But David’s path here wasn’t a straight line.

He grew up in a conservative Chinese Christian household in Canada, where life was mapped out in clear terms: study hard, marry young, and stay the course. He did all of that—married in his early twenties, earned advanced degrees, on the way to securing the coveted tenure-track post. Then came the divorce. That collapse sent him searching for answers, first in the underground world of pickup and dating strategies. David went all-in, becoming an internationally renowned dating coach and teaching men across the globe how to attract women.

On the surface, he had cracked the code. Underneath, he was unraveling. When his long-term girlfriend cheated on him, it cut deeper than he expected. The heartbreak exposed a hollow core—decades of striving for significance, approval, and validation. He spiraled into despair and even suicide attempts.

What saved him was not status or strategy, but something far quieter. While helping raise his goddaughter from infancy, David felt unconditional love flow from him for the first time—love that didn’t need to be earned or proven and needed nothing in return. That breakthrough realization reshaped his life.

From there, he immersed himself in research and training in psychotherapy, completing advanced training in IFS Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and more. He combined this with his background in philosophy and his real-world lessons from coaching in the trenches. The result is a unique approach to personal growth and leadership—one that works from the inside out.

Today, Dr. Tian works with a small number of private clients each year and leads select group programs. His work blends philosophy, therapy, and coaching to help high performers break free from destructive patterns, find peace and confidence in their true selves, and lead lives that feel fulfilling and whole.

Beyond the titles and credentials, David is also a devoted husband and proud father. His greatest joy is watching his son grow—and helping his clients build lives where achievement and love are not in conflict but in harmony.