Freida Herron, LCSW
Freida in 2009
Freida joined Women’s Way as a partner in the fall of 2009. She brings a wide-ranging set of professional and educational experiences that enhance her work at Women’s Way. Freida is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and holds a BA in Fine Arts, an MBA, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee here in Knoxville. Freida is licensed in Tennessee as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. For 22 years she was a Marketing Director with BellSouth Corporation and 10 years ago she began the process of fulfilling her desire to become a therapist. In Atlanta she worked with clients at Metropolitan Counseling Services, and here in Tennessee she has worked as a counselor at Blount Memorial Hospital’s Counseling and Concern. In 2008 Freida served as an adjunct faculty member teaching adult psychosocial development at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. Freida is a Qualified Substance Abuse Professional(Q-SAP) and certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist. Contact Freida at freida@womenswaywmc.com.
Freida’s Story
My struggles with food and weight began early. By the time I was nine I was overeating to the point that I was heavier than other kids at school and church. At sixteen, I obtained permission to join a popular weight loss group and lost down to my “goal weight” (which I successfully maintained for about 20 minutes). College was a series of ups and downs, with more ups than downs. As I began my professional life, it was as if any accomplishments, promotions or recognitions were overshadowed by my sense of despair and shame over the failure to get my eating and body under control. I felt trapped in a paradox – the harder I tried, the more I seemed to fail. By the time I was in my mid-30’s the weight struggles felt hopeless. In my early 40’s I was morbidly obese, exhausted, and increasingly worried about my health. At 45 I decided I had to change my approach and get comprehensive help from nutrition, exercise, emotional and spiritual perspectives – simultaneously. Dieting alone, exercise alone, counseling alone and even prayer had all “failed”. I came to realize that the state of my body was a problem, but not THE problem. I was using food to soothe, distract, and even numb my distress – because that was the only thing I knew to do.
A lot has changed in the last decade. I’ve lost as much weight as I weigh now. While the physical changes have been startling, the shifts in my inner landscape have been even more satisfying. Did I have to permanently change my eating habits? Yes. Did I have to get moving and become physically active? Yes. However, the most significant and rewarding change has been the daily ability to know how to care for myself appropriately no matter what is going on.
I have spent much of my time as a Social Worker helping people with anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, and change. As a member of the Women’s Way team I look forward to assisting as you seek to undertake your own journey of change.
Freida in 2000
Freida with her dog, Indigo in 2005