Dr. Freda Shipman, LCSW - Therapist in Virginia

About Freda

Dr. Freda Shipman practices from a client-centered base, helping people untangle stressful life moments and family concerns. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience.

Her work focuses on practical steps parents and families can use to cope, communicate, and move forward. Sessions are straightforward and collaborative, aimed at finding what helps in daily life. She supports people dealing with grief, anxiety, anger, and trauma and abuse.

Background and approach

Relationship and family problems are a central focus, along with parenting challenges and caregiving stress. She also addresses career transitions, money worries, and planning for aging or serious illness. Dr.

Shipman uses a mix of approaches to suit each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps with patterns of thinking and behavior. Solution-Focused Therapy targets small, concrete changes to meet immediate goals.

Internal Family Systems helps people understand inner parts that influence choices. Her experience includes work with hospice and end-of-life concerns, oncology and chronic illness, and caregiver support. She also has background with intellectual disability, autism and Asperger syndrome, and veteran and armed forces issues.

This range informs a practical, flexible way of working. Sessions can include coaching-style conversations, skill-building for stress and anger, and guided talks around family patterns. Dr.

Shipman aims to listen closely, help set clear next steps, and support steady progress over time.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Dr. Shipman blends Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people handle practical problems and strong emotions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a respectful relationship so people feel heard and valued; it helps when someone needs support sorting feelings and choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete skills for managing anxiety, stress, anger, or unhelpful thinking patterns.

She also uses Solution-Focused techniques to set small, achievable goals and Motivational Interviewing to support readiness for change. Choosing the right mix is a collaborative process - the therapist will discuss options, try approaches that match the client's goals, and adjust plans based on what is working. This shared planning helps keep sessions focused and practical.

Online therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make participation easier around family schedules and work. These formats let people connect from home, follow up between sessions with messages, and pick the communication style that fits their comfort level. The goal is to make therapy flexible and accessible while focusing on steps that improve daily life.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

Focus areas include grief, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, parenting, trauma and abuse, anger, career and coping with life changes.

What is the overall therapy style and approach?

The work is collaborative and client-centered, using practical methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems to meet specific goals.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

She brings 25 years of experience in clinical settings, with a background that includes hospice care, oncology support, caregiver stress, and family-focused work.

Which credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

The therapist is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with NC LCSW C000765 and VA LCSW 0904017153, based in Virginia.

Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

Therapy is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.

How are costs and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Grief
Self esteem
Career difficulties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 25 years
Licensed: North Carolina, Virginia
Languages: English

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