I recently contacted Dr. Dufford to help me after receiving a recent diagnoses of PTSD, it's unfortunately had been many years since I'd seen Dr. Dufford as a patient. Dr. Dufford returned my call promptly and he was very kind and understanding to my situation as usual. Sadly, Dr. Dufford was not able to fit me in as a returning patient at the time that I called, Dr. Dufford instead gave me a referral to two other Psychologists that specialize in treating the Complex PTSD that I suffer from and was recently diagnosed with. Dr. Michelle Chabbot was the Psychologist that I first reached out to following the multiple traumatic events that led to my Complex PTSD diagnoses and that caused my PTSD Panic Attack. I study Psychology myself, and I was very shaken when I contacted Dr. Chabbot, as I'd never experienced at PTSD Panic Attack before, and I never even knew that someone could suffer from something as terrible as a PTSD Panic Attack. Dr. Chabbot answered the phone immediately, and she was kind and caring enough to take the time to help me immediately. She even answered some emergency questions that I had regarding my recent Complex PTSD diagnoses and the PTSD Panic Attack that I suffered. Dr. Chabbot did all of this for me during her time off on the weekend, when she was out of town on vacation. Talking with Dr. Chabbot, meant so very much to me. I immediately felt comfortable with Dr. Chabbot and I immediately knew that I was in good hands with regards to finding help to treat my Complex PTSD Disability. I'll be continuing my treatment with Dr. Chabbot moving forward, and I'll be sure to update my review along the way as well. I can tell Dr. Chabbot is an extremely gifted and knowledgeable Psychologist, and she is exceptionally knowledgeable and gifted in the area of PTSD especially. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Chabbot/Dr. Dufford, if you are ever in need. I also urge anyone reading this to reach out to Dr. Dufford/Dr. Chabbot if you are in any need of mental healthcare. It's vital to seek the aid of a Psychologist if you've ever experienced going through a traumatic life event (such as a car accident, workplace discrimination, domestic violence, Ableist bullying, really anything that happens that is traumatic in life, can potentially lead to PTSD I'm told. On top of this, in my own personal experience, PTSD appears to me to be a self fueling condition/ mental illness/disability, meaning that PTSD can worsen over time, if left untreated. What this means is that, it's vital to seek the help of a qualified mental healthcare professional immediately following a traumatic life event. If one doesn't immediately get the treatment that one needs, ones PTSD could quickly worsen, that and one could easily develop "layers" of PTSD, from multiple traumatic events as well. In addition to this, PTSD can also VERY QUICKLY develop into a life threatening condition/mental illness/disability, so please don't ever hesitate to get seek immediate help. Even if you just suspect you might need help, then immediately seek out that help as your mental health can quickly worsen, leaving you in a life threatening situation. read more

Dr Dufford is one of the best therapists out there. He makes time for you and is super supportive! I have been seeing him for a long time off and on through my life. He instills in his practice a sense of calm and you will feel heard by him. He offers insight and guidance as needed. Have to admit that he has been present for some of my darkest times and I am grateful for his help and support. I would strongly recommend him to anyone. He is that guy who steps up to the plate...one of the good ones! read more

I have known Dr Dufford for a lifetime of ups and downs. He has been supportive and has helped me with situations where I have been in crisis. He knows how to manage PTSD and anxiety issues. Many times I have found myself questioning everything, It is so easy to go to the dark side, once you are there hard and challenging to get out. Dr Dufford has been the one person that has pushed me in the right direction. He has many tools that he gladly shares with you. So if you are looking for a kind, caring therapist, Dufford is up there with the best of them. read more

I can honestly say the past two months with Dr. Dufford have changed my life more than the entire decade I've spent with other therapists. I've been through countless therapists, CBT, DBT, self-help books--pretty much everything. However, I never truly solved my issues with anxiety/panic, depression, and trauma. As a result, I never felt any different. I thought this was just "how I am." Dr. Dufford has helped me realize that's not how I am at all. He has helped me fundamentally change how I think and feel. Like I said, even more than a decade in therapy has helped me. He is truly the best in his field at EMDR. If you don't know what EMDR is, give him a call. It's one of the most effective tools in psychology at the moment. And like I said, it's changed my life, even though I knew nothing about it when I started. In addition to EMDR, Dr. Dufford has also been vital at helping me solve problems in my life and relationship. Problems that have existed for years. He has given me tools and skills no other therapist has even brought up. I have implemented what he taught me when I interact with my spouse. It has fundamentally changed how we discuss everything from serious topics to "arguments" about dinner. We went from constantly being stressed and at each other's throats to being more relaxed and able to just laugh again. Basically, if you're looking to actually see improvement with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, etc, Dr. Dufford is worth it--I promise. read more

I found Doctor Dufford online when I moved to San Jose. I was looking specifically for CBT specialists, Dr. Dufford referred me to one of his trainee, Van. Van was by far the best therapist I have ever had. She saw me at some of the lowest points in my life so far and worked as many hours as I needed to help me feel 100%. The coping techniques that Van has taught me have brought my anxiety/panic levels down to almost nonexistent. I also saw Van both when I lived in San Jose as well as when I moved to Southern California. The video sessions were just as good as in person! Thank you, Van! read more

I approached Dr Donald when I was going through hard time, and he was one of the very few that actually listened to my concerns so I decided to give his Anxiety Treamtment Services a shot. Dr Donald refered me to his trainee Van. Van has helped me overcome what I was facing and I have learned techniques from her that enable me to face life challenges myself. Highly recommend! read more

Dr. Dufford has been a huge help for me managing work-related PTSD/anxiety issues through a career transition, medical anxiety through the pandemic, and more. He is always patient, professional, and a careful listener. Techniques involving guided meditation, EMDR, and other things to calm a maxed out nervous / adrenal system have been very useful. read more

After a rough patch of stress from work and life I thought I'd seek a professional practice that could help with managing stress/anxiety better. After doing some research and looking at reviews I settle on calling Dr. Dufford's Anxiety Treatment Services based on his Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach to treat anxieties, phobias, and other mental health issues. Unfortunately Dr. Dufford was booked but highly recommended me to Van who was a clinical psychology trainee supervised by Dr. Dufford. Eager to start the progress I setup appointment which was within only 1-2 days. The experience was outstanding to say the least as Van worked at a pace in which I was comfortable with but yet helped chip away at the areas that were causing me stress and anxiety. She also provided me with tools and resources to continue managing the stress/anxiety while becoming stronger mentally. The experience not only was helping address my current needs but helped bring closure to experiences from many years ago that still held a heavy emotional burden. I would highly recommend Van and the guidance Dr.Dufford provided. read more

Dr. Dufford is kind, patient, smart and funny. He is an amazing therapist who helped me get through a rough time in my life. He gave me tools and techniques that helped me control my anxiety and take control of my life again. Specifically, I was able to overcome my fear of flying-and recently flew to Seattle and Hawaii! Today, I feel like a new person. I am excited for what's ahead in my life and no longer let anxiety keep me from living life to the fullest. read more

Having suffered severe anxiety issues for a large portion of my life and seeing many medical professionals, I can genuinely say that Dr. Dufford is the best mental healthcare provider I have ever interacted with. He is very understanding and wiling to help. You can also tell that he does in fact care, as he has extremely flexible hours and methods of interacting with patients. My performance-related anxiety has been greatly reduced, and working with him has helped me gain more confidence and understanding of my overall situation. I was very close to quitting on school before I began treatment with Dr. Dufford, but have since been able to get back on track and will be graduating in the fall. Dr. Dufford is a compassionate and highly knowledgeable professional. Suffice to say, I thoroughly doubt you will regret working with him. read more

