Meet Vivian Sweetheart Bishop-Cook, MAC, LPC, CS-IT

A smiling woman with red hair wearing a denim jacket, sitting on a wooden chair, against a plain light-colored wall.

Vivian believes therapy should be a place where you can be honest about where you are, hopeful about where you’re going, and supported along the way. With more than 20 years in social services and over a decade in private practice, she considers it an honor to walk alongside people as they navigate relationships, life transitions, personal challenges, healing, and growth.

As the owner of Cook Counseling & Therapy and a Licensed Professional Counselor, Vivian brings both clinical experience and genuine human connection into her work. Her approach is warm, relational, conversational, and direct. She uses humor, remembers the details, and has a knack for translating what’s happening in the room in real time—helping clients make sense of things that can sometimes be difficult to put into words.

Vivian doesn’t believe therapy has to feel stiff or overly clinical to be meaningful. She creates space for honest conversations while also being willing to challenge clients when it’s needed. One of her greatest strengths is seeing a client’s capacity—sometimes before they see it themselves—and encouraging them to step into it. Her goal is for clients to feel heard without judgment, supported when things feel hard, and empowered to create meaningful change.

For clients who want faith to be part of their counseling experience, Vivian welcomes the opportunity to incorporate faith and spirituality into the therapeutic process. She believes faith can be an important source of meaning, strength, and perspective, while also creating an inclusive space for clients of all backgrounds and beliefs. Faith is welcome in her work, but never required.

Vivian has a particular passion for individual and couples counseling, helping clients better understand themselves, improve communication, navigate difficult seasons, and build healthier, more connected relationships. For couples looking for additional support, she offers Marriage Refresh and Marriage Foundations, providing focused opportunities to strengthen connection, work through challenges, and build a healthier foundation for the relationship. Marriage Foundations also incorporates the PREPARE/ENRICH framework for couples preparing for marriage.

One of Vivian’s greatest strengths is creating a space where people can bring their whole selves. Sometimes you need to be challenged. Sometimes you need someone to sit with you in the hard stuff. And sometimes you need a little humor—and maybe a little Texas twang—to remind you that you’re going to be okay.

And yes, her middle name really is “Sweetheart.” It’s a fitting reflection of the warmth she brings to her work—and to the people who sit across from her.

Ways to Work with Vivian

The image shows two certification logos on either side of a banner. The left logo is green and black with the text "ACCUP" and "Green Certifications." The right logo is a dark blue globe with the text "AACS" around it and a Bible verse reference at the bottom. The banner in the middle reads "Prepare Enrich Certified Facilitator" above the text "The Gottman Institute."
  • “She changed my life. Amazing helping me to become sober.”

    — Male - 51

  • “I'm glad I was able to work through trauma with Viv. She brings such a light and energy! I know I needed that.”

    — F - 24

  • “Viv has been an incredible resource and therapist for our family. She has individually counseled my husband, our 8 year old son, 12 year old daughter and myself. My husband & I started out doing couple's counseling with Viv and then it morphed into so much more. She even came to our home to do a couple of family counseling sessions. Viv will always have a special place in our hearts for her kindness, wisdom, heart & skills.”

    — F - 38

  • “After my wife and I met with Vivian on many occasions, I referred many clients to her. She helped us to have a better marriage. She has helped many of our family, friends and acquaintances with everything from adult Autism to anxiety/depression and helped many with addictions and issues in their marriages. If you're on the fence about her or counseling, make an appointment today. You will not be disappointed. We highly recommend her.”

    — M - 64

  • “When I was referred to Vivian by my church congregation's Pastor, my daughter and I were living in a homeless shelter. She was a God-send! I have the utmost respect for her and her work. I have learned a great deal from her and am forever thankful for the connections we had together.”

    — F - 29