David Barks
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

My Approach

My approach to psychotherapy is through a psychodynamic and attachment-based lens, emphasizing deep listening, empathic connection, and curiosity about the therapeutic relationship as a window into early attachment themes. I help individuals and couples develop greater self-understanding and insight into the patterns, emotions, and defenses that shape their lives and relationships. Together, we create a supportive space to explore difficult experiences, develop greater self-acceptance, and become less constrained by patterns that may no longer serve you.

Through a process of shared curiosity and reflection, I work with clients to better understand their needs, strengths, and ways of relating, while developing new possibilities for navigating challenges in relationships, work, and daily life. In working with couples, we identify and explore harmful patterns and dynamics that contribute to disconnection or conflict, fostering greater mutual understanding, communication, and connection. Through this process, I strive to destigmatize the parts of ourselves we may struggle to accept and foster a more compassionate relationship with the fullness of who we are. 

About My Practice

I work with many individuals and couples who are in the corporate space, who might be juggling challenging family obligations and pressures, or in a period of transition and upheaval. 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

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

  • Cara Behan, LMFT

  • Community Counseling and Education Center (Santa Barbara)

  • Awarded Certificate of Clinical Excellence