Hidden Gems: Meet Annika Papke of Hope for Tomorrow Counseling, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annika Papke.

Hi Annika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to help others, I just wasn’t sure what form that would take. Psychology clicked for me in college, and after earning my B.A. in Psychology at the University of Michigan, I moved to Colorado to trade the grey Midwest skies for sunshine and mountains. My early career began at a residential treatment facility for children from abusive homes, and through this experience my passion for learning and supporting others grew stronger.

I went on to earn my M.A. in Counseling from Regis University and gained experience across the spectrum of substance abuse treatment, from detox to residential care. By 2012, I knew I wanted to expand the population I could work with and create a more meaningful impact, so I founded Hope for Tomorrow Counseling, LLC. In the beginning, I followed the path of many therapists and had a general practice that was happy to work with anyone that wanted help. Then in 2014, I became pregnant with my son and everything changed.

Despite being a therapist trained to support others through anxiety and depression, I found myself overwhelmed with fear, panic, and uncertainty. I had known about postpartum depression and that it happened after the baby was born, but I had no idea that anxiety during pregnancy was a thing. Like a lot of moms, I turned to Dr. Google and eventually discovered that pregnancy anxiety is real and way more common than I would have thought (1 in 5 women experience this). Learning that my experience had a name, wasn’t my fault, and was treatable, gave me hope and ultimately set me on a new path. After the hormones settled, I began the certification program through Postpartum Support International (PSI) and received my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C).

I started to share my experience of pregnancy anxiety and postpartum depression and realized that several women I knew had also gone through this, didn’t know what resources were available, and also felt alone like I had. From that point forward, my path was clear–I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to this work and to hold hope for moms when they can’t hold it for themselves.

Today, I provide a space where clients feel seen, safe and understood. My goal is not to ‘fix’ them, but to walk alongside them, hold space for the hard stuff, shed light on the scary thoughts, normalize the experience, and offer sparks of hope until their own light grows strong again.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a private practice therapy business is no joke—it has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect and taught me just how strong and resilient I can be. One of the biggest challenges hasn’t been the clinical work or the logistics, but rather navigating the self-doubt that can come with stepping into something new. Like many parents and professionals, I’ve had moments of questioning whether I’m “enough” or worrying about the what-ifs. Instead of seeing this as a weakness, I’ve come to recognize it as part of growth—and as something that connects me more deeply to the clients I serve.

Because I’ve been there, I understand what it’s like to wrestle with uncertainty while still moving forward. My certification in perinatal mental health, combined with my lived experience, allows me to offer both professional expertise and personal understanding for concerns ranging from pregnancy anxiety to postpartum depression. When a pregnant person or new mom seeks help, I want them to know I truly get it—not just from textbooks, but from real life.

Putting myself out there has required courage, but those moments of vulnerability have also been the biggest catalysts for growth. They’ve taught me what it means to show up bravely, to share honestly, and to hold hope even when things feel heavy. That’s exactly the space I aim to create for my clients: one where they feel less alone, more understood, and empowered to find their own strength.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hope for Tomorrow Counseling, LLC specializes in perinatal and postpartum maternal mental health. I work with women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, as well as those navigating the identity shifts that often come with pregnancy and new motherhood. This work is more than a specialty—it’s my purpose. My approach is person-centered and authentic; I keep it real, sometimes use humor or storytelling, and always focus on offering feedback and practical coping skills so my clients leave each session with something they can use.

I’m proud of my ability to blend professional expertise with lived experience as a mom. While therapists are often taught to keep a certain distance, I’ve found that relating to clients about the realities of motherhood—like summer break chaos, shifting sleep schedules, or picky eaters—creates deeper connection and understanding. My clients appreciate that I not only validate their struggles but also share in the realities of what it means to juggle life as a mom.

Above all, I want people to know: You are not alone. Family planning, pregnancy, and parenthood can feel isolating, and asking for help is not always easy. If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety or depression during pregnancy or postpartum, please know that support is available. Every birthing person deserves to feel well, seen, and able to experience joy in the journey.

Any big plans?
I’m super stoked to start offering Mom Rage Room groups at a local mom-owned rage room. Mom rage is real—and yet, most of us are taught not to talk about it, even with other moms, because “what will they think?” The truth is, it’s normal, it’s human, and you’re not the only one feeling it.

So, what better way to let that sh!t out than with a group of mamas who totally get it and are just as rageful?? These groups aren’t just about smashing things (though that part is awesome)—they’re also about laughing, connecting, and realizing you’re not alone in the harder sides of motherhood.

Updates for the group will be on my website, so if you’re curious, keep an eye out. I’d love for you to join us and see what it’s like to release the pressure and walk away feeling lighter.

Pricing:

• $175 – Individual Therapy Session
• Prices vary for group sessions

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.havehopecounseling.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Annika.Papke.LPC/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-papke-lpc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnikaPapke