About Bruce Stafford, PhD

About Bruce Stafford, PhD

Bruce received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Middlebury College in Vermont.  He then received his first master’s degree in social work from Florida State University.  He received his second master’s degree in psychology from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California where he maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

In 2016 Bruce received his Doctorate. He did his dissertation on treating sexual trauma. His research showed that neutralizing the emotional pain from difficult sexual memories with hypnosis significantly improved the mood and anxiety levels of those treated, even if memories were decades old. In addition, symptoms of PTSD were greatly reduced. Surprisingly, his research showed that an average of only four sessions was required to complete this work.

Bruce started his counseling career in the military where he was commissioned a first lieutenant in 1981 and promoted to captain in 1983.  He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service in December of 1984.

Bruce then worked at the Naval Training Center in Orlando as a counselor to Navy personnel and their families.  After three years he was promoted to supervisor of the counseling department.

In 1989 he entered full time private practice and had a full caseload within two months.  He had now been in private practice for almost 24 years. Throughout that time he has continually sought additional training and knowledge to improve his skills, searching for the most effective ways to change people’s lives.  It is this drive and compassion that are the hallmarks of his practice.