Donald Bliss, LCSW
Experienced LCSW helping people rewrite their stories
Details
| Name | Donald Bliss |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | California |
| Licensed in | California |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English, Portuguese |
| Years in practice | 40 |
About Donald
Donald Bliss is a licensed clinical social worker with forty years of experience in mental health and addictions work. He speaks English and Portuguese and enjoys hearing people’s stories to help them find more joy in daily life.
He has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work, with focused study in child and adolescent welfare, employee assistance programs, and addictions. Much of his career includes direct clinical work along with program management in community agencies, hospitals, residential settings, and nonprofit organizations.
Background and approach
Donald uses an open, conversational style in sessions. He listens first and then helps people notice patterns in their lives. He draws on narrative ideas to put problems in context and on client-centered methods to follow each person’s goals.
He also uses cognitive-behavioral tools and motivational interviewing when those approaches fit a person’s needs. Over his career he has worked with many kinds of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship and communication problems, grief, addictions, parenting challenges, and issues related to identity and sexuality. He has also supported people facing chronic illness, attachment and abandonment concerns, blended family issues, and life transitions.
Donald describes therapy as a collaborative exploration. He aims to support, encourage, and sometimes challenge people to try new ways of thinking and acting. He helps clients set practical steps toward clearer goals and renewed satisfaction in life.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT among the things Donald works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Attachment issues
- Avoidant personality
- Blended family issues
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Dependent personality
- Divorce and separation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Immigration issues
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Personality disorders
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Donald among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Donald among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Donald among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Donald among the ways he works.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by Donald among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Donald among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Donald directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Donald directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How Donald Uses Narrative and Practical Tools Online
Donald often draws on Narrative Therapy to help people separate their problems from their identity by telling and reshaping the stories that define difficult patterns. Narrative work can help with issues like addiction, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties by highlighting alternative storylines and personal strengths.He also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening closely and following the client’s pace and priorities. That approach helps people who need a supportive space to sort feelings, make sense of life changes, or explore values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another tool he uses to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and habits; CBT is practical and often helps with anxiety, depression, and behavior change.
Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. He will work with each person to choose what fits their goals, needs, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress is made and new issues arise.
Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video works well for face-to-face conversation and deeper work, phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins, and chat or messaging can fit quick updates or times when a written approach feels more comfortable. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, family, or travel schedules.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and communication problems, grief, parenting issues, intimacy concerns, and identity and LGBT matters.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is conversational and collaborative, listening first and then helping people notice patterns and options. He blends narrative approaches with client-centered care and practical techniques when useful.
What is his background and experience?
He has forty years of experience in direct clinical work, program management, and community services across outpatient, inpatient, residential, and nonprofit settings.
What credentials does he hold and where is he located?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese, and he also accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Donald are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Donald where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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