Donald Bliss , LCSW

Donald Bliss is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than forty years of experience in mental health and addictions treatment, combining decades of direct clinical work with program management and community involvement. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Social Work - his undergraduate specialization focused on Child and Adolescent Welfare and his graduate studies emphasized Employee Assistance Programs and Addictions, with a dual concentration in Clinical Services and Administration. He also completed independent studies in Kenya and earned a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies.

His professional background spans outpatient clinics, private practice, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and work within non-profit and government organizations. That range of settings informs his experience in individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy, as well as case management, program design and program evaluation. Over the years he has focused on areas including depression and anxiety, addictions and unhealthy dependencies, communication and relationships, LGBTQI+ concerns, parenting and family issues, HIV/AIDS and chronic illness, and related life challenges.

Fluent in Portuguese and shaped by long periods living abroad in Africa and South America as well as many regions of the United States, he brings cultural awareness and curiosity to clinical work. He has also facilitated personal and spiritual growth intensives called The Evolution Training and contributed guest and relationship advice columns to newspapers and magazines. His practice centers on supporting, encouraging and challenging people to rediscover joy, explore new options for thinking and feeling, and take practical steps toward their goals while honoring each person’s unique path.