Cancer Therapists in San Jose, CA
I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer.
I have extensive training in ACT for anxiety and depression. Using ACT and other techniques, I guide clients in how to live a meaningful life, build self-awareness, and cope with stressful situations. I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer.
I have extensive training in ACT for anxiety and depression. Using ACT and other techniques, I guide clients in how to live a meaningful life, build self-awareness, and cope with stressful situations. I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in helping adults diagnosed with or otherwise touched by cancer.
I'm an Oncology-trained therapist certified by the Board of Oncology Social Work (OSW-C) and have many years of experience supporting clients in all phases of the cancer journey. I help clients learn skills to reduce anxiety, stress and depression and to feel confident and empowered as they navigate treatment, the healthcare system and daily life.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in helping adults diagnosed with or otherwise touched by cancer.
I'm an Oncology-trained therapist certified by the Board of Oncology Social Work (OSW-C) and have many years of experience supporting clients in all phases of the cancer journey. I help clients learn skills to reduce anxiety, stress and depression and to feel confident and empowered as they navigate treatment, the healthcare system and daily life.
I see us each born with a sense of ease, a sense of knowing that we are loved and worthy. Life sometimes challenges us with more than we can manage. We endure events and experiences that feel like cuts and bruises and we have to find ways to navigate threats to our well-being. Sometimes these cuts feel so deep that we’re not able to easily heal and we cringe in pain each time someone, knowingly or not, touches one of our open wounds. The pain can be unbearable and until we mend and heal the source of the suffering, the symptoms may persist in the form of physical, emotional or spiritual pain.
I see us each born with a sense of ease, a sense of knowing that we are loved and worthy. Life sometimes challenges us with more than we can manage. We endure events and experiences that feel like cuts and bruises and we have to find ways to navigate threats to our well-being. Sometimes these cuts feel so deep that we’re not able to easily heal and we cringe in pain each time someone, knowingly or not, touches one of our open wounds. The pain can be unbearable and until we mend and heal the source of the suffering, the symptoms may persist in the form of physical, emotional or spiritual pain.
I provide an environment of safety and acceptance, where new understandings and confidence can develop and flourish. Recognizing that our feelings and previous experiences affect such issues as intimacy, the challenge of illness, coping with stress, life's transitions, loss, and sense of purpose, my approach to psychotherapy integrates concepts of treating the mind and body. I work with individuals and couples to facilitate change toward increased contentment and vitality, and have particular expertise in helping clients cope with the experience of chronic or acute medical conditions.
I provide an environment of safety and acceptance, where new understandings and confidence can develop and flourish. Recognizing that our feelings and previous experiences affect such issues as intimacy, the challenge of illness, coping with stress, life's transitions, loss, and sense of purpose, my approach to psychotherapy integrates concepts of treating the mind and body. I work with individuals and couples to facilitate change toward increased contentment and vitality, and have particular expertise in helping clients cope with the experience of chronic or acute medical conditions.
You feel soul-tired from carrying losses no one seems to fully see—grief, illness, disconnection, the weight of a thousand unspoken goodbyes. You’ve been told to stay positive, to pull yourself up, to keep going, but inside you feel drained, lonely, and unsure where you belong—not in your body, your culture, or even your community. Crowds, noise, and others’ emotions overwhelm your nervous system, leaving you raw, overstimulated, and exhausted. More than anything, you long for genuine connection, deep rest, and a space where your pain and complexity aren’t “too much,” but honored and embraced.
You feel soul-tired from carrying losses no one seems to fully see—grief, illness, disconnection, the weight of a thousand unspoken goodbyes. You’ve been told to stay positive, to pull yourself up, to keep going, but inside you feel drained, lonely, and unsure where you belong—not in your body, your culture, or even your community. Crowds, noise, and others’ emotions overwhelm your nervous system, leaving you raw, overstimulated, and exhausted. More than anything, you long for genuine connection, deep rest, and a space where your pain and complexity aren’t “too much,” but honored and embraced.
Therapy is an amazing placebo. You do not NEED a therapist to learn, transform, and grow your awareness of yourself. I firmly believe whatever it is you are seeking to learn, change, or make peace with, you can do it. The benefit of working with a trained therapist who sees you, gives your sense of agency and innate wisdom the respect it deserves, and offers an outside perspective on your experience informed by evidenced-based theory and practice, is that the pace of growth is greatly accelerated.
