- CBT methods
- Attachment focus
- Motivational interviewing
About Donald
Dr. Donald Strauss is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 52 years of experience. He holds LCSW-C and LISW credentials and practises in South Carolina. He works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, grief, and young adult concerns such as career and life-change struggles.
He trained in social work and brings a long clinical history to his sessions. Recent practice has included work with people who have neurodegenerative disorders, bipolar disorder, life-altering burns, chronic mental health conditions, and helping professionals facing compassion fatigue. He also lists focus areas such as attachment and abandonment issues, body image, caregiving stress, and ADHD.
His approach draws on cognitive behavioral methods and psychodynamic ideas alongside attachment-based and client-centered work. He uses practical problem solving and cognitive strategies to help people change thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve them. Motivational Interviewing is part of his toolkit for supporting motivation and change.
Sessions emphasize clear, practical alternatives to habitual patterns. He incorporates evidence-based interventions where they apply and discusses concrete ways to address day-to-day problems like sleep, eating, work stress, and relationship communication.
Clients can expect a steady, experienced clinician who focuses on what is getting in the way now and how to try different responses. He accepts international clients and offers sessions for people looking for help with life transitions, coping, and emotional regulation.
How his approaches translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationship patterns shape how someone relates now. Online sessions can use this approach to identify attachment patterns, work on trust and closeness issues, and practice new ways of connecting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. CBT online can offer concrete exercises for mood, anxiety, sleep, eating, and coping with life changes that fit into daily routines. Motivational Interviewing helps people move toward change by exploring values and ambivalence, and it is often used to support goals around addictions, health behaviors, or career steps.Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about problems and goals, try a few strategies, and adjust approaches based on what helps. Clients are encouraged to say what works and what does not so the plan can evolve together.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around school, work, or caregiving. It can allow shorter check-ins, sessions that avoid travel time, and scheduling that matches a student or a new professional's routine. Ask about format length and timing when arranging the first appointment so sessions fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
52+ years
Listed in
South Carolina, Maryland
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addictions, compassion fatigue, and related concerns including ADHD and bipolar disorder.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
He uses cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, attachment-based, client-centered methods and Motivational Interviewing to provide practical problem solving and cognitive strategies.
How much experience does he have?
He has 52 years of clinical experience, including recent work with neurodegenerative disorders, chronic mental health issues, bipolar disorder, and helping professionals with compassion fatigue.
What are his credentials and where is he licensed?
He holds LCSW-C and LISW credentials; the LISW is in South Carolina and the LCSW-C is in Maryland.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered to international clients. All sessions are conducted in English.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.