Shannon Batts (she/her)

Devoting myself to relationship strategies that work to build connection or repair made it possible to enjoy a great love connection for 31 years (now widowed). Having many queer family, friends and clients made clear that LGBTQi? couples and transgender coming out couples take enough crud for being who they are-and deserve access to relationship savvy! Spouses Group was born in 2016 from this mission to bring more positive possibilities of keeping life long love together -a group for cisgender partners when a partner comes out trans during the relationship. I've been using Gottman science of love for decades. It's what makes my input sound. I feel lucky also to have trained in a 100 hour, 5 phase, Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy international cohort with Dr. Michael Yapko. I was making changes I needed, in the training, just from the hypnosis practice! I am also very fortunate to be trained by and on the RaceTalksPDX team of antiracism discussion consultants.

My grandmother took me to AA when too young for coffee but had a bit anyway. She gifted me with the belief that people can come back from the hardest things which I definitely needed. My mottos for my adult daughter are "keep going," and "let the light in." As a counselor, my belief in your future, your possibilities, that growth is possible is central to everything. I have also had my heart wrenched in two by loved ones who shut the door to healing and new possibilities. My father died from heartbreak and overdose. "A goal without taking steps is merely a wish." (Dr Yapko). I trust science to pinpoint relationship steps for staying strong or getting back on track. I believe couples counseling should be regulated so as not cause further harm by the untrained. I regret that I lived in a white bubble so long without more leveraging of white privilege for BIPOC. I believe in progressive stacking order everywhere -bringing marginalized voices forward and decentering whiteness.