Darren Wilk, M.A., R.C.C

M.A. (Master of Arts): A graduate-level academic degree awarded in fields such as Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Counselling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Sciences, or Humanities.
- In the counselling profession, an M.A. indicates:
  - Completion of a master’s degree focused on psychology, counselling, or a related discipline
- Training in assessment, therapeutic techniques, ethics, and clinical practice
- Supervised clinical hours as part of graduate training
- Eligibility for professional registration or licensure (varies by province/state)

R.C.C. (Registered Clinical Counsellor): A professional designation in British Columbia granted by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
- It confirms the clinician meets requirements in:
  - Graduate-level counselling or psychology education
  - Supervised clinical practice
  - Ethical and professional standards

C.G.T. (Certified Gottman Therapist): An advanced certification from The Gottman Institute indicating extensive training in:
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Relationship assessment
- Evidence-based interventions for conflict, communication, and connection
- It is a high-level, specialized credential requiring rigorous supervision and clinical evaluation.

Certified Gottman Couples Therapist Darren Wilk, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Co-owner of Best Marriages and Affinity counselling agencies, has been working with marriages, individuals and families since 1988. This includes being a foster parent, providing care as a professional parent loving and inspiring children with various challenges. He also is a senior consultant for the Gottman Organization in Canada and regularly presents Gottman Couples Workshops across the Canada and trains other counselors on how to use the Gottman Method of couple’s therapy. Dr. John Gottman is one of the most trusted relationship experts in the World and has written over 40 books and on his 40 years of couples research.

Clients love Darren’s straight forward and down to earth counselling approach. He uses humor, emotional connection and practical education to help couples connect and individuals get back on track.

Darren holds Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Religion and a Master of Arts in Counseling/Psychology. His experience also includes work with the Ministry for Children and Families in Chilliwack, couples communication workshops, addictions counselor in a residential treatment center, Sexual abuse counseling, development and leading of anger management groups, and parenting classes. Recently, he has been having great success working with anxiety and trauma, especially PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). One of the effective techniques he uses is Called “OEI Observed and Experienced Integration”, which works directly on the brain and quickly helps clear negative thoughts, traumatic memories and overwhelming feelings.

When Darren is not working, he enjoys 4-wheeling, long distance hiking ,camping and playing with his own family, which includes a wife of over 25 years, four children, and two cats.