Dr. Donald Strauss, LCSW-C, LISW

Therapist · South Carolina · 52+ years of experience

Experienced clinical social worker for life transitions

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52 years experience
Practical problem solving
Focus on relationships

About Donald

Dr. Donald Strauss brings more than five decades of clinical experience to his practice. He earned a Master of Social Work from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland. He holds the LCSW-C credential in Maryland and the LISW credential in South Carolina. Dr. Strauss has worked with people facing long-term mental health conditions and complex medical challenges, and he has supported helping professionals experiencing compassion fatigue.

He focuses on practical problem solving in sessions. That can mean looking at thought patterns that get in the way, testing new ways of coping, and developing steps clients can try between meetings. He draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based work to address relationship, mood, and stress concerns.

Clients bring many different concerns, including anxiety, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, ADHD, and coping with life changes. He also addresses specific struggles like abandonment, attachment concerns, body image problems, caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, and work-related compassion fatigue. Sessions aim to identify patterns and offer alternative ways of responding.

Dr. Strauss emphasizes a collaborative, problem-oriented style. He listens for what is not working and suggests practical strategies to test. The focus is on small, achievable changes that build over time.

He practices in South Carolina and works in English. Prospective clients who want to begin can follow the site's Start Therapy steps to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a time to meet.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGrief Intimacy-related issues Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issues Body imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisis Mood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

52+ years

Credentials

South Carolina, Maryland

Languages

English

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships and how early connections shape current trust and intimacy. It can help when relationship problems, abandonment fears, or attachment issues make it hard to feel secure with others.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating concerns, and for learning concrete strategies to cope with stress and mood changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit best based on goals and preferences. That means trying ideas, checking what helps, and adjusting plans together over time.

Confirm the available session formats before booking to know how Dr. Strauss currently meets with clients. Online therapy can make it easier to schedule appointments amid busy days, reduce travel time, and allow check-ins during a lunch break or between commitments. Some formats also let clients use audio only when bandwidth is limited or a shorter session is needed. Discuss format preferences when you schedule so sessions fit into everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does this therapist help with?

He works with a broad range of concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addictions, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

His approach is collaborative and problem-focused, emphasizing practical steps, cognitive strategies, and testing new ways of responding between sessions.

What is his background and experience?

He has 52 years of clinical practice and has worked with clients facing chronic mental health conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, life-altering injuries, and compassion fatigue among helping professionals.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

He holds LCSW-C in Maryland and LISW in South Carolina, and he is based in South Carolina.

In which languages can sessions be conducted?

Sessions are offered in English and the therapist accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Please confirm current session options before booking so you know whether online, phone, or in-person formats are offered at the time of scheduling.

How is pricing 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?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability through the site.