Therapy is an amazing placebo. You do not NEED a therapist to learn, transform, and grow your awareness of yourself. I firmly believe whatever it is you are seeking to learn, change, or make peace with, you can do it. The benefit of working with a trained therapist who sees you, gives your sense of agency and innate wisdom the respect it deserves, and offers an outside perspective on your experience informed by evidenced-based theory and practice, is that the pace of growth is greatly accelerated.
Writer John O'Donohue defines my view of being a therapist: "This is what therapy is about: helping people retrieve what has been lost to them, wakening and bringing home their fundamental wholesomeness.. Therapists are like poets: they draw on the power of words in the profoundly creative work of bringing people fully alive to themselves, awakening in them the human capacity for divine imagination that ‘dreams our completion’.”
Writer John O'Donohue defines my view of being a therapist: "This is what therapy is about: helping people retrieve what has been lost to them, wakening and bringing home their fundamental wholesomeness.. Therapists are like poets: they draw on the power of words in the profoundly creative work of bringing people fully alive to themselves, awakening in them the human capacity for divine imagination that ‘dreams our completion’.”
After decades in the healthcare field as a staff, student, psychologist, educator and executive leader, I am embracing a new chapter by providing psychological and consultation services. Over time, I have worked, supervised, taught, and mentored successful individuals who have called me, “visionary, strategic, results oriented, culturally and emotionally attuned, practical, funny and caring” among many others. I appreciate the fact that no one size fits all. I also understand that cultural, environmental, and contextual factors are integral in our decision making process whenever we come to a fork on the road and must make one.
After decades in the healthcare field as a staff, student, psychologist, educator and executive leader, I am embracing a new chapter by providing psychological and consultation services. Over time, I have worked, supervised, taught, and mentored successful individuals who have called me, “visionary, strategic, results oriented, culturally and emotionally attuned, practical, funny and caring” among many others. I appreciate the fact that no one size fits all. I also understand that cultural, environmental, and contextual factors are integral in our decision making process whenever we come to a fork on the road and must make one.
You can't change the past, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
- C.S. Lewis.
Congratulations on taking your first step toward wellness. Prioritizing your health is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make, and it takes real courage to begin. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges, coping with anxiety or depression, working through relationship conflicts, or simply seeking greater balance, know that healing and growth are possible. With the right support and care, you can rediscover your strength, rebuild hope, and move forward toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
You can't change the past, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
- C.S. Lewis.
Congratulations on taking your first step toward wellness. Prioritizing your health is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make, and it takes real courage to begin. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges, coping with anxiety or depression, working through relationship conflicts, or simply seeking greater balance, know that healing and growth are possible. With the right support and care, you can rediscover your strength, rebuild hope, and move forward toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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.
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.
In a way, life is a puzzle. With many pieces to choose from, we try to find those pieces that fit smoothly together. However, life becomes troubling when what we have chosen doesn't fit and the same problems seem to occur in one situation after another, making life seem even more frustrating and confusing. I am trained as both an artist and a psychotherapist and work in a collaborative style. After 20 years of experience, I bring a little humor and grace while learning to think creatively to move through the maze of life, it is an exciting possibility.
In a way, life is a puzzle. With many pieces to choose from, we try to find those pieces that fit smoothly together. However, life becomes troubling when what we have chosen doesn't fit and the same problems seem to occur in one situation after another, making life seem even more frustrating and confusing. I am trained as both an artist and a psychotherapist and work in a collaborative style. After 20 years of experience, I bring a little humor and grace while learning to think creatively to move through the maze of life, it is an exciting possibility.
Good morning, and welcome to my practice, my name is Jean-Frederic Aboudarham. I am a very multifaceted psychologist: having lived on four continents (Africa, Europe, Middle East and North America), being fluent in three languages (French, Hebrew, and English), and holding two quite different higher education degrees (an MS in Software Engineering and a Ph.D. in Psychology) give me a unique ability to understand you and to interact with you. I specialize in Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, and Couple issues.
Good morning, and welcome to my practice, my name is Jean-Frederic Aboudarham. I am a very multifaceted psychologist: having lived on four continents (Africa, Europe, Middle East and North America), being fluent in three languages (French, Hebrew, and English), and holding two quite different higher education degrees (an MS in Software Engineering and a Ph.D. in Psychology) give me a unique ability to understand you and to interact with you. I specialize in Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, and Couple issues.
