** LANGLEY LOCATION ** MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY **

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’ve made it my life’s work to help couples create a secure relationship marked by healthy communication, connection, and friendship! Whether you are looking for a relationship tune-up, or you’re feeling hopeless about your relationship, I am here to help. Research has repeatedly shown that the relationship you have with your counsellor predicts the success you experience in counselling. This is why I prioritize creating a non-judgmental, empathic environment where both partners feel heard. It is crucial that your counsellor checks their biases at the door so they can hold space for both partner’s experiences. I seek to do this by taking a client-centered approach that focuses on your culturally-specific needs and goals for your relationship. I integrate the training I’ve received from Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy to help couples heal from betrayal, rebuild trust, foster intimacy, and rediscover their friendship. I have also received training in Mindfulness-Based Somatic Therapy which focuses on integrating traumatic experiences. I have found that our early childhood experiences, and past relationships, often shape our understanding of what intimacy is and whether intimacy is safe to experience. These relational beliefs may be showing up in your current relationship in conscious and subconscious ways. I use evidence-based tools to help you build a foundation of relational security. I hold a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Counselling and Human Development from Simon Fraser University and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. In addition to the training I’ve received from Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Somatic Therapy, I have received training in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Intimate Partner Violence training, and crisis intervention. I am continually seeking opportunities to learn more about how I can best help the couples that come into my office. In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and our pets, enjoying nature, and creating “do-it-yourself” projects.

** LANGLEY LOCATION ** MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY ** Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’ve made it m... Read More

The Art & Science of Love is a workshop for every type of couple and has been shown to achieve results similar to 6 months of traditional marriage counselling. That’s because we equip you with a box of Gottman researched-based techniques, cards, tools and tips to help support a healthy relationship long after you return home from our retreats.

Presented by Darren Wilk and Lawrence Stoyanowski!

You and your partner will learn how to foster respect, affection, and closeness in your relationship. You will build and share a deeper connection with each other. You’ll learn how to keep conflict discussions calm, how to break through conflicted gridlock, and how to strengthen and maintain the gains in your relationship

The Art & Science of Love is a workshop for every type of couple and has been shown to achiev... Read More

** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Hi, I’m Josipa and I’m passionate about working with couples to help them return to or create an environment of happiness, care, and understanding in their relationships. Contrary to a popular mainstream belief, no one comes prepared to be in a relational partnership. In fact, what typically happens is: 1. We choose a partner who knows how to push the exact buttons that trigger us 2. We enter a relationship and 1, 2, 3 years later, realize our partner is unrecognizable and 100% not the same person we started dating. How does this happen? Using the evidence-based Gottman Method, I work with clients like you to identify where your relationship went off track, what keeps it off track, and what interventions can be employed to correct and maintain stability and security in the relationship. I help clients create internal and external boundaries, identify their personal triggers, and work on strategies to manage and soothe themselves. All within the context of a relationship. The results are: you can show up and be the best version of yourself, and you have tailored strategies to meet your partner in the way they need to be met. It sounds challenging, and it is hard work - but be assured, all the effort you put in during this time of high conflict will produce significant results for the long-term. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. I also am passionate about exploring therapeutic techniques to help my clients reach their goals. I am a registered counsellor with both the BCACC (BC) and CCPA (across Canada).

** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Hi, I’m Josipa and I’m passionate ab... Read More

** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY

Hi, I’m Stefan and I’m passionate about helping couples like you and your partner restore your relationship. I specialize in couples counselling because it is my favorite type of counselling. Why, you might ask? Well, that’s because I am a romantic at heart, I believe in love, and I want you to succeed in your relationship and live happily ever after! It never ceases to amaze me how uplifted I am after each couples session. I love watching two people start talking again, deal with their stuff, and get back on the same page again.

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH ME IN COUPLES COUNSELLING

What I’m Like My clients tell me I am easy to open up to because I am a safe person to talk to. I practice an empathetic, validating, genuine, and non-judgmental approach so that no matter what you may tell me I won’t be shocked, condescending, bring my own issues into therapy, or impose my values on you. You will probably find that it won’t take long for you to conclude that I’m the right couples counsellor for you allowing you to get to work on why you came in the first place. I also have a good combination of being sensitive to what you need and yet being able to stand my ground so your partner won’t get the best of me.

