- Client-centered approach
- Mindfulness and CBT
- Speaks Portuguese
About Donald
Donald Bliss is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California with forty years in mental health and addictions work. He speaks English and Portuguese. He focuses on common concerns such as stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship struggles, depression, grief, parenting, and self esteem, and helps people explore practical steps toward feeling better.
He brings a broad background from many settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and nonprofit and government work. That range has given him experience with individual, couple, family, and group therapy formats and with issues like trauma, chronic illness, and sexual identity.
Donald prefers a conversational, curious style in sessions. He listens to each person’s story and works collaboratively to find what moves them forward. His approach is flexible and draws on client-centered techniques, cognitive behavioral ideas, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and narrative work as fits the person.
He earned a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Welfare and a master’s degree in Social Work with concentrations in Employee Assistance Programs and Addictions. He also completed a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies and has lived and worked in several countries and U.S. regions.
Outside of direct clinical work he has run and evaluated programs, served on nonprofit planning boards, led growth intensives, and written relationship advice columns. He describes therapy as a team effort aimed at helping people find more joy, clarity, and workable steps toward the life they want.
He brings a broad background from many settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and nonprofit and government work. That range has given him experience with individual, couple, family, and group therapy formats and with issues like trauma, chronic illness, and sexual identity.
Donald prefers a conversational, curious style in sessions. He listens to each person’s story and works collaboratively to find what moves them forward. His approach is flexible and draws on client-centered techniques, cognitive behavioral ideas, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and narrative work as fits the person.
He earned a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Welfare and a master’s degree in Social Work with concentrations in Employee Assistance Programs and Addictions. He also completed a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies and has lived and worked in several countries and U.S. regions.
Outside of direct clinical work he has run and evaluated programs, served on nonprofit planning boards, led growth intensives, and written relationship advice columns. He describes therapy as a team effort aimed at helping people find more joy, clarity, and workable steps toward the life they want.