I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in clinical settings, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover their personal strengths. My practice is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique journeys we all face.
My areas of clinical expertise include aging and geriatric concerns, anxiety, anger management, abuse recovery, caregiver stress, chronic and terminal illness, oncology, visual impairment, and special needs planning. I also support individuals and families through couples therapy, career transitions, retirement planning and adjustment, end-of-life care, financial management, and work-life balance.
My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. I meet you where you are, offering a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences and work toward meaningful goals. I believe in treating every person with dignity and compassion, and I tailor my approach to fit your unique needs and circumstances.
Taking the step to seek help takes strength and courage. I’m here to listen, support, and walk alongside you as you work toward healing, growth, and empowerment.
I look forward to being part of your journey.
Professional experience
25 yrs in practice
GriefSelf esteem, MotivationCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Anger management, Aging and geriatric issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Intellectual disability, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Self-love, Visually impaired, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
Services offered
Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging
License information
NC LCSW C000765
VA LCSW 0904017153
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Freda Shipman. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I really feel like she listens.
Written on Nov 21, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 2 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and career difficulties
I could not have found a better or more supportive therapist than Dr. Shipman. She listens without judgment and creates a safe, open space for me to express myself. I feel understood and supported in every session. Her empathy, insight and techniques have made a difference in my healing process.
Written on Oct 22, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and sleeping disorders
Dr. Shipman is very willing to hear my situation and does listen well. I think I may have unusual needs so it may be difficult at times for her to have insight… generally, she tries very hard to help me along my path. I recommend her to others.
Written on Sep 16, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and compassion fatigue
Dr. Shipman creates a welcoming space as she meets with those seeking healing and support. She has a heart full of compassion and kindness for each client, and a mind open to the truth. She listens attentively with a soft ear and a gentle heart. I am truly grateful for Dr. Shipman’s guidance and support during my healing journey.
Written on Sep 03, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Dr Shipman is a jewel. She is knowledgable and friendly. I feel like we are friends and I really enjoy talking with her.
Written on Jun 12, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 2 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Dr Shipman is a good listener and was able to empathize with my situation
Written on Mar 03, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I’m so glad that I was matched with Dr. Shipman. She’s very professional, she’s a good listener and she is genuinely concerned about how I am doing between sessions.
Written on Mar 01, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Dr. Shipman has been the best experience thus far within BetterHelp. I have tried several times to connect with different therapists. So far, Dr. Shipman has been the best. She made our first live session very easy and I was able to let out a lot of emotions with her comfortably.
Written on Feb 25, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I highly recommend Dr. Shipman. She has helped me tremendously. She is very knowledgeable and respectful. Her advice is spot on! Thank you for everything!
Written on Feb 02, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I have only had one session with Dr. Shipman, however it was great. Looking forward to my next session
Written on Jan 22, 2025 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Dr. Shipman has been working with me for about six months. She actively listens, gives great advice, and points out things I don't usually see myself. I highly recommend her!
Written on Nov 09, 2023 after therapy with Freda for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
During our first session I knew I had found the right therapist for me! Dr. Shipman has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Easy to talk to and kind. From the get-go she asked me the right questions to get into the heart of the issues at hand. She was direct in communication and supportive of my goals. She had guided me to many tools and resources to help me as I grow relationally and focus also on career development. Highly recommend!!
Written on May 04, 2023 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She is very helpful
Written on Apr 23, 2023 after therapy with Freda for 1 month on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
Dr. Shipman is a great listener and she provides the most supportive and honest feedback. She made me feel so comfortable and allowed me the space to be vulnerable. Dr. Shipman is very warm and comforting and I enjoyed speaking with her.
Written on Mar 16, 2023 after therapy with Freda for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Best therapist I’ve ever had.
Written on Mar 14, 2023 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and coping with life changes
Great person great feedback all the time and definitely help in all ways to your means in anything you may feel you need help with.
Written on Feb 15, 2023 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and coaching
Dr. Shipman is extremely kind knowledgeable and she really takes the time to listen to you. She allows you to express yourself and get out whatever emotions you need without totally derailing the time. Her expertise shines through all during the meeting as she helps me navigate my feelings, explore new ones, become aware of upcoming events that might be triggering, and she can steer me away. I appreciate her I’m so many ways .
Written on Dec 07, 2022 after therapy with Freda for 4 months on issues concerning grief
Dr. Shipman is wonderful! She seems to be able to help talk me through my career concerns, and helps me find new tools to implement to help me stay focused and confident in my work.
Written on Nov 28, 2022 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
I just started with Dr. Shipman and it has been a great couple sessions and I feel she hears me and has very great insight.
Written on Oct 13, 2022 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Dr. Shipman has been a great help in showing me my stressors and strengths as I have struggled to keep my footing during the COVID-19 pandemic and my Mother aging. She has allowed me to be myself in a safe space filled with compassion and empathy. I can not thank her enough for her calm and gentle presence.
Written on Sep 26, 2022 after therapy with Freda for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and sleeping disorders
Great therapist, caring and provides meaningful feedback.
Written on Sep 15, 2022 after therapy with Freda for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Dr. Shipman is pushing me in the right direction. She acknowledges where I’m slacking and gives me motivation and hope to keep going! I appreciate her honesty and I look forward to the work we’ll complete together!
Written on Aug 18, 2022 after therapy with Freda for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
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