DONALD B. DUFFORD, PHD
Director, Anxiety Treatment Services
Dr. Dufford received specialized training in the treatment of anxiety disorders while completing a two year Clinical Psychology Internship at the Anxiety Treatment Center with Dr. Edmund Bourne author of “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook”, “Natural Relief for Anxiety” and other titles. Dr. Dufford subsequently took over the Anxiety Support Group and individual therapy clients of the Anxiety Treatment Center when Dr. Bourne left the Bay Area in 1993. Dr. Dufford’s approach incorporates his own expertise and his insightful style of helping people overcome these issues. Dr. Dufford has been conducting therapy in private practice since 1985 and provides psychotherapeutic treatment for related problems such as addictions, depression, self-esteem, relationship and grief counseling. He is the author of the Light living Program and creator of an extensive series of relaxation/guided imagery therapy CDs for Anxiety Disorders and related issues.
Dr. Dufford received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Sierra University, his MA from Cornell University, and his BS from Rutgers University. He is a professional member of the California Psychological Association, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, Trichotillomania Learning Center and the International EMDR Association and Diplomate of the American College of Professional Mental Health Practitioners. He is a Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and Certified Doctoral Addictions Counselor.
Amie Juarez, Ed.D
Registered Psychological Associate, PSB94025014
Dr. Amie Juarez received her B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University. She was awarded her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University.
Her Doctoral Dissertation explored long term relationships and the oxytocin effect over time. Dr. Juarez has extensive experience in the mental health field. She worked at The Foundation for Autistic Children Education and Support (FACES) providing Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy for individuals diagnosed with autism, psychoeducation for children and parents, Individualized Education Plans and IEP meetings.
During her 11 year tenure at FACES Dr. Juarez went from Applied Behavioral Therapist to Early Intervention Director overseeing the Foundation, meeting directly with School District Special Education Supervisors and supervising a staff of 60 therapists and support personnel. Her clinical experience also includes 3,000 hours of supervised clinical counseling at the Oasis Counseling Center in Henderson, Nevada. Dr. Juarez received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Psychology and Positive Psychology. Her responsibilities included providing assessment and psychotherapy for clients ranging from children to geriatric population. She treated couples and individuals with anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, adjustment disorders, anger issues, impulse control disorders.
Dr. Juarez joined Anxiety Treatment Services in 2019 where she has helped hundreds of clients with Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, OCD, Depression and related issues. She uses evidence based therapeutic approaches including CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) , ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), EMDR, Guided Imagery and Mindfulness/Meditation.
Dr. Juarez is a native Californian and former competitive ice skater. She maintains a healthy lifestyle and enjoys traveling, gardening and hiking. She lives compassionately and recently rescued a dog to add to her family of her husband and two daughters.
Jasper Lee, M.A.,
AMFT 133181
Jasper Lee grew up in a psychologically focused family with his grandfather and his mother both practicing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. He attended mindfulness workshops and participated in the Youth Toastmasters organization. He went on to receive his B.A. in Communication Studies from San Diego State University. He gained employment experience working in elder care at a Skilled Nursing Facility and then in Customer Relations at 1440 Multiversity in Scotts Valley, CA. From his work and relationship experiences with family and friends he realized that he wanted a career helping others and earned his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. Some of his clinical coursework included Counseling Theory, Diagnosis and Assessment, Holistic Approaches to Therapy, Group therapy, Family Systems and Somatic Psychology.
He completed two years of clinical mental health counseling experience at Encompass Community Services in partnership with Santa Cruz County Schools. He provided assessment and individual and group counseling for teens and their families. Using a trauma informed approach he treated mental health issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self harm and self esteem, helping facilitate increased confidence, reduced stress and improved interpersonal relationships. His training at Encompass included Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Domestic Violence and Mindfulness (Community Resilience Model).
Jasper joined Anxiety Treatment Services in 2022 and completed specific training in treating Anxiety Disorders: Panic, Phobias, PTSD, OCD, Social Anxiety, Traumatic Stress and related issues: anger, career stress, insomnia and relationships. He utilizes several evidenced based therapeutic approaches including CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy), MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), IFS (Inner Family Systems), Motivational Interviewing, Meditation and Guided Imagery.
In his free time, Jasper enjoys hiking in the Santa Cruz mountains, listening to podcasts and spending quality time with his family.
Heidi Koronkowski
Behavioral Coach
Heidi helps people who have anxiety disorders by meeting with them on a one on one basis in their home or phobic situation. Working with Heidi in real life situations can be very effective. She teaches people how to confront and deal with their particular anxiety, phobia or OCD issue using behavioral techniques that she learned while completing her Behavioral Coach training at Anxiety Treatment Services with Dr. Dufford, Clinical Psychologist and Mary Szeles, Behavioral Coach. Heidi also draws on her own personal experience in overcoming severe panic and agoraphobia. Her goal is to provide hands-on, context-sensitive coaching aimed at helping others live symptom free.
Heidi had suffered with anxiety, panic and phobias for over 15 years. After finding limited success through talk therapy and medication she had a severe relapse and realized she needed to find a different kind of help. She found Dr. Dufford and Anxiety Treatment Services. After working with him and using his cognitive-behavioral tools and techniques, she has truly found freedom from anxiety, panic and agoraphobia.
Heidi has served as the Director of Early Childhood Weekend Ministries in Santa Cruz overseeing nearly 150 children a week. During that time she saw many children come into the classroom anxious and fearful being away from their parents for the first time. She successfully worked with these children to help them overcome their fears and anxiety.
Heidi also facilitates a Support Group for Parents of Transgender Children. As a facilitator, her coaching skills are put to work helping parents who are anxious about their own feelings and the transition that their children are experiencing.
Heidi was born in Santa Cruz and lived her entire life in the Bay Area. She has been married for 18 years and has three children.
