Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #107657
Dr. Matthew Bishop is a licensed marriage and family therapist and adjunct faculty in the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling program at Point Loma Nazarene University. He completed his Ed.D. in Leadership with an emphasis in Behavioral Health at Grand Canyon University, his M.A. in Counseling Psychology at National University, and his B.A. in Psychology at San Diego State University.
Dr. Bishop is the founder and clinical director of Sonder Therapy Group, a private practice in San Diego providing psychotherapy for children, teens, adults, and couples. In addition to his clinical work, he supervises associate marriage and family therapists, leads workshops, and has presented at universities, schools, and community organizations on topics related to mental health, trauma, and resilience.
He has prior leadership experience as Associate Director at the San Diego Rescue Mission, where he oversaw recovery and rehabilitation services for homeless individuals. Clinically, he has provided therapy across nonprofit, community, and private practice settings, with specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
His professional treatment focuses include couples therapy, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, adolescent and transitional aged youth development, and the integration of spirituality and counseling. At PLNU, Dr. Bishop teaches courses in Research Methods, Human Development, and Counseling Theories and Faith Integration I.
Education
- Ed.D., Leadership with an Emphasis in Behavioral Health, Grand Canyon University
- M.A., Counseling Psychology (Marriage & Family Therapy), National University
- B.A., Psychology, San Diego State University
Courses Taught
- PSY6090 Research Methods in Counseling
- PSY6008 Lifespan Development
- PSY6025 Counseling Theories and Faith Integration I
Experience in Field
Teaching Experience
- Point Loma Nazarene University, Adjunct Faculty
- Alliant International University, Adjunct Faculty
Clinical Experience
- Founder & Clinical Director, Sonder Therapy Group, 2020–Present
- Marriage and Family Therapist, Soul Care House, 2016-2020
- Associate Director, San Diego Rescue Mission, 2014–2016
- Clinical Intern, North County Lifeline, 2013–2014
Advanced Clinical Trainings
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
- Internal Family Systems