Doctor Dufford is amazing. I think of Doc as my life coach. I went to him with a problem that I didn't believe could be fixed. However with his cognitive behavioral expertise and a set of tools that he provided me with enabled me to overcome my challenges both in the short and long term. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for any type of help. read more

I was struggling with anxiety and one day finally decided to take a step in the right direction and get some help. I found Dr. Dufford's practice online and gave him a call. After speaking to me he referred me to Van, a clinical psychology trainee. Van and I worked together for about a year and I was able to get my anxiety issues under control. The tools I learned during my time in therapy will be with me for life. I learned how to sleep better and be more present and just take things day by day. I'm so glad I reached out and got help, it's really made a difference in my life. read more

I wanted to thank you for your help with the treatment of my anxiety issues several years ago. I still use many of your breathing and visualization techniques on a regular basis. With practice I have become more and more effective at identifying potentially anxious moments and replacing anxious thoughts with encouraging thoughts. Practicing the visualization, relaxation and breathing techniques you provided, my anxiety issues have gone from a continuous presence to an unthought of and only occasional annoyance. I greatly appreciate your calm and reassuring presence during the most difficult years of my life. You have been a model for inspiration as I have journeyed toward inner peace. Your words set me on the right path and continued to teach and inspire me along my journey long after the days we met in person. read more

This review is way overdue. Sorry, Dr.D! When I first started treatment with Dr. Dufford, I had really bad anxiety and panic attacks. I had some OCD and agoraphobia issues, as well. I was prone to depression and feelings of hopelessness about my ability to live a full life, without constant fears. I remember making a list of things I wanted to be able to do once I was better. I listed things like going to the grocery store, driving on the freeway, going anywhere (alone), and most of all.... traveling! Constant fear, worry and anxiety put so many limitations on what I could do. It got in the way of my ability to be the partner I wanted to be, the parent I wanted to be and the person I wanted to be. I'm proud to say that today, I'm engaged, I have two beautiful children (and maybe another one on the way), a loving and supportive partner, and I've been catching flights, not fears! I owe a lot to Dr. Dufford for teaching me how to cope with my anxiety and giving me the tools I needed to live beyond my boundaries and live the life I always dreamed of. With my deepest gratitude, thank you Dr. Dufford. read more

I very much appreciate Dr. Dufford's help in treating my anxiety issues and trauma with the EMDR therapy. I'm in much better place now compared to where I started a year and a half ago. Thanks to Dr. Dufford's guidance I was able to quit smoking and developed a healthier self-image and better outlook on life in general. Thank you Dr. Dufford! read more

I'm not sure if I caught the doctor on a bad day, but I did not have the same caring experience others wrote about. When I called he seemed to be annoyed that I couldn't hear him very well while he was driving and after he gave me a thorough run down on how he treats phobias, I explained that I'd look around and that I've tried a lot of things he mentioned, but were unsuccessful. I felt very vulnerable talking about my frustrations that nothing seemed to be working for me. I was about to make an appt anyway when he suddenly says that he's booked and that he didn't need to be taking me on as a client anyway. I was stunned at the arrogance and lack of concern or care for my issues. If he's so much in demand, I'm not sure why he even bothered taking the time to call me back. read more

Dr. Dufford has helped me immensely. He helped me work through my anxiety and insecurities and build up my self confidence.

I called Dr. Dufford in March 2013 and I remember I asked, "Is this really going to work? I don't think I will ever fly again but I don't want to waste money and be where I am today." He told me he had helped others fly and I decided to go in--what did I have to lose. After 14 years of not flying, and being highly claustrophobic I just flew! There were no meds involved and I LOVED the experience. I was shocked that the days leading up to my flight I had no anxiety, I felt great parking, I got excited seeing the airplane, and I cried tears of joy when we took off. I was FREE!!! I had no anxiety on the flight, and to be honest I don't think I could have one if I tried. I was in charge of my thoughts, my nervous system and I LOVED the experience of flying. After 14 years of not flying I just booked my trip to NY, and we're planning our first family trip to Hawaii. I'm SO thankful to have my life back. I have to say you have to do what Dr. Dufford says and practice the breathing treatments, and it will work. I thank God for bringing Dr. Dufford into my life, my life is forever changed because of it. #fearofflying #sohappy #thankful read more

