Donald Bliss, LCSW

Donald Bliss is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 40 years of experience. He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, depression, grief, family issues, parenting, LGBT matters, and life changes. He speaks English and Portuguese and accepts international clients.

Don's style is conversational and practical. He listens to each person's story and helps them name what matters. Sessions focus on identifying recurring family patterns, improving communication, and finding manageable steps forward. He uses straightforward tools rather than abstract theory, and he adapts his approach to the person's goals and pace.

Across his career Don has worked in outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, residential programs, community agencies, and employee assistance settings. He has experience with individual, couple, family, and group work, and with addictions and chronic illness. His education includes a bachelor's degree focused on child and adolescent welfare and a master's degree in social work with concentrations in clinical services, administration, employee assistance programs, and addictions.

He has lived and worked in many places around the world, including Africa and South America, which informs his view of culture and relationships. Don draws on decades of practice and ongoing study to help people rethink roles learned in childhood and try different ways of relating as adults.

People who come to him for family of origin concerns often leave with clearer ways to set boundaries, communicate needs, and manage recurring patterns. He supports clients in trying new behaviors, reflecting on past influences, and planning concrete next steps toward better day-to-day functioning.

Approaches used online and how they help