Dr. Shawna Freshwater (she/her)

Sometimes the reason why someone becomes depressed is not immediately clear to them. Whereas others will attribute their depression to particular life circumstances: loss of a job, loss of finances, loss of a loved one, physical limitations, illness, aging. Some people report they are depressed because they feel helpless or hopeless about changing some aspect of their life. Others report feeling blocked or stuck in guilt, fear, or shame. Whereas others feel their very existence has no purpose or meaning. Also, it is common in depression not to feel connected to others. These are very valid and real forms of suffering. Through 20+ years of research and clinical practice with thousands of patients, I know just how very serious depression can be. I utilize a tailor made set of proven therapy modalities because everyone is unique with their own history and personality, no two people experience depression in the same exact way.

Sometimes the reason why someone becomes depressed is not immediately clear to them. Whereas others will attribute their depression to particular life circumstances: loss of a job, loss of finances, loss of a loved one, physical limitations, illness, aging. Some people report they are depressed because they feel helpless or hopeless about changing some aspect of their life. Others report feeling blocked or stuck in guilt, fear, or shame. Whereas others feel their very existence has no purpose or meaning. Also, it is common in depression not to feel connected to others. These are very valid and real forms of suffering. Through 20+ years of research and clinical practice with thousands of patients, I know just how very serious depression can be. I utilize a tailor made set of proven therapy modalities because everyone is unique with their own history and personality, no two people experience depression in the same exact way.

Sometimes the reason why someone becomes depressed is not immediately clear to them. Whereas others will attribute their depression to particular life circumstances: loss of a job, loss of finances, loss of a loved one, physical limitations, illness, aging. Some people report they are depressed because they feel helpless or hopeless about changing some aspect of their life. Others report feeling blocked or stuck in guilt, fear, or shame. Whereas others feel their very existence has no purpose or meaning. Also, it is common in depression not to feel connected to others. These are very valid and real forms of suffering. Through 20+ years of research and clinical practice with thousands of patients, I know just how very serious depression can be. I utilize a tailor made set of proven therapy modalities because everyone is unique with their own history and personality, no two people experience depression in the same exact way.

The exact causes of Anxiety are unique to each person because everyone has their own genetic predisposition, environmental experiences, history, and personality. Anxiety most often starts when we don't know effectively how to adapt, cope, or flow with perceived stress (real or imagined). Many times anxiety seems to be only related to events that have unfolded in a person’s life. Interestingly, individuals who have been through the same exact experiences may deal with them in different ways–some people may develop an anxiety disorder, while others may not. Ongoing clinical research provides clinical psychologists more insight into anxiety, the harmful mind-body reactions to stress, and uncovering the most effective treatment options. TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY AND STRESS When it comes to treating anxiety and stress, there are many scientifically proven therapies and options at our disposal. I use a variety of methods including psychotherapy, coaching, relaxation training, and stress management techniques to help alleviate the pain and suffering caused by the Family of Anxiety Disorders. Often the people I treat for anxiety also have other areas of their life that they would like to improve as well, so there are many factors that influence which therapy methods are used.

The Epidemic of Modern Life in Our Society is STRESS Stress itself is not a disease, but it leads to a breakdown in psychological, body and brain functioning.  Stress is disease causing. If stress is not relieved damage occurs. As your body and brain experience your reactions to stress triggers, You have become the stressor itself. Three Inter-related Phases of Stress Damage: *Psychological and Neuronal (brain) Damage:  begins with A) feeling mentally tired, drained of energy which can mask as depression, anxiety, panic. B) Brain fatigue results in impaired focus, impaired attention/concentration, impaired learning of new information, and impaired memory recall of recent information. It can mask as attention deficit disorder (ADD).  It can also present as Mild Cognitive Impairment or incipient dementia. *Behavioral Damage: Negative changes in behavior most often show up in 2 major areas: relationships and work.  A) friction or arguments B) less productivity and creativity, C) distracting avoidant behavior (e.g. compulsions, addictions, substance abuse) . * Physical Damage: Physical fatigue, allergies, asthma, skin conditions, headaches, compromised immune system functioning, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and et cetera. We all react differently to stressful situations. What is stressful to one person may not be stressful to another. Almost anything can cause stress. For some people, just thinking about something or several small things can cause stress. How we react to a situation will affect how stress affects us and our health. A person who feels they do not have enough resources to cope will be more likely to have a stronger stress reaction, and also can trigger health problems. There are many techniques to deal with stress, the underlying issues that trigger stress, and the hazards of stress. If you feel stressed out, or overwhelmed, you should know that life doesn’t have to be this way. Together, you and Dr. Shawna, will look into your life to find the sources of your stress, stress triggers, and figure out what to change, or implement. These things may involve your work, your family, or all other areas of your personal life. You will also learn techniques and coping skills to help you relax. Dr. Shawna is an expert at stress management. She will help you sort through issues and find the best ways to cope in healthy ways and move forward.

Whether you have experienced a single event, repeated events, chronic abuse/neglect, you may be experiencing: Disconnection from the Self. Disconnection from the Body. Disconnection from Others. Distressing memories, trauma triggers. Overwhelming emotions. Difficulty working, playing, creating. Adrenaline surges, body aches/pains, physical illnesses. Memories & energies of trauma are stored on an instinctual survival level in brain & body.

My approach to therapy is multifaceted because You are multifaceted. My practice is integrated using "evidence based therapeutic modalities" that address Brain-Mind-Body-Emotions. We are in the new era of Western medicine and psychology. Today, instead of holding the old limiting view of the brain and body as only a biological machine, awesome scientists, doctors, and healers know mind-body is a vast energetic network where Spirit, Matter, Energy, and Power intersect -- Linking these energy centers to prevent psychological suffering and physical illness, and heal illnesses and emotional suffering. You are whole and Holistic Being. I view symptoms from a growth oriented perspective because symptoms are the alert signs telling you that something about your life, in your life, or your approach to life is not in balance. I help you on your journey to heal and transform from the “Inside-out” and the “Outside-In.” Its kinda like a Mind-Emotion-Body Detox.

Psychodynamic Therapy involves getting to the root of problem(s), underlying problematic emotional and behavioral patterns; and discover paths toward the emotional freedom necessary to make substantive lasting changes in your life, and heal from past traumas. In examining what lies beneath the surface of human behavior, the unconscious psychological forces within us outside of everyday awareness become conscious. It operates at the exploratory-supportive continuum of interventions.

My professional expertise is to use the term “Personality Adaptations” instead of Personality Disorders, in order to emphasize the difficulties have their origin as child survival adaptations to difficult childhood situations. My basic position is that Disorganized Personality organization began as emotional survival adaptations to get one’s needs met in an unhealthy childhood environment. Disorders of Self reflect an insecure attachment/separation and Object system of Trauma responses.

I am extensively trained in TFP-E the only valid reliable treatment to promote Identity consolidation of personality pathology with the goal of improving Self experience & Interpersonal functioning. This neuropsychoanalytic treatment includes neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, developmental, object relations, psychodynamics, & relational psychoanalysis. As an expert, I first conduct an assessment of both personality functioning & personality organization.