This review is long overdue...He listens, is supportive and knows how to guide you through tough times. Best Doctor ever. I consider him not only my counselor but a friend. read more

I am writing this review so others in need of anxiety treatment know there is help available. Dr Dufford has extensive experience in this broad area and uses his technical knowledge to help us help ourselves get through days that seem insurmountable. He begins with relaxation techniques - thus promoting awareness of the mind / body relationship. He then uses techniques applicable to ones specific needs. Personally, I needed help in working through several infant losses and a very difficult childhood. His use of EMDR is allowing me to revisit these tramatic events without the high emotion I traditionally attached to these experiences - thus enabling me to accept these as part of me, but moreso putting them in their proper place in my past.... I believe Dr Dufford strives to provide his clients with the tools they need to gain control of their anxieties. This is a welcome change as I have made significant progress in a relatively short period.. At last, I finally can believe and see there will be a day where needing a Psychologist is a thing of the past. Consider giving Dr Dufford a call so you can get the help you need, but few Professionals can provide. All the best to you... read more

Dr. Dufford helped me get over phobias that I thought I'd have to live with the rest of my life. I can honestly say that he changed my life. If you feel like life is hopeless as a result of anxiety and/or phobias, please give it a try. You will never work so hard in your entire life but Dr. D. is there to support and guide you the entire time. It can be pricey, but wouldn't you give anything to live the life you deserve to live. It is definitely not a quick fix and I have had minor set-backs and I have checked in with him via e-mail (at no cost) and he has supported me. I cannot say enough about him. 07/18/15 Update: I went back to Dr Dufford for a tune-up (just 3 or 4 sessions) and took a flight to see my son in SoCal. I was totally comfortable and enjoyed myself immensely. I feel like I can go anywhere now. Please do not feel hopeless about your phobias and anxiety. There is help available! Feel free to message me through Yelp if you want to hear more. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Dufford at various times since 1993, and he has always been immensely helpful. He doesn't spend time hashing over your past, but instead spends more time giving you invaluable tools to overcome anxiety and stress. Since the last time I'd seen him, he's provided the availability of many MP3 and CD recordings to help with everything from insomnia to physical pain and illness. I have several of these recordings and usually have one to listen to in the car during the commute, which helps to relax me. Speaking of which, Dr. Dufford has a very soothing voice that's easy to listen to, which is very relaxing in itself in these well-paced scripts. read more

Dr Dufford has a direct but personable approach to treating OCD and Anxiety disorders. I especially recommend his website www.drdufford.com to buy one or several of his MP3 or CD's on Self Help Tools For Anxiety Relief and other Emtional issues. I have OCD and these recordings helped safe my emotional life immensely during my relapse. Highly recommended. read more

This review is for Dr. Dufford's doctoral trainee Megan. Where do I start....I was extremely desperate when I called Dr. Dufford he suggested I could see Megan as he had a wait list. I'm so glad I listed. Megan listened to me when I was feeling lost and helpless, she helped me and got me through one of the toughest times in my life. With the help of her advice and Dr. Dufford's audios I feel great again I have my life back and even better! I've learned skills that'll help me for the rest of my life.. I couldn't be any more thankful! If you're feeling helpless and lost due to anxiety and depression this is the place to go. read more

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to overcome your fears and live your life to the fullest? If so, then Dr. Dufford is the person you should call. Ever since I started my therapy with Dr. Dufford, my life has opened up in ways that I never thought possible. Thank you Dr. Dufford for all the guidance and support you have provided, my life is one big adventure now and I cannot wait to see what else it will bring! read more

