Step Outside and Connect

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

Registration is Closed - Thank you, St. Albert, for a meaningful time connecting during our walks! 

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 - Full

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, grief, 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-informed practice, clinical experience, and a profound respect for the individuals and organizations who support others.

A Foundation of Experience

Over the years, I have had the privilege of facilitating workshops and presentations for support group leaders, helping professionals, and community organizations. These sessions focus on bridging the gap between clinical theory and practical, everyday application—giving participants knowledge and tools they can carry into their work, relationships, and communities.

My community education work has included topics such as:

  • Trauma-Informed Foundations: Exploring the neurobiology of the nervous system and practical ways to create safer, more responsive group dynamics within trauma-informed spaces.
  • Holding Space Without Losing Yourself: A reflective framework for helpers navigating vicarious trauma and burnout while building sustainable resilience.

Most recently, I facilitated Holding Space for Grief: Practical Ways to Support Someone You Care About Through Loss for the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA), hosted by the St. Albert Public Library. The session explored what grief can look like, the words and actions that can be supportive, and how we can continue showing up for someone beyond the first few weeks of a loss.

Watching participants move from understanding the “why” of trauma, grief, and stress toward feeling more confident in the “how” of compassionate support continues to drive this work.

Looking Ahead

As I look toward Spring and Fall 2027, I am excited to continue these conversations through upcoming speaking and workshop opportunities.

I bring a blend of clinical expertise, warmth, and practical tools to every session, with content that can be tailored to the unique needs of your group, organization, or community.

Together, we can explore how to build greater understanding, resilience, and trauma-informed care within your community.

I invite you to connect to discuss how I can support your team’s learning and community engagement goals.

—Annika