I Don’t Take Sides—I Focus on Your Dynamics There is almost nothing worse that can happen in couples therapy than your therapist taking your partner’s side making you feel ganged up on. I want you to know I won’t be taking sides and place blame on you or your partner. What I will be doing instead is trying to change the dynamics between you and your partner. My focus will always be on your relationship.

I Will Take a Directive Approach At first, I will watch you argue or fight so that I can learn about your dynamics. But soon enough I will step in and stop your unproductive arguing and redirect the focus onto healthier, more successful solutions. You aren’t hiring me just so that you can fight in my office the same as you always do. You are already doing that at home for free!

One Topic at a Time At the beginning of each session, I will ask you and your partner for a list of topics that are on your mind right now about what you feel needs to be dealt with in the relationship. Then we put the list in order from the most pressing topic to the least, and then we begin with the first one. It’s super important that we tackle one topic at a time, usually the biggest ones like trust or betrayal issues, so that you can feel a sense that you are moving forward and get a new sense of hope.

What Issues to Tackle First I like to start with the most pressing issues, usually trust or betrayal issues, because without repairing the relationship and building new trust, there is no foundation to build on. However, if you and your partner are unable to have productive conversations without escalating into a shouting match, then we may need to first start by laying new relationship ground rules and practicing better communication by dealing with smaller topics, until you are ready to deal with the bigger ones.

I Will Be Your Hope If You Can’t Hope Yet, and I Won’t Give Up on You. How many times have I heard someone like you exclaim, “Are we fixable? Is this worth it? Can our marriage be saved?” This type of despair usually only happens after a long period of relationship problems repeating the same patterns over and over for years. You want it to get better, but you fear being hurt again, or that your partner won’t actually cooperate and change. During the initial sessions of couples counselling when things are at their worst, I will be your hope. I won’t give up on you even if you do. I will believe for a better future for you even if you can’t. My clients have told me that, at times, the only thing holding their relationship together was me.

I Will Do Individual Sessions for You or Your Partner, You and your partner are probably painfully aware of each of your personal issues you already had before you met that you have brought into the relationship. Sometimes, you or your partner’s personal issues can dominate the problems of the relationship that no amount of couples counselling that can fix. I often conduct individual counselling sessions to help you or your partner face your past, heal, grieve, so that you can finally overcome those stubborn problems that so plague your relationship.

How to Succeed in Couples Counselling. If I can give you one piece of advice to fix your marriage, it would be to find a good couples therapist (like me!) and then all you have to do is show up week after week, and they will walk you through the rest. With me in the room your conversations are far more productive. Your job is to show up week after week, be honest and real, work hard, and then practice what you learned from that session the following week. Couples counselling will guarantee that you will have at least one part of the week in which you will have productive talks with your partner.

Bring Your Fights to Couples Counselling A critical success strategy early on in couples counselling is to postpone all your major arguments through out the week for couples counselling. Very simply, as soon as you recognize you are beginning to escalate, agree to shut down the conversation and bring the topic or issue to your next session. What this will do is allow you to focus on the positive without spiraling downward into despair, which kills hope. At your next couple session, with me in the room, you will be able to process the issue much more productively.

My Hobbies When I’m not busy seeing clients, you will typically find me looking up the latest home design ideas on HGTV and renovating my home, working in my backyard garden, exploring the wonders of living in the beautiful Lower Mainland or reading the next book on couples counselling.

My Qualifications

Master of Counselling: City University of Seattle, Vancouver Division

BCACC RCC #18055

10 years of counselling experience

A passion for couples therapy

** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY Hi, I’m Stefan and I’m passionate a... Read More

** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** TUESDAY, FRIDAY

Duncan is an Irish born Canadian citizen. He grew up on three continents as his family moved in search of a better life and opportunities. As a senior in high school he had his first encounter with kicking a football, this combined with a special coach who helped accommodate his schedule opened the door to play collegiate soccer and university football.

It was not soon thereafter that soccer was left behind for kicking and punting a football. After a stellar career with the UBC Thunderbirds, Duncan was selected 14th overall in the Canadian Football League draft and went on to play 7 years of professional sports. During these years he was an all-star and played in 2 Grey Cups, winning 1 in 2001, and garnished several team awards and league nominations.

After professional sports, Duncan transitioned his life by completing further education and graduate training in both counselling and sports psychology. He is a performance specialist who has a passion for helping people overcome obstacles in their lives that maintain the struggle within. Duncan is a cognitive therapist, who pulls in an emotion focused lens. He has an ability to connect with people with where the are in life. His style is empathetic while maintaining a pragmatic approach.

