness means to you

Community wellness starts with open conversation, and I’m honoured to be a part of that. Let’s work together to create more space for healing in our community.

📅 April 17–19
📍 Servus Credit Union Place | Booth #357

I look forward to connecting with you there! 🌿

—Annika

Step Outside and Connect

Join no-cost guided walks focused on mental health, connection, and gentle movement by the river.

Welcome to Riverbend Connections

Beginning in May 2026, Schaefer Counselling Services is delighted to offer Riverbend Connections — no-cost community walks centred on conversations about mental health, connection, and wellbeing.

Set along the Sturgeon River, these guided walks invite participants to slow down, move gently, and engage in meaningful conversation. Each walk lasts approximately 45–60 minutes, allowing time to connect, ask questions, and explore common mental health and wellness topics in a calm, nature-inspired environment. Participants are welcome to join for one walk or many—whatever feels right for them.

2026 Walk Schedule

We gather on the second Thursday of every month. Our current scheduled time is 3:30 PM, though please note that this timing may evolve in the future based on community needs and seasonal daylight.

  • May 14 (Our First Walk)
  • June 11
  • July 9
  • August 13
  • September 10
  • October 8

How to Join

To ensure a peaceful and connected atmosphere, attendance for each walk is limited to 10 participants. You are welcome to register in the way that feels most comfortable for you:

  • Online Booking: Reserve your spot instantly through my booking portal here: schaefercounsellingservices.janeapp.com. You will find "Riverbend Connections" listed under the Sessions tab. Once you register, please keep an eye out for a confirmation email containing a brief participant agreement and emergency contact form to complete before we meet.

  • Direct Email: Simply send a quick note to annika@schaefercounsellingservices.ca with the date you’d like to attend, and I will personally add you to the list.

Accessibility & Logistics

  • Safety & Participation: Please note that participation in Riverbend Connections is at your own risk. By joining the walk, you acknowledge responsibility for your own physical safety and wellbeing.

  • Age Policy: These walks are intended for an adult audience. Minors are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

  • Inclusivity: Riverbend Connections is inclusive and wheelchair accessible.

  • Weather: If the weather isn’t cooperating, the walk may be rescheduled or moved to an alternate indoor location, and all registered participants will be notified via email.

  • Professional Note: This initiative is community-based and is not a substitute for individual therapy.

To learn more or register, please email: annika@schaefercounsellingservices.ca 

Come as you are and join us for a gentle, reflective walk.

— Annika

Speaking & Community Workshops

I am deeply passionate about equipping communities with the tools and knowledge needed to respond to trauma and stress with compassion, confidence, and care. My public speaking and workshop offerings are a natural extension of my clinical work—grounded in current trauma research, years of clinical experience, and a profound respect for the individuals and organizations who offer support to others.

A Foundation of Experience

Over the years, I have had the privilege of facilitating a wide range of local workshops for support group leaders, helping professionals, and community organizations. These sessions have consistently focused on bridging the gap between clinical theory and practical, everyday application.

Most recently, this work has included specialized intensives on:

  • Trauma-Informed Foundations: Exploring the neurobiology of the nervous system to create safer, more responsive group dynamics within trauma-informed spaces.

  • Holding Space Without Losing Yourself: A reflective framework for helpers to navigate vicarious trauma and burnout while building long-term resilience.

Watching participants over the years move from understanding the "why" of trauma to mastering the "how" of compassionate care continues to drive my work.

Looking Ahead

As I look toward Fall and Winter 2026, I am committed to continue these conversations. I bring a blend of clinical expertise, warmth, and actionable tools to every session, and I would be honoured to tailor content specifically to the unique needs of your group or organization.

Together, we can explore how to foster resilience and a trauma-informed culture within your community. I invite you to connect to discuss how we can support your team’s goals.

—Annika