David Barks
Registered Associate MFT #144804

My Approach

To others you may appear composed, successful and have it all together. But internally you know something doesn’t feel right, you feel disconnected from yourself and others, quietly struggling while others assume you’re doing fine. Many of my clients have learned to navigate relationships by staying silent, minimizing their needs, or keeping their emotions out of view. Beyond the understandable depressive and anxious feelings, you might notice:

  • Persistent self-doubt or imposter syndrome, despite your achievements

  • A heavy sense of pressure and responsibility that’s hard to put down

  • Anger, frustration, or irritation that builds beneath the surface but rarely gets expressed

  • A lack of joy or fulfillment, even in areas of life that “should” feel satisfying

  • A critical inner voice that questions why you feel this way, telling you that you should be better or different

  • Feeling stuck, unsure how to make meaningful changes in your relationships, career, or daily life

  • Emotions that are hidden, difficult to access, or hard to make sense of

I work with many individuals and couples who are in the corporate space, juggling family obligations and pressures, or in a period of upheaval. I practice an integrative approach that draws on person centered, modern psychodynamic theory and emotionally focused therapy. I aim to help my clients and couples gain a deeper awareness of their patterns, strengths and needs, so they can build and thrive in an authentic self and strengthen relationships.

In our work together, we create a space where you don’t have to hold everything in. Through shared patient curiosity, we work toward becoming unstuck from the uncertainty of how to make meaningful changes in your relationship, career, or daily life. In my work with couples, I assist with identify harmful patterns and dynamics in the relationship, to bring about shared understanding that can foster improved communication and connection.


Education and Training

University of California Santa Barbara

  • Bachelor of Arts in History

  • Minor in Cultural Anthropology

Antioch University - Santa Barbara

  • Master of Arts Clinical Psychology

Clinical Training

  • Community Counseling and Education Center (Santa Barbara)

  • Awarded Certificate of Clinical Excellence