Dr Don saw me for my phobia of flying-he was referred to me by a friend who also saw him for her phobia of flying. She had amazing things to say and was a successful patient who got the tools needed to handle this crippling phobia. She since then has flown and moved across country. I had to check him out after I saw the proof. My fear of flying phobia was stopping me from enjoying life to it's fullest. I was sick of it! My last plane trip was 11 years ago- on my honeymoon- last year I went thru a divorce & lost my father, so it was TIME for me to rise up & have something positive. I called Dr Dufford- and I'm so very glad I did! He was amazing- he didn't have a permanent spot for me at first- but squeezed me in. I went to his Soquel office for the 1st meet - but I live in Campbell. I was that dedicated to make a change with Dr D. His voice is very calming and the Audios he has help tremendously. Use them! I went to about 10 sessions and have since then been on 2 airplane flights (to Seattle & Palm Springs) I cried tears of joy- because this therapy has now given me my life back and opened up so many opportunities for me! I'm so thankful For Dr D. !!! It may be expensive but if you want your life changed then you must make sacrifices and do what it takes. I'm proof - after 11 years of a crippling phobia I'm now able to use the tools I've learned to get in the air. Priceless read more

Donald B Dufford, Phd - Dr D helped me with my fear of flying phobia- here's a pic of my trip to Palm Springs! - Psychologists Near Me - San Jose, California

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This is a follow up to my earlier two reviews. Not sure why Yelp puts them in filtered list. 3 years passed by since my last review. I am still employed at the same company as mentioned in my previous review. Got promoted twice, manage 35-40 professionals on shore & offshore and doing well career wise. Mentioning this because at the time I wrote my 1st review, my situation was unable to do job and house bound for nearly 3 years due to Agoraphobia. So you know why when I say Dr Dufford therapy has given 2nd chance in my life. Many of my original phobias listed in previous reviews were gone now. I don't know exactly when it happened but overtime it sunk into my thick head at subconscious level that Panic attacks (i.e., physical sensations etc) are not harmful and just adrenaline rush. Then gradually they stopped or as Dr. Dufford says, I stopped creating them. Actually the original phobias don't even come into my radar now. I still have phone sessions with Dr Dufford. Last few months, my sessions are on OCD. It took couple months for me to overcome resistance and get to a point of doing ERP. I knew consciously ERP will work and I should do it. My story used to be that I feel sincerely during the sessions to follow-thru but then find myself avoiding for some or the other reason. Before I knew days roll by and next session comes. Any one who has Anxiety Disorders or OCD will easily understand what the challenges even after knowing at logical level. Dr Dufford was extremely patient, persistent and finally I started doing ERP. What I have is pure obsessions i.e., Harm OCD. The gains with ERP were pretty fast. OCD is a bit tricky thing though. Once I stopped being afraid of something, another harm obsessive thought takes its place. I should do the ERP more often though. One of my problems still is discipline. I do ERP and other things that Dr Dufford says for some time. Then once I feel fine, somehow I end up falling off the wagon. Most often because of work demands, procrastination etc. Then some stressor comes in (mostly work related) and I find my OCD flares up. Then feel stupid for not doing fully what Dr Dufford said. Dr Dufford is very persistent and patient. Also he is non-judgemental. Gradually I made few more better lifestyle changes. I feel more connected now and spend more time with family. Still there are couple more areas I need to improve though. Anyway, I am writing these reviews and experience in detailed manner so that you can see my issues, challenges and journey over time. This I hope will help see you are not alone. This is an unsolicited review. I am doing this because while reading about experience of someone else on the net, felt I was really lucky to stumble into Dr Dufford. While I don't do volunteering etc yet to help people in my condition, felt the least I could do is write this review. My sincere recommendation is go for the medical help. Go for Dr Dufford if he is available. I wish you good luck and good health! read more

