Dr. Freda Shipman
Compassionate, pragmatic psychotherapy for life transitions
LCSW Virginia
- Experience
- 25 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Grief, Self esteem, Career
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
- Languages
- English
About Freda
Dr. Freda Shipman brings a practical, evidence-informed focus to her psychotherapy work, blending cognitive behavioral techniques with client-centered collaboration to help people address a wide range of life challenges.
Background and approach
With 25 years of clinical experience as an LCSW, she emphasizes identifying patterns of thought and behavior while honoring each person’s individual story and strengths. Her practice addresses grief, anxiety, stress, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, anger, parenting, career transitions, and coping with life changes.
She also has experience with aging and geriatric issues, caregiving stress, cancer and hospice-related concerns, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and financial or vocational stressors. Dr.
Shipman draws on motivational interviewing and solution-focused strategies to support goal setting and forward movement. Known for a warm, respectful, and collaborative style, she aims to tailor interventions to fit each client’s needs and circumstances.
She supports people working through transitions, processing loss, and building practical skills for emotional regulation and improved communication. Dr.
Shipman welcomes committed clients who want a structured yet empathetic approach to growth and problem solving in therapy.
Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing practical ways to change behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and stress. It is often used for mood concerns, anxiety, coping with life transitions, and problem solving. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, creating space for people to explore their own goals and values while the therapist offers support and validation.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Shipman works with clients to blend methods that match individual goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting techniques over time as needs evolve. This helps ensure that therapy remains relevant and directed toward the changes a person wants to make.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapeutic work into busy schedules or when in-person visits are difficult. These formats can support ongoing skill building, timely check-ins, and consistent progress while accommodating different communication styles and logistical needs.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Licensed
North Carolina, Virginia
Languages
English