Donald Bliss, LCSW
LCSW with 40 years of experience
- Bilingual English Portuguese
- Addictions and trauma
- Relationship and family
About Donald Bliss
Donald Bliss is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who holds both a bachelor s degree and a master s degree in Social Work and brings more than forty years of experience in mental health and addictions treatment. His professional background spans direct clinical work, case management and program management, and includes roles in outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community agencies, employee assistance programs and both public-benefit and government organizations.
His experience extends even further when counting the foster children he grew up with and the community work he did as a teenager. He has lived and worked across the United States as well as abroad in Africa and South America, and he is fluent in Portuguese in addition to English. That international and cross-cultural experience informs his approach to therapy and his interest in meeting people and learning their stories.
Donald s clinical practice has included individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy, with expertise in areas such as depression, anxiety, addictions and unhealthy dependencies, relationship and communication challenges, LGBTQI+ issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting and family concerns, chronic illness and HIV/AIDS, career and life transitions, and many other problems. His undergraduate specialization focused on child and adolescent welfare, and he earned a Certificate in International and Intercultural Studies after independent study in Kenya. His master s training emphasized Employee Assistance Programs and Addictions with a dual concentration in Clinical Services and Administration, and he remains committed to ongoing professional development.
Beyond formal roles, he has served on nonprofit and government planning boards, managed public-benefit programs, facilitated personal and spiritual growth intensives called The Evolution Training, and written guest and relationship advice columns. As a therapist, Donald aims to support, encourage and challenge people to discover or rediscover what brings them joy and to explore new options for thinking, feeling and moving forward in ways that fit each person s unique life.
His experience extends even further when counting the foster children he grew up with and the community work he did as a teenager. He has lived and worked across the United States as well as abroad in Africa and South America, and he is fluent in Portuguese in addition to English. That international and cross-cultural experience informs his approach to therapy and his interest in meeting people and learning their stories.
Donald s clinical practice has included individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy, with expertise in areas such as depression, anxiety, addictions and unhealthy dependencies, relationship and communication challenges, LGBTQI+ issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting and family concerns, chronic illness and HIV/AIDS, career and life transitions, and many other problems. His undergraduate specialization focused on child and adolescent welfare, and he earned a Certificate in International and Intercultural Studies after independent study in Kenya. His master s training emphasized Employee Assistance Programs and Addictions with a dual concentration in Clinical Services and Administration, and he remains committed to ongoing professional development.
Beyond formal roles, he has served on nonprofit and government planning boards, managed public-benefit programs, facilitated personal and spiritual growth intensives called The Evolution Training, and written guest and relationship advice columns. As a therapist, Donald aims to support, encourage and challenge people to discover or rediscover what brings them joy and to explore new options for thinking, feeling and moving forward in ways that fit each person s unique life.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoaching
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Donald Bliss have?
Donald Bliss has 40 years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions treatment.
Is Donald Bliss a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. His license is listed as CA LCSW 22042.
In which languages does Donald Bliss provide therapy?
Donald Bliss provides therapy in English and Portuguese.
Where is Donald Bliss located?
Donald Bliss is located in California.
How can I work with Donald Bliss as my therapist?
You can work with Donald Bliss through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Donald Bliss work with international clients?
Yes. Donald Bliss works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Donald Bliss cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches in Online Therapy and How They Help
Client-centered therapy emphasizes a collaborative, respectful relationship in which the therapist listens closely and helps the person explore their own values and goals. This approach supports people working through life direction, self-esteem, relationship concerns and personal growth.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress and coping skills by offering practical strategies and exercises to shift patterns that contribute to distress.
Mindfulness therapy teaches techniques for paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and nonjudgment. It can help reduce reactivity to strong emotions, improve self-awareness and support coping with chronic stress, grief or persistent worry.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Donald works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. He tailors his use of these approaches to the individual, adjusting as progress and priorities evolve.
Online sessions by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging increase flexibility and access to care, allowing therapy to fit into busy schedules, reach people in different locations and provide continuity during life changes. These options make it easier to connect with licensed professionals and continue work on goals from wherever the client is located.