Duncan has worked with children, youth and parents in both the public and private sector. His draw to couples’ therapy has spawn out of his work with youth. Having had the task of supporting so many youths with parental discord, he wanted to move up stream and shift his focus to supporting couples. After going to an Art and Science of Love workshop in Seattle with his wife, he was sold on the Gottman method. This motivated him to receive his Gottman Level 1 & 2 training.

Duncan believes that men are reluctant to enter therapy and that some may feel inadequate in relationships which can lead to feeling negative emotional states. Other men believe that asking for help can be perceived as shameful or a sign of weakness. Duncan wants to help create an environment that is supportive, non-judgemental and encouraging for couples to help move past the wounds to a safe and comfortable place.

** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** TUESDAY, FRIDAY Duncan is an Irish born Canadian citizen. He grew up on ... Read More

LANGLEY LOCATION  TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY Telehealth ONLY until March 27th, 2024.

In Office Sessions Available starting April 2, 2024.

I have been practicing marriage and family therapy since 1991, after receiving my degree from one of the top 5 Marriage and Family Therapy Programs in the world, Loma Linda University. I have been a Certified Gottman Therapist since 2006 and have practiced the Gottman Method since 2004. I am co-owner of Bestmarriages.ca and Affinity Counselling Services and co-founder of Lighthouse Therapeutic Services and I have also enjoyed working at counselling centres and family clinics in California and Alberta.

After being certified in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy (see www.gottman.com) it became a passion of mine to use this approach with clients to help integrate the principles and skills into their relationships. I feel that I am part of something that has real quality and purpose and my work with my couples has become very clear and focused. I put great trust in this method for everything from relationship assessment to conflict regulation, to creating effective communication. I have been described by clients as being vibrant and energetic and the way I conduct therapy is an action-orientated process. When conducting therapy with my couples I create a positive, comfortable, and humour-filled, environment which is most conducive to learning. It is so gratifying to see couples become excited about their relationships, and to know that I had a part in influencing their relationship in a positive way. I especially enjoy working with couples and offer a wide range of services, which include Marriage and Family Therapy, Communication Skills, Stress Management, Conflict Resolution and Esteem Issues. When working with couples I concentrate on solutions not problems, acceptance and change, not fault. I mainly use scientifically proven methods of relationship counselling developed by John Gottman.

I have enjoyed presenting a wide variety of trainings, seminars, and workshops over the years, which have consisted of True Colors and Personality Dimensions, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution and Self Esteem Issues as well as various Gottman trainings and workshops including The Art and Science of Love Couples Workshop. I frequently provide training for clinicians in Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Gottman Method. I have also delivered several presentations at the well-known Annual Gottman Conference.

With my experience, I hold a number of titles at The Gottman Institute which include being a Certified Gottman Therapist, Certified Gottman ASL presenter, Level I & Level 2 & Level 3 Gottman Method Trainer, Gottman Consultant and ASL Presenter Trainer. I have been designated as a Master Trainer for the Gottman Institute, who are specifically endorsed by the Gottman Institute to teach all levels of Gottman training. I am also a presenter on the Gottman Institute’s Speaker’s Bureau.

I am dedicated to providing a high quality therapeutic service which is sensitive and compassionate to the needs of my clients. I believe people will excel when they become clear about what they want and why they want it. Clarity allows clients to focus their energy and skills to connect the dots between where they are and where they want to be. I support my clients in successfully moving forward by guiding them towards understanding what they need and getting those needs met. My job is to help clients become clear about what they want to achieve, find a path to their goal, and take the required action.

Having a background in Structural-Strategic Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, I am committed to producing results. I value professional development and continually upgrade my professional knowledge and skills in all areas including Self Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Grief Recovery, Empowerment and Collaboration, Sexual Abuse and Suicide Prevention.

I hold a deep commitment and interest in my local community. Through the years I have had the privilege to sit on several boards and committees in the Langley area. These have included Chair, Vice Chair and Past Chair of the Community Health and Education Committee (CHEC), held at the Langley Hospital. I was also Director at Large (Board Member) of Aldergrove Neighborhood Services and was part of the steering committee for a not-for-profit computer school – Aldergrove Computer Training School (A.C.T.S.). I have a strong desire to help people overcome challenges, take control of their lives and realize their full potential. When not working or being active in the community I enjoy spending time and travelling with my best friends – my wife and two daughters – and playing golf with my buddies.