Access Mental Health, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, MD
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95123
We understand asking for help may not come easy and can be a difficult process. We believe taking those first few steps are one of many ways we believe can impact your quality of life. We take note of each significant accomplishment and celebrate success and help individuals increase self-confidence and awareness.
We understand asking for help may not come easy and can be a difficult process. We believe taking those first few steps are one of many ways we believe can impact your quality of life. We take note of each significant accomplishment and celebrate success and help individuals increase self-confidence and awareness.
Perhaps you are managing an uptick in stress, anxiety/depression and poor sleep due to feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you or a loved one is managing a serious health condition and hope to learn best approaches, new coping skills and options for resources. Or, you are a parent, a teen or young adult experiencing stress or loss of a loved one or a relationship. I believe people are insightful and resilient. You have the innate ability to adjust to all types of challenging circumstances. You deserve support while you think through what matters most, explore and identify your feelings in order to move forward to find corrective balance.
Perhaps you are managing an uptick in stress, anxiety/depression and poor sleep due to feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you or a loved one is managing a serious health condition and hope to learn best approaches, new coping skills and options for resources. Or, you are a parent, a teen or young adult experiencing stress or loss of a loved one or a relationship. I believe people are insightful and resilient. You have the innate ability to adjust to all types of challenging circumstances. You deserve support while you think through what matters most, explore and identify your feelings in order to move forward to find corrective balance.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or carrying pain that just won’t seem to shift—you’re not alone.
I work with teens, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, faith transitions, life changes, and relationship challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices that support deep, lasting healing.
Along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I integrate therapy models such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Brainspotting that help access and heal the deeper parts of the brain where emotional wounds are held, and provide tools for change and resilience.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or carrying pain that just won’t seem to shift—you’re not alone.
I work with teens, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, faith transitions, life changes, and relationship challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices that support deep, lasting healing.
Along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I integrate therapy models such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Brainspotting that help access and heal the deeper parts of the brain where emotional wounds are held, and provide tools for change and resilience.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California (License Number 152823).
I received my master’s degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University and completed my clinical training hours at different private practices as well as a community mental health agency. I also worked as a school-based therapist at different middle and high schools in the San Jose area.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California (License Number 152823).
I received my master’s degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University and completed my clinical training hours at different private practices as well as a community mental health agency. I also worked as a school-based therapist at different middle and high schools in the San Jose area.
Are you trying to address a long standing problem or has life presented a new challenge? My name is Chrissy and I would love to meet you! My therapy style is intuitive, compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental. Treatment is individually tailored for each client in an environment in which you feel accepted & comfortable. Research reveals that clients who trust & feel comfortable with their therapist, report better results.
No situation is beyond hope! I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and EMDR therapist. Other therapies utilized include CBT, DBT, Grief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, & Attachment Therapy to name a few.
Are you trying to address a long standing problem or has life presented a new challenge? My name is Chrissy and I would love to meet you! My therapy style is intuitive, compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental. Treatment is individually tailored for each client in an environment in which you feel accepted & comfortable. Research reveals that clients who trust & feel comfortable with their therapist, report better results.
No situation is beyond hope! I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and EMDR therapist. Other therapies utilized include CBT, DBT, Grief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, & Attachment Therapy to name a few.
To make real change happen we must choose. Choosing requires courage, strength & personal responsibility to undertake the intimate journey of self-discovery. The Japanese culture has a tradition of painting a broken section of pottery with gold, thereby embracing the meaning that beauty is found in the broken places. From a conscious & open heart space, I choose to meet you wherever you are in life, as life can hand us challenging situations at any moment, pushing our limits of pain, stress & comprehension. I am honored to co-create change with a diverse range of people, all ages & unique life stories,
To make real change happen we must choose. Choosing requires courage, strength & personal responsibility to undertake the intimate journey of self-discovery. The Japanese culture has a tradition of painting a broken section of pottery with gold, thereby embracing the meaning that beauty is found in the broken places. From a conscious & open heart space, I choose to meet you wherever you are in life, as life can hand us challenging situations at any moment, pushing our limits of pain, stress & comprehension. I am honored to co-create change with a diverse range of people, all ages & unique life stories,
I specialize in neurodiverse couples counseling for partners navigating the specific challenges of Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD. If your relationship feels like a constant cycle of "translation" errors and misunderstanding, I provide the specialized tools necessary to bridge the gap between different neurological styles.
