Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Cambrian Park, San Jose, CA

As a therapist, I look for the basic goodness of human beings and try to bring clients having locus of control in their lives and share perspectives leading clients to feel liberated so they find the meaning of life; fulfillment and happiness. This takes practice, as our minds naturally scan for the negative, but if we try, we can almost always find something good about you and others which will lead us to heal and peace and may bring harmony and joy to our life. Personally, I enjoy reading books regarding history and philosophy. I have a strong passion for helping children and adults, including parenting issues.

I work with adults in a private practice setting specializing in pain managagement and health psychology. I offer biofeedback, EMDR, treatment for mood disorders and PTSD . I am on staff at El Camino Hospital and accept insurance and Medicare. I am a qualified medical evaluator and provide forensic evaluations for surgical screenings and for legal settings.

Dr. Dufford received specialized training and experience in treating anxiety disorders at the Anxiety Treatment Center with Dr. Bourne, author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. Since 1993 Dr. Dufford is director of Anxiety Treatment Services treating Generalized Anxiety, OCD, PTSD , Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety and related issues: addiction, anger, depression, Trichotillomania/Excoriation, relationships, sleep/insomnia, grief and self-esteem. He is a professional member of the California Psychological Association, Obsessive Compulsive Foundation and EMDR International Association. Dr. Dufford is certified as a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Expert in Traumatic Stress and Addictions Counselor.

My specialization is in the area of stress, mood disorder, trauma , relationship problems, ADD, ADHD, autism, asperger disorder, speech disorder and learning disability. My orientation is eclectic, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy, EMDR, and EEG Neurofeedback. I work with adults, adolescents, as well as children.

“How are you?” It seems sometimes an answer of “good” doesn’t summarize how you really feel. Things happen and you feel stuck. Sadness, loneliness and maybe hopelessness often occupy your mind. Sometimes, negative memories from the past and overly anxious thoughts about the future stop you from being in the present. It seems impossible for those around you to understand what you’re going through. Conflict, confusion, and discomfort seem like the norm, not the exception. You know something has to change and life must have more to offer, but you’re not sure where to start. If this describes your experiences, you're in the right place.

Are trauma , anxiety and insecurity controlling your life, preventing you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest? Do you relive the past as if it were happening right now? Your head knows better, but it fails to convince your heart otherwise. As horrible as those experiences were in the past, they continue to zap away your joy and confidence today. You might even avoid situations that trigger the feelings. Are there any lost part of you that you'd like to return to? Do others believe in your competence more than you believe in yourself? What would it be like if life was driven by passion and joy, not fear or shame?

*CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW MEDICARE PATIENTS* I work with adults struggling with a wide range of challenges including loss of relationships, life transitions, and personal problems like anxiety, depression, addiction, or trauma . Life can be difficult but you don't have to figure it out all alone. I can help you. Together, we'll create a safe space where you'll gain insight and perspective into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are no longer working for you. With these understandings, you'll be able to make better choices and positive life changes. By working through your pain, you'll gain a self-awareness you didn't have before.

Do you feel controlled by food, rather than in control of it ? Are you obsessed with eating, dieting or bingeing? Does your scale determine your mood? Is your life strongly impacted by your weight? Life doesn't have to be a weight struggle. Learn the difference between head and body hunger. Decipher what your obsessive behavior is really saying. Acquire physical, mental and emotional balance. Whether it is eating, drinking, anger, spending, controlling, an addiction is a mal-adaptive attempt at managing feelings and escaping discomfort.

Does it feel emotionally exhausting just to get through the day? Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck? Does it seem like no one really understands? Maybe you're noticing that painful past experiences are impacting you now and aren't sure how to cope with what you're feeling. Maybe you can imagine how you want life to be different, but don't know how to make it happen. You don't have to figure it out alone. If you're looking for a compassionate, supportive space for yourself or your teen to work toward growth and healing, I am here to help.

NOT ACCEPTING CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. I am trained in EMDR and in the process of becoming certified. EMDR is an amazing tool to help heal the effects of trauma and complicated grief. I have an open minded and open-hearted spiritual approach. I am experienced in helping people who are experiencing loss/ grief, PTSD and anxiety/mood disorders. Life can be difficult, unpredictable and even tragic at times. Are you ready to develop the tools to cope with difficult emotions and heal?

My journey in the helping professions began as a Case Manager in 2008 and continued in various mental health settings including crisis work, county court, and rehabilitation centers, as a Mental Health therapist since 2014. I am skilled in Psychoanalytic treatment and work effectively with those struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, women’s issues, and Post Traumatic Stress. Having grown up in E. Los Angeles, later moving to the Bay Area and then desert cities, I have grown adept at working with a large range of populations from a variety of diverse backgrounds, including adults, adolescents, and LGBTQI.

Have the last few years created new or increased suffering in your life or with your relationships? I can help you climb out of this difficult space and improve your happiness and reduce conflict and suffering. Learning new tools can dramatically improve your life and the relationships around you, whether that be at work, home or with family. Please consider reaching out to do a 15 minute consultation (free of charge) to explore how our work together could help you achieve the happiness you are seeking.

Could my therapist skill set be the perfect match for your therapy needs? I have worked as a social worker for the past 23 years and 14 of those years as a therapist. I have served children, youth and adults in various settings such as adoption and foster care; child welfare services; outpatient mental health and services for developmentally disabled individuals. Over the years, I have developed a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma , adjust to major life transitions and foster a healthy sense of identity. I am committed making sure the plan for treatment is centered on the goals and needs that we develop together.

I'm not in the business of instigating change. I am in the delicate and complex work of empowering it. Because I believe you have the wisdom to bring about change. Because change is your work and your choice; my role is to set the stage, empty it, illuminate what stands in the way and explore with you the possibilities for change. Ultimately you decide.The fact that you're here already ensures it. My job is to notice your process, reflect and honor it. In this space, I have seen amazing change happen.

I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider. My primary focus includes: anxiety and trauma , self worth, guilt and shame, intimacy and sexuality concerns, chronic pain, and how emotions can manifest physically in the body.