Ann Schaefer, LCSW

Ann Schaefer is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Oregon with 20 years of experience. She focuses on relationship struggles, grief and loss, parenting concerns, depression, and ADHD. Her work also addresses aging and geriatric issues, cancer-related challenges, caregiver stress, and hospice and end-of-life counseling.

She aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where people can speak honestly about their thoughts and feelings. Sessions emphasize clear conversation and practical steps rather than clinical jargon. Ann encourages small, manageable changes that can make daily life easier for people under strain.

Her approach centers on listening first, then helping people identify priorities and options. She supports caregivers who are balancing responsibilities and emotional strain. For parents, she focuses on problem solving and realistic strategies that fit family life.

When grief or loss is present, she offers steady guidance through the immediate and longer-term challenges. For mood concerns such as depression, Ann works on routines, coping skills, and ways to reconnect with meaningful activity. For those with ADHD, sessions can include structure, planning, and strategies to reduce overwhelm.

She invites people to take the first step even when it feels hard. The initial session can clarify goals and next steps. Ann partners with each person to build a plan that matches their situation and energy level.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Online Support

Ann uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions toward practical change. For grief work she focuses on helping people make sense of loss, build routines that support daily life, and find ways to mark and remember what matters. For depression she emphasizes behavioral approaches that restore small, manageable activity and improve mood through routine and goal setting.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to identify which techniques fit their goals, needs, and energy level. This means trying ideas, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together over time.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow check-ins during a work break or between appointments. Different formats can also support those who prefer shorter check-ins or who need less time on video; discuss what will work best when you schedule your first session.