Anxiety Relief

DONALD B. DUFFORD, PHD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist CA PSY13444
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 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.


MARY SZELES
Paraprofessional

Mary assists in anxiety treatment by facilitating anxiety support groups, assisting as a support person for exposure therapy and providing individual phone support. She received training as a Licensed Practical Nurse, a calling to the healing field that she has continued through the years. She has also completed specialized training in meditation and anxiety treatment. She is dedicated to teaching others the skills and techniques that helped her overcome her own anxiety issues. While living in Virginia she took the initiative to organize and run her own anxiety and phobia support group. Mary has been active in and facilitated support groups since 1995 and is a member of the national organization ABIL-Agoraphobics Building Independent Lives.

NANCY DORGER
Paraprofessional

Nancy Dorger was born and raised in the Bay Area and suffered from anxiety all her life. She attended Humboldt State University and studied Zoology. She was Director of the Youth Educational Services tutorial department on campus, which provided no-cost tutoring to low income children. As director, she provided tools and training for volunteer tutors.

Later, as a zookeeper in Oakland, Nancy was a member of the Behavioral Enrichment Committee, taught behavioral enrichment for the docent classes and wrote and presented two papers on chimpanzee behavior for "Chimpanzoo", an organization led by Jane Goodall.

In 2001 Nancy changed careers and became Department Manager for Barnes & Noble, in Campbell. As Department Manager she was responsible for management, training, scheduling of staff, and inventory. Unfortunately, in spite of her professional accomplishments Nancy continued to be plagued with anxiety and panic attacks. In 2002, when Nancy turned 40, she made a commitment to address her anxiety and started therapy at Anxiety Treatment Services in San Jose, CA. She followed through with individual therapy with Dr. Dufford and regular participation in the Anxiety Support group.

Today she is free of anxiety and facilitates suppport groups at Anxiety Treatment Services. She has a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to share and enjoys helping others overcome their anxiety issues. In addition she owns and operates her own pet sitting service in South San Jose.