Dr Dufford continues to successfully treat me for specific anxiety issues that at there worst can lead to physiological symptoms. I first called Dr Dufford during one of these episodes and he got me into see him within a matter of days. We first worked on my immediate need to get my symptoms back under control through CBT. He has vast knowledge and is highly competent and needless to say I was relieved that I found a legit practitioner, the real deal so to speak. Fortunately, my symptoms have subsided attributed to this therapy, my otologist as well as other environmental improvements. I continue working with Dr Dufford leveraging his expertise in other areas, and I continue to be amazed at how effective my sessions are concerning my self confidence and overall well being. I'm just so very grateful to have found such an excellent therapist and I look forward to exploring more with Dr Dufford's practice. read more

Dr. Dufford is very effective at listening and applying an extremely broad and varied set to techniques. He also helps you apply them with many media (mp3, notes, work sheets) . I don't know how my life is going to turn out but he is a touch-stone to help me stay balanced and perspective. A GREAT resource! Life has rough spots and he can help! read more

I would really recommend Dr.Dafford. He is amazing!!!!!!!! I have had a tough time with anxiety and he really helped me get out of it. He was truly a gift during the time I needed him. I would surely recommend him to anyone with anxiety or depression. His CBT techniques are unique and great!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Dr.Dafford read more

I should first say that I'm not really a therapy kind of person. I found myself in a situation where I experienced a panic attack, which I had never experienced before. I was a first a little skeptical of his methods, but I figured I would keep a open mind and give it a chance. I have to say I am amazed with the results. I would recommend Dr. Dufford to everyone. read more

Dr. Dufford listens well and has calm manner. He gave me practical tools for helping with anxiety. I am less anxious now than before I started seeing him. read more

I wish I could give 10 stars! I saw Dr. Dufford about ten years ago and I can't believe the change in my life, even today! I've learned to relax, get in touch with myself , and set aside all the tough memories and pain from the past. I enjoy the here and now. I still use the coping skills I learned in group. Dr. Dufford is amazing; you have finally found the help you have been looking for!! read more

Dr. Dufford is great! He offers a wide variety of methods for overcoming fears and relieving anxiety. I started seeing Dr. Dufford several months ago. At that time I had become extremely agoraphobic (driving to school, finding a job, even going to the grocery store). But today I have a great job that I love, I am going back to school and I even do things alone now! I am still working with Dr. Dufford and going to group to help change negative self-talk and managing my anxiety, but I am doing great and my family and friends have seen a huge change. I feel normal again! read more

Looking back on the work I did with Dr. Dufford, I feel amazed at where I was and where I am now. My anxiety had generalized to so many issues that I felt out of control. Now I feel larger than my issues. One of the issues that he really helped me with was sleep. I was using various pharmaceuticals to turn down my anxiety and sleep, and now I am completely off them and my sleep is much improved. It's good to work with such a kind and understanding person. read more

Dr. Dufford is as good as it gets for his field. I was an anxious wreck after I quit drinking. With his help and with the help of the Thursday group I was able to overcome my anxiety and feel more "normal". The many techniques he uses (meditation, EMDR, deep breathing, tapping, etc..) help me deal with my thoughts and feelings. Words cant describe how much I've changed because of working with him. I would really recommend Dr. Dufford to anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression. read more

Anxiety was running my life and preventing me from living life to the fullest. I stopped flying for four years straight and feared my anxious thoughts. Then, I met Dr. Dufford. He approached our sessions with compassion and a caring heart always present. He was an amazing listener and empowered me with strategies that were easy to apply. I start my days with positive thinking, and learned to recognize anxious thoughts that were affecting my life. I cannot recommend him enough. Thank you so much! read more

I have received excellent care from Dr. Dufford for the treatment of anxiety and depression. He is a compassionate professional who cares about his patients. We tried a number of treatment approaches which greatly improved my symptoms over the course of about one year. I lead a much happier life now thanks to Dr. D. Highly recommended for those who are willing to put in the time and effort required to implement the steps and lessons learned. read more