“Prison/trauma psychologist, ketamine therapy, retreat leader for men of trans kids, film consultant, mixed race family; self-actualization.”
I'm Dr. David J. Parr, a New York licensed clinical psychologist. I spent 21 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where I built its first two trauma-focused programs (which were subsequently adopted nationwide) and served as a national subject-matter expert on PTSD programming. My work was recognized by the state of Connecticut in 2020. I also co-led the Crisis Support Team at MDC Brooklyn following the 9/11 WTC attacks.
I currently maintain a private practice, with a specialization in couples therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
As a consultant, facilitator and speaker, I've collaborated with The Dads Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign and The Gender Cool Project. I've participated on a speaker panel alongside journalist Katie Couric and have co-led seminars for major companies, including Nike and Bayer. I also consulted on the Emmy Award-winning Netflix short documentary film The Dads — and am a subject of the current, feature length version of this film. At present, I am panelling at screenings throughout the current run of the film, including a Q&A with Dwyane Wade following its premiere at the South by Southwest film festival earlier this year. I also co-facilitate a yearly retreat for fathers of trans kids with The Dads Foundation.
At home I'm in a mixed-race family parenting a transgender child — I live the authenticity I talk about.
As a guest, I use plain-spoken language and humor, am ready to go deep but also can keep it practical and succinct, and enjoy audience/interviewer interaction and banter.
