About David Freshwater
Focus areas
Anxiety
Life Transition
Relationship Struggles
Depression
Men's Mental Health Issues
Stress
Drug Addiction
Porn Addiction
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Psychoanalytic
Psychodynamic
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know David Freshwater
At Forge Forward, I help men create lasting change through deep therapeutic work, practical tools, and genuine brotherhood. My approach draws from professional training and personal experience, including my own journey through depression and substance abuse to transformation via therapy and meditation.
I hold a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Brooklyn College and a Bachelor’s from Columbia University. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in men's mental health, I’ve found many men need something different from traditional therapy. Through years of practice, I’ve developed an approach combining deep understanding with practical solutions. I help men break free from limiting patterns, develop lasting mental strength, and build authentic connections.
In individual therapy, I use psychoanalytic methods to uncover and work through deeper patterns shaping your life—exploring childhood experiences, recurring themes, and unconscious influences on present challenges. I also emphasize practical tools and real-world strategies for managing daily difficulties.
For additional support, I offer group therapy and an 8-week intensive program, providing shared learning, authentic connection, and accelerated growth. Whether one-on-one or in groups, my goal is lasting change, not temporary fixes.
My practice is fully virtual, serving men throughout Massachusetts. I work with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, career issues, and life transitions. Most insurance plans are accepted.
I believe every man has the capacity for profound change when given the right support, understanding, and practical tools. If you’re ready to create real change, I’m here to help you build a future filled with genuine satisfaction and meaningful connections.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Starting therapy is a big step toward meaningful personal change. My main goal is to help you make lasting improvements in your life, not just temporary fixes. The most effective way to create real change is to explore parts of yourself you might not be fully aware of - understanding how past experiences shape your current thoughts, feelings, and actions.
In our sessions, you'll have space to speak freely about whatever's on your mind. We'll look at your life experiences, relationships, and patterns that might be holding you back.
It's worth noting that real change often involves some discomfort at first. As we get closer to important insights, you might temporarily feel more unsettled, and you may even want to quit therapy! But this is actually a positive sign, indicating we're approaching meaningful territory. Think of it as your mind's natural resistance to change, even when that change is ultimately beneficial.
Sessions are typically once or twice per week. We'll work at a pace that feels right for you, always moving toward your goals of personal growth and well-being. Through this process, many men discover not only solutions to their immediate challenges but also experience better physical health, more energy, stronger relationships, and even career advancement.
For those specifically interested in learning practical tools and skills, I can incorporate these into our work. However, individual therapy primarily focuses on understanding and transforming deeper patterns. For a more skills-focused approach, consider our men's group, workshops, or 8-week program for daily support and accountability.
Unlike approaches that just teach coping skills, our work together helps create fundamental change. By addressing root causes rather than just symptoms, you can develop greater confidence and self-awareness. These improvements often feel natural as they happen, leading to a more genuine way of living.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
In individual therapy, sessions follow a unique format different from what you might expect. Rather than structured conversations or prescribed exercises, you'll be invited to speak freely about whatever comes to mind - your thoughts, feelings, memories, dreams, or daily experiences.
The first few sessions focus on understanding what brings you to therapy and gathering your history. After this initial period, we begin our regular work. I may ask you to lie down somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. This setup helps reduce external distractions and makes it easier to focus inward on your thoughts and feelings.
During sessions, my role is primarily to listen and help identify patterns or connections you might not notice on your own. I might point out recurring themes, ask questions to help you explore certain areas more deeply, or draw attention to particular words or phrases that seem significant.
While this might feel unusual at first, most people find they adapt quickly to this style of therapy. The freedom to speak without the usual social pressures of face-to-face conversation often leads to surprising insights and meaningful revelations.
Remember that what you share in therapy is entirely up to you. There's no "right" way to use your session time. Some days you might discuss current challenges, while others might focus on past experiences or dreams. The key is speaking as openly as possible about whatever comes to mind.
Between sessions, you might notice yourself thinking differently about things or becoming more aware of patterns in your life. While I don't typically assign homework, many clients find it helpful to jot down thoughts or dreams between sessions. This self-reflection often enhances our work together and can lead to deeper insights during sessions.
David Freshwater, LMHC is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Brooklyn College, Master's in Mental Health Counseling
- Columbia University (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1679135214
How soon can I make an appointment with David Freshwater?
Generally, David Freshwater has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see David Freshwater's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is David Freshwater accepting new patients?
David Freshwater generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see David Freshwater's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does David Freshwater accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if David Freshwater is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with David Freshwater online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with David Freshwater using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does David Freshwater work with?
David Freshwater works with Forge Forward PLLC.
What are common reasons for patients to see David Freshwater?
David Freshwater frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for David Freshwater on their profile.
What languages does David Freshwater speak?
David Freshwater speaks English.