In neurodiverse dynamics, traditional therapy often fails because it ignores the mechanics of the brain. My approach is neuro-affirming and practical. I focus on the "how-to" of communication, sensory regulation, and rebuilding trust after years of feeling unheard.
I specialize in neurodiverse couples counseling for partners navigating the specific challenges of Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD. If your relationship feels like a constant cycle of "translation" errors and misunderstanding, I provide the specialized tools necessary to bridge the gap between different neurological styles.
In neurodiverse dynamics, traditional therapy often fails because it ignores the mechanics of the brain. My approach is neuro-affirming and practical. I focus on the "how-to" of communication, sensory regulation, and rebuilding trust after years of feeling unheard.
You work hard to hold it all together but inside, you’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Maybe it’s anxiety, past trauma, addiction, or relationship struggles wearing you down. You want to feel more present, more connected, and more like yourself again. You’re not looking for quick fixes—you want real change, and you’re ready to understand what’s beneath the surface. Therapy can be the space where that shift begins.
You work hard to hold it all together but inside, you’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Maybe it’s anxiety, past trauma, addiction, or relationship struggles wearing you down. You want to feel more present, more connected, and more like yourself again. You’re not looking for quick fixes—you want real change, and you’re ready to understand what’s beneath the surface. Therapy can be the space where that shift begins.
See more therapy options for San Jose
Nearby Cancer Therapists Searches for San Jose
- Campbell
- Cupertino
- Fremont
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Los Gatos
- Mountain View
- Palo Alto
- Santa Clara
- Saratoga
- Stanford
- Sunnyvale
Cancer Therapists
How does cancer affect mental health?
A cancer diagnosis is a major life event that can significantly influence the mental health of any individual. Being diagnosed with cancer often introduces a sense of uncertainty about the future, which can cause clients to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and significant distress. Many cancer patients may also worry about the toll that their diagnosis may have on their family, their physical health, their job, and their financial situation. The compounding of such stressors can also decrease mental health in clients and may lead to additional symptoms that can influence mental health, such as sleeping difficulties or social withdrawal.
What is the best psychological therapy for cancer patients?
The best type of psychological therapy for cancer patients is highly dependent on the needs of the individual. The therapy type that a client benefits from may also depend on what stage of the cancer journey they are in. Recently diagnosed cancer patients, for instance, may benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help clients develop skills to manage the emotional distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Alternatively, cancer patients further along in their journey may benefit from therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or other forms of mindfulness therapy to help manage symptoms or physical pain associated with treatment. Clients may also consider group therapy, which offers cancer patients an opportunity to receive support from other individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Are there any risks or drawbacks in going to therapy while dealing with cancer?
Although attending therapy while dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be helpful, one major concern for cancer patients can be the financial cost of seeking therapy. Many therapists are out-of-network, meaning they do not accept insurance, and thus clients are expected to pay the entirety of the session fee. Since many cancer patients may be out of work as a result of their diagnosis or cancer treatment regimen, the costs of therapy sessions can be substantial. Luckily, many cancer centers and local clinics may offer free or substantially reduced-cost counseling services to cancer patients and their families. In addition, cancer patients may be eligible for grants or other forms of funding from local agencies and nonprofits to seek therapy for their cancer diagnosis. Such opportunities can be very helpful for cancer patients, as they allow clients to obtain the benefits of therapy without the financial strain.
How long does cancer therapy typically last?
The length of cancer therapy depends on the needs of each client. In some cases, cancer patients may only require therapeutic support during the period following their initial diagnosis—to help manage the uncertainty and shock of a cancer diagnosis. In other cases, clients may choose to receive therapy throughout their treatment, and even following, their cancer journey. Pursuing therapy for a longer period of time can help clients develop a deeper relationship with their therapist and provide opportunity to process the challenges presented by cancer treatment, such as physical pain, and challenges associated with cancer survivorship, such as ongoing identity concerns, physical limitations, or relationship challenges.


