LICSW, 25 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, my name is Bobby Bishop, and I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I've worked with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of contexts over the past thirty years. My experiences as a youth pastor, Department of Children and Families Social Worker, Family Therapist, School Clinician, Clinical Supervisor, and Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion inform my practice. I implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Solution-Based approaches to my work. I'm deeply committed to equitable practices, multiculturalism, and the belief that we have a loving, healing God.
Beginning counseling is a meaningful step, and I want you to feel comfortable and supported from the very start. My role is to walk alongside you—helping you explore your challenges, recognize your strengths, and move toward healing and growth in a way that honors your story, your culture, and your faith. What You Can Expect from Our First Session: 1. Building Connection We’ll begin with introductions and some conversation. I’ll share about my counseling style and how I integrate evidence-based approaches—like CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, and Attachment-Based Therapy—with Christian values when that is important to you. 2. Understanding Your Story You’ll have space to share what brought you to counseling. This may include your personal background, family dynamics, cultural identity, or spiritual journey—whatever feels most relevant and comfortable for you. 3. Exploring Goals Together, we’ll start identifying what you hope to gain from counseling. Whether it’s managing stress, working through family challenges, healing from past experiences, or strengthening your faith, your goals will guide our work. 4. Practical Next Steps I’ll explain how therapy works and what approaches might best support you. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of the process and, when helpful, a small tool or reflection you can begin using right away. 5. Safe and Supportive Environment Our time together is confidential and free of judgment. I am committed to culturally sensitive therapy that respects your values and lived experiences. Spiritually, I believe in the power of God’s presence in the healing process—“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). My Commitment to You: To provide a safe, compassionate, and culturally affirming space To honor your faith, values, and unique experiences To use practical, evidence-based tools that support real change To walk with you step by step as you pursue hope, healing, and growth “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Honestly, I'm a nice person. I'm committed to empathy, confidence-building, and God's love for us. For many years I both traveled as a musician and stayed committed to one neighborhood. These experiences have informed my perspective and deepened my belief in the importance of steadfastness. I have significant experience in the foster care system, as my family has been a foster family for five years and recently adopted from the foster system. I love basketball, baseball, hip-hop, pop art, and sneakers. I'm also a proud father of three remarkable kids.
I've worked on attachment healing for a very long time, and I have some perspective on how we build our confidence when we feel defeated. I'm deeply committed to my multicultural household and city and believe relativism is key to building genuine connections. If you are affected by rumination, hopelessness, an anxious attachment style, narcissism, racial harm, or anxiety, I really hope I get the opportunity to support you. I am also here to support those who have experienced the foster system and those who are current or aspiring foster parents.
With nearly thirty years of experience working with children, adolescents and families, I have learned that effective counseling requires both clinical skill and deep respect for the diverse cultural and faith backgrounds clients bring with them. My experience has shaped my commitment to culturally sensitive therapy—honoring each client’s story, values, and community context while integrating Christian tenets. As a foster parent and former DCF social worker, I also have experience and insight into the foster care experience. I believe true healing comes when clients feel both understood in their identity and supported in their spiritual walk, integrating DBT, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy in ways that connect evidence-based strategies with faith-based hope and resilience.
Attachment-Based Therapy: Much of my experience informs my approach to relationships and the impact of early attachment experiences. I use attachment-based approaches to help clients build healthier, more secure bonds with caregivers, peers, and also with God as a trustworthy, loving Father. Scripture reminds us of God’s steadfast connection to us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). By integrating attachment work with faith, I believe in the strengthening of trust, the repair of broken relational patterns, and the experience of God’s love as the model for safe and enduring connection.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Distorted thought patterns can keep us feeling stuck. I use CBT to help clients recognize these patterns, while guiding them to replace lies with biblical truth. As Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Together, we reframe negative beliefs using both practical evidence and culturally relevant, scriptural affirmations that reflect the client’s lived experience and identity—such as “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
Many of us face systemic challenges, intergenerational trauma, and limited resources. SFBT helps highlight strengths and successes, however small, to build momentum for change. I encourage clients to envision what is possible through their God-given strengths and His grace—reminding them of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): I use DBT skills to help clients manage intense emotions and conflicts, often common in high-stress environments. When teaching distress tolerance, I remind clients of God’s faithfulness—“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)—so they can anchor themselves in hope during emotional storms.