About David
David Jung McGarva, MA, grew up in Scotland, where he was a manager in business and government for 21 years before answering an unexpected but compelling call to Southern California. Among other adventures in Los Angeles, he became a 9-1-1 operator for four years while continuing his studies and training in psychology, therapy and counseling.
With degrees in three fields, including psychology degrees from The Open University in England and Phillips Graduate Institute in California, and with training in psychotherapy at the California Family Counseling Center and elsewhere, David brings a unique perspective to psychology, counseling and coaching. He is known as a gentle helper, more interested in unleashing the client’s potential for growth and achievement than in unearthing past mistakes.
As a Writers Guild (WGGB) member since 1993, David takes a particular interest in the challenges facing creative clients. His interest in writer’s block has led to various projects at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Institute, San Francisco including an interview-based study of an established Hollywood writer’s experiences, a journal-based study of the novel-writing process and three quantitative studies of the motivation of more than 100 writer participants. A 2008 study will explore long and short term motivation in Los Angeles screenwriters.
Most recently David was recruited as a subject matter expert by the State of California examination and licensing board. David and Monica Jung McGarva are the parents and step-parents of four adults on three continents, and live quietly in Los Angeles County.
