Dr. Freda Shipman, LCSW

Dr. Freda Shipman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience helping people navigate major life transitions. She focuses on practical support for stress, anxiety, grief, and anger, and on issues that come with aging and changes in health. Her style is warm, respectful, and collaborative. In session she listens carefully and helps people identify strengths they can use right away. She uses straightforward approaches to set small, achievable goals and to address day-to-day problems like sleep disruption, worry, and family conflict. Sessions often include problem-solving and talking through what matters most to the individual. Her background includes long work with caregiver stress, hospice and end-of-life counseling, and cancer-related challenges. She also brings experience with autism and intellectual disability, financial stress, and veteran-related concerns. That range informs how she tailors practical next steps for each person. Dr. Shipman combines client-centered conversations with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused strategies. She also draws on motivational interviewing and Internal Family Systems concepts when they fit a person’s needs. The aim is to make therapy useful and relevant to everyday life. People who come for help with career shifts, retirement adjustment, parenting strain, or chronic illness can expect clear, respectful guidance. Sessions emphasize coping skills, communication practice, and planning for concrete changes. Dr. Shipman encourages collaborative work so people leave session with something to try before the next meeting.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person’s experience. The therapist follows the client’s lead, reflects what they say, and helps them identify strengths and values to guide change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it is useful for anxiety, stress, and mood changes. Motivational Interviewing helps people clarify their goals and build motivation for change through gentle, goal-focused conversation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then adapt methods to fit those needs. That collaborative process can include trying different techniques and checking in on progress as therapy continues.

Please confirm which online session formats are offered before booking, since specific formats are not listed in the biography. Many people find online sessions helpful because they fit more easily into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and make it simpler to follow up between appointments. Online work can also support focused skill practice, brief check-ins, and step-by-step planning that fits everyday life.