“Helping People Help Themselves.”

LANGLEY LOCATION  TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY Telehealth ONLY until March 27th, 2024. In Offic... Read More

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** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

Darren Wilk, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Co-founder of Bestmarriages.ca, has been working with marriages 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 master trainer regularly presenting  Gottman Couples Workshops and trains other counselors in Canada on how to use the Gottman Method of couples therapy. Recently he has been asked by the Gottman Institute to be one of four master Trainers  in the world to present “The Art and Science Couples Workshop” in seattle for the Gottman Institute. 

Having been certified in the “Gottman Method of couples therapy” (see www.gottman.com ), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and the Prepare/Enrich program. Darren especially enjoys working with couples. A dynamic therapist and motivational speaker, Darren brings creativity, inspiration and compassion into his counseling which enables him to connect well with clients of any age. While he draws from a variety of therapeutic models, Darren mainly uses scientifically proven methods of relationship counseling developed by John Gottman and choice theory. These theories combined help couples concentrate on solutions not problems, acceptance and change not blame, and what is within their control in order to make changes in their lives.

This type of therapy usually includes 6-10 sessions and is collaborative in nature. Darren’s therapeutic preference also includes prevention; he desires to help people view counseling as a “tune-up” process, rather than an option only for those in crisis. He works with clients to help uncover their strengths and utilize them to make better choices. Darren holds Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Religion and a Master of Arts in Counseling/Psychology. His experience includes marriage coaching, Couples workshops, Level one, two and three trainer for the Gottman method, work with the Ministry for Children and Families in Chilliwack, couples communication workshops, addictions counseling, Sexual abuse counseling, development and leading of anger management groups, and parenting classes. Other areas of interest include occupational stress and personal meaning–the focus of Darren’s thesis and ongoing work. 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 “One Eye Integration”, which works directly on the brain and quickly helps clear negative thoughts, traumatic memories and overwhelming feelings.

Darren is part owner of and works full time as a counsellor at Lighthouse Therapeutic Services. When Darren is not working, he enjoys Snowboarding, dancing ,camping and playing with his own family, which includes a wife of over 20 years, four children, and two cats.Relationship Workshops

P.S. — His Wife is also a fantastic counsellor who specializes in work with women & families.

** LANGLEY LOCATION  ** TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY Darren Wilk, Registered Clinical Counsellor... Read More

** LANGLEY LOCATION** TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY **

LaVerna Wilk, MC, builds champions and helps people experience freedom in their lives every chance she gets. She has worked with families, couples and individuals since 1988. As a Therapeutic Foster Parent she has worked very closely with families to maximize relationship and minimize loss. As a therapist she has helped people step out of their rut and move on to experience the life they want. She is a Certified Gottman Therapist through the Gottman Institute and works well with couples, teaching tools so that they can move out of gridlock and begin to feel movement with their perpetual issues without hurting each other. She has presented at 50 couples workshops and is a master Rover trainer for the Gottman Art and Science of Love Couples Workshops.

LaVerna connects well with those she meets because she is real and laid back. She brings energy to her work by helping people give up wishing for a better past and reach for what they want most for themselves. She has presented couples workshops, personality workshops, anger management groups and run parenting groups, focusing on attachment issues as well as a variety of other parenting issues. She is certified in Observed & Experienced Integration and specializes in releasing people from the impact of trauma. La Verna believes that from time to time everyone loses sight of the big picture and could use some perspective. There are also times when a complete cognitive and emotional makeover is called for. Her desire is to provide a safe place for people to explore their circumstances and a compass to move past them.

La Verna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Religion and a Master of Counselling. Her experience includes work with CARES Counselling Centre in Abbotsford, therapist with the Children’s Foundation in Vancouver, Program coordinator with Venture Academy, addictions counselling, sexual abuse counselling, anger management, stress and anxiety therapy and parenting classes. Other areas of interest include working with women in their search for empowerment and freedom. She has great success working with anxiety and trauma. One of the effective techniques she uses is called “Observed and Experienced Integration” which works directly on the brain and quickly helps clear negative thoughts, traumatic memories and overwhelming feelings.

La Verna has been married since 1988 and a mother of five, who enjoys outdoor activities, meaningful friendships and has a huge capacity for entertainment of many types.

“She creates opportunities for people to feel like champions, changing the world one heart at a time.”

** LANGLEY LOCATION** TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY ** LaVerna Wilk, MC, builds champions and hel... Read More