Relationship Gardening

Ways to reach Shannon Batts, Relationship Gardener:

1. You can email:   shannon at relationshipgardening dot com.

2. Or call 503-348-0405 and leave a message. 

3.  After selecting "Contact"  on the left column menu, there is a smaller "contact" category for sending emails from this site if you prefer instead of from your own email account.

    You can also make your own appointment directly online by going to the APPOINTMENTS  link on the tab at the top of the website and following those directions or scroll to the bottom of this page for a direct link to the appointment book.

What Is This All About?

Find what matters in relationships, gay or straight, according to some of the best science done to figure it all out. 

Relationship Gardening online here makes it fun so that you can