Darren McKinnis,
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Gottman Certified. Pastor. Husband of 30+ years. I help couples and individuals find clarity, connection, and lasting change.
"Success does not make you immune to stress, disconnection, conflict, or self-doubt. In fact, the more responsibility you carry, the harder it can be to find someone with whom you can be completely honest. In my office, you do not have to perform, manage perceptions, or have everything figured out. You can simply be a person."
You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out
I'm Darren McKinnis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in relationships, personal growth, and the patterns that keep capable people from experiencing the connection and peace they want. I work with couples and individuals from many walks of life — including executives, physicians, business owners, athletes, ministry leaders, and people simply trying to navigate the demands of work, family, and relationships.
My approach is direct, thoughtful, and deeply human. I will listen carefully, but I will also help you identify what is happening beneath the surface: the unresolved hurt, protective reactions, shame, resentment, communication patterns, and nervous-system responses that can quietly shape your life and relationships.
In our work together, you can expect more than a place to talk. We will pursue greater clarity, develop practical tools, and address the patterns that are keeping you stuck. My goal is to help you communicate more honestly, repair trust, handle conflict differently, and build relationships that are both resilient and meaningful.
I understand that people in highly visible or demanding roles often need a therapist who is grounded, discreet, and able to speak candidly without being intimidated by position, achievement, or complexity.
As both a therapist and a pastor, I am comfortable working with the psychological, relational, and spiritual dimensions of life. Faith can be incorporated when it is meaningful to you, but it is never imposed. People of every background are welcome and respected.
Whether you are facing a relationship crisis, preparing for marriage, carrying the weight of leadership, or simply realizing that something needs to change, you do not have to work through it alone. I would be honored to help you take the next step.
What You Can Expect
Directness without judgment. I will listen carefully and speak candidly. You will not leave sessions wondering what I actually think. I am not intimidated by position, achievement, or complexity.
Work beneath the surface. We will identify the unresolved hurt, protective reactions, shame, resentment, and nervous-system responses that quietly shape your life — not just the presenting symptoms.
Practical tools, not just insight. Clarity matters, but so does change. We will develop concrete skills for communication, conflict, and repair that you can use outside the office.
Discretion and safety. Everything shared in our sessions is HIPAA compliant and private. You can be honest here in ways that may not be possible anywhere else in your life.
Faith & Spirituality
As both a therapist and a pastor, I am comfortable working with the psychological, relational, and spiritual dimensions of life. Faith can be incorporated when it is meaningful to you, but it is never imposed. People of every background, belief, and worldview are welcome and respected.
Credentials & Training
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
State of Colorado License
Certified Gottman Method Therapist
Advanced training in couples therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Specialized training in attachment-based therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Evidence-based approach for individual therapy
Ordained Pastor
Faith-integrated care available when meaningful to you
My Approach
I believe that every relationship has the potential for growth and healing. My role is to provide a warm, non-judgmental space where couples and individuals can explore their concerns, develop new skills, and rediscover hope.
As a Certified Gottman Method therapist, I use evidence-based approaches that have been proven effective through decades of research. But beyond the methods and techniques, I bring genuine compassion and a deep respect for each person's unique journey.
Whether you're facing communication challenges, rebuilding trust, navigating life transitions, or simply wanting to strengthen your connection, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Who I Work With
- Couples in conflict or crisis
- Couples preparing for marriage
- Executives & business leaders
- Physicians & medical professionals
- Engineers & technical leaders
- Professional athletes & sports couples
- Ministry leaders & pastors
- Individuals seeking personal growth
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You do not have to work through it alone. I would be honored to help you find greater clarity, connection, and peace.
Join the Waitlist