Hi, I’m Andrea Schaefer! I am so glad you have decided to take the first step in helping yourself through seeking therapy! I am a student intern at Lighthouse Counseling Service as I work to complete my master’s degree in professional counseling from Concordia University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and was a teacher for six years before switching careers to work in the mental health field.

Most recently, I spent the last three years working at a residential mental health facility, allowing me to serve people with a range of backgrounds, diagnoses, and needs. This position allowed me to work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, and trauma. I have used cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) modes of therapy, but I also like to use a person-centered approach, tailoring the therapeutic process to each client’s needs.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples who need help with depression, anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, ADHD, grief, and trauma. 

I hope to walk with you through life’s journey, providing a safe, ethical, and empathic space for you to make effective changes. I value creating a space for you to be yourself, share your story, and gain insights on how to make effective changes in your life.