Business Details
Empathy-Based Psychotherapy for Couples, Individuals, and Families
As a seasoned psychotherapist with over four decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping couples, individuals, and families cultivate empathy and emotional connection. My approach, rooted in contemporary Relational Psychoanalysis, addresses disruptions in attachment and trauma to restore the capacity for meaningful relationships. Internationally recognized for my expertise, I have taught in Israel, Italy, Mexico, and Chile, and authored books on couples therapy and relational healing. My clinical supervision at the Wright Institute in Berkeley and visiting faculty role at the Tampa Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies reflect my commitment to advancing therapeutic practices.With a background in both poetry and psychoanalysis, I integrate creative insight into my therapeutic work, emphasizing the power of language and metaphor to foster healing. My private practice in Berkeley, California, serves as a space for clients to explore personal growth and overcome self-defeating patterns. My work bridges the emotional and the artistic, offering a unique perspective that enriches both therapeutic and creative processes.
Services
Couples Psychotherapy
Individual Therapy
Family Counseling
Trauma Recovery
Relational Healing
Clinical Supervision
Poetry and Psychoanalysis Integration
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in psychotherapy and relational healing.
- Our approach integrates contemporary Relational Psychoanalysis and poetic insight.
- We provide clinical supervision and education at leading institutions.
- Our work bridges emotional healing with creative exploration of language and metaphor.
- We specialize in overcoming lifelong self-defeating patterns through empathetic connection.
Services
Couples Psychotherapy
Specialized therapy for couples to repair empathy and strengthen emotional connections. Addresses relational trauma and communication barriers. Helps partners grow individually while fostering mutual understanding and attunement.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions focusing on trauma recovery and self-development. Uses empathetic attunement to heal past disruptions in attachment. Guides clients toward emotional resilience and authentic self-expression.
Family Counseling
Supports families in resolving conflicts and improving emotional bonds. Addresses intergenerational patterns and attachment challenges. Promotes collective healing through empathetic communication and understanding.
People
David Shaddock
Psychotherapist and Poet
David Shaddock has over 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist and poet. He is a clinical supervisor at the Wright Institute and author of books on relationships and poetry. His work integrates psychoanalysis with creative expression.
Questions
What is empathy-based psychotherapy?
Empathy-based psychotherapy focuses on restoring emotional connection and understanding between individuals. It addresses trauma and attachment disruptions to foster healing in relationships and personal growth.
How does poetry relate to psychotherapy?
Poetry enhances psychotherapy by using metaphor and language to explore emotions. It bridges subjective experiences, aiding in emotional healing and fostering deeper self-awareness and connection.
What areas do you specialize in?
Specializations include couples therapy, trauma recovery, relational healing, and integrating poetic insight into therapeutic practices for holistic emotional growth.
Do you offer clinical supervision?
Yes, clinical supervision is provided at the Wright Institute in Berkeley and through visiting faculty roles at other institutions.
Reviews (7)
Dave Y.
Jan 09, 2020
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I'm truly astonished to read such negative reviews of Dr. Shaddock. My wife and I both credit him with helping us turn our relationship around during a period of intense crisis. With us, he's always been patient, fair, compassionate, and an excellent listener. But above all, he seems wise -- a quality in short supply among contemporary therapists who seem to rely exclusively on either technique or meds to deal with problems that can only be reached by a probing and deeply empathetic intelligence.
Dr. Shaddock is old-school, but in the best way possible. If you're looking for
Dr. Shaddock is old-school, but in the best way possible. If you're looking for
Steve P.
Oct 26, 2018
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I saw David with my wife in couples therapy. We stayed in because my wife found him supportive and I was hopeful of saving our relationship. He was not supportive of me however, and seemed unable to be neutral or deal with any emotion (including tears). There were many occasions in which he felt a need to "protect" her from me even though there were no issues of abuse in our relationship. He never saw a need to protect me and did not evaluate suicidal thoughts I was having. He seemed unaware or uncaring that he was taking sides and the damage that did to me. He seemed unaware of his
Jacob S.
Mar 18, 2017
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David is the worst example of a therapist i can think of in recent history his hypocritical sexiest point of view can only be seconded by his self absorbed personal demeanor i would not recommend him to anyone seeking a half decent therapist or any help for that matter i cannot recommend him in any good continence
K. S.
Jun 22, 2013
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My marriage was very high conflict, and Dr. Shaddock struggled along with us mightily. I sometimes had the sense he was colluding with my partner, and I had to call him on it, but perhaps that was a tactic. In any case, the marriage was a total failure. Looking back, I can but wish Dr. Shaddock had shown a better capacity for self regulation.
Summer R.
May 15, 2013
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After having worked with Dr. Shaddock for many years, I can honestly state that this man has saved my life! I found Dr. Shaddock to be very gentle, compassionate and patient--especially when dealing with my painful childhood and family of origin issues. Dr. Shaddock has helped me examine my past, walk through it and build a better, happier life. If you are looking for that "quick fix," Dr. Shaddock is probably not the therapist for you. However, if you want to take a good hard look at yourself and your family of origin issues, try Dr. Shaddock.
Douglas W.
Nov 27, 2012
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No argument, Dr. Shaddock is a failure at interior design. But for me, he has been the most perceptive, thoughtful, respectful, and yes, empathic therapist I could ask for. Inevitably, a successful relationship between therapist and patient comes down to chemistry. It's up to the shopping patient to figure that out for him/herself, and not waste time if there's not a connection. Dr. Shaddock has been an invaluable companion and guide on my life's journey.
Dee L.
Aug 22, 2011
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This practitioner has the most depressing office I have ever encountered anywhere, it feels like what I imagine Romania was in its worst communist period. The waiting room is even worse, it's a dark old kitchen. While listening to his patient he sits slovenly on a rocking beat up chair and the lack of empathy becomes quickly obvious --matching in all aspects the morose surroundings. Do I need to add that the therapy sessions didn't help us?
