Profile / United States
Donald Bliss, LCSW
California
LCSW - Anxiety and Addictions
See online therapy options- CBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Donald
Donald Bliss is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in California with forty years of experience in mental health and addictions work. He speaks English and Portuguese. He lists concerns including stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting, depression, trauma and other life changes.
He uses straightforward, practical conversation to help people notice habits that get in the way. Sessions often look at thoughts and behaviors and test small changes to see what helps. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered and mindfulness approaches when those fit a person’s needs.
His background includes work across outpatient, inpatient, residential, community agencies and employee assistance programs. He has experience in direct services, case management and program management. He also spent time living and working abroad in Africa and South America, and brings that intercultural context into how he understands life stressors.
Education includes a bachelor’s degree focused on child and adolescent welfare and a master’s degree in social work with concentrations in employee assistance programs and addictions. Over four decades he has also worked on non-profit boards and published advice columns.
In sessions he aims to support, encourage and challenge people to try practical steps toward goals they name. He will work on specific skills for coping, communication and problem solving, and help people consider different ways of thinking and acting when old patterns no longer serve them.
People who prefer a mix of practical tools, reflective discussion and exploration of life stories may find this approach useful. International clients who speak English or Portuguese are also noted as an option.
How his approaches translate to online work
Donald uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and then test small behavior changes. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, useful for anxiety, depression, stress and many everyday problems.He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening and reflecting so a person can clarify their own goals and values. Mindfulness Therapy is used to build attention to present moment experience and to reduce reactivity in stressful situations.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. He collaborates with people to choose which approaches fit their goals, needs and preferences. That choice may shift as sessions progress and new issues arise.
Confirm the session formats available before booking, as the biography does not specify which online formats are used. Online options can make it easier to fit sessions into a weekday routine, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, or remove the need to travel. Licensed professionals generally adapt exercises, worksheets and mindfulness practices for remote sessions so people can apply skills between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Portuguese
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting challenges, trauma and grief among other concerns.
How does he approach therapy?
He uses practical conversation, focusing on thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered work and mindfulness are part of his approach when appropriate.
What is his clinical background?
He has forty years in mental health and addictions, including roles in outpatient, inpatient, residential, community agencies and employee assistance programs.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is an LCSW licensed in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese.
Can people outside the US work with him?
International clients are accepted; confirm session logistics and any cross-border details during the matching process.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps start the process?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.