Dr. Patrick Fisher
Federal prison consultant. 102 months in the BOP system. Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Here to help.
My Story
I never planned to become a federal prison consultant. Life took me in a direction I never anticipated—and that experience is exactly why I can help you now.
Before my federal case, I spent over 15 years as Director of Counseling Services, overseeing mental health support across 95 schools. I hold a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Walden University. I was a professional helping others through difficult times.
Then I became one of the 154,000+ people in the Federal Bureau of Prisons system.
102 Months in the Federal System
My federal experience wasn't brief. I spent 55 months under pre-sentence supervision—nearly five years of uncertainty, waiting, knowing what was coming but unable to start serving. Then 35 months of incarceration in BOP custody, including time in the Special Housing Unit (SHU). Followed by 12 months of home confinement with GPS monitoring.
Through it all, I experienced every phase of the federal system firsthand. Designation anxiety. Self-surrender. Intake. The daily rhythms of institutional life. Disciplinary proceedings. The grievance process. The halfway house. Home confinement restrictions. Supervised release.
Why I Do This Work
When I was preparing to surrender, I couldn't find guidance from anyone who had actually been through it. Plenty of lawyers who knew the legal system. No one who knew what it was really like inside.
Now I provide that guidance. I help individuals and families facing federal prison understand what's actually ahead—not just the legal process, but the lived reality. What it's like to navigate the Bureau of Prisons. How to maintain relationships. What mistakes to avoid. How to use your time productively. How to come home and rebuild.
What I'm Not
I believe in complete transparency about what I offer:
- I am NOT an attorney. I cannot provide legal advice. For legal matters, work with a qualified federal defense attorney.
- I am NOT a licensed therapist. My services are consulting and coaching, not therapy or mental health treatment.
- I am NOT a BOP employee. I have no inside connections or special access to the Bureau of Prisons.
- I cannot guarantee outcomes. The federal system is unpredictable. Anyone who promises specific results is not being honest.
What I offer is honest guidance from someone who has been where you're going. Real experience. Practical strategies. A willingness to tell you the truth, even when it's hard to hear.
What I Learned Inside
The System Has Rules
Both written and unwritten. Understanding them—really understanding them, not just reading the handbook—makes the difference between surviving and struggling.
Relationships Matter
Your family relationships will be tested. How you maintain them during incarceration often determines whether they survive. Communication takes effort and strategy.
Time Can Be Productive
I earned my DOL electrician certification (6,000+ hours) during incarceration. The time will pass regardless—what you do with it is up to you.
Preparation Matters
The people who struggle most are often those who walked in unprepared. Knowing what to expect—realistic expectations, not false hope—makes everything more manageable.
Documentation Is Essential
Every interaction, every issue, every request should be documented. The grievance system (BP-8/9/10/11) requires it. Protecting yourself requires it.
Reentry Is Harder Than Prison
The transition home—RRC, home confinement, supervised release—is often more difficult than incarceration itself. Most people don't prepare for it adequately.
Let's Talk
Free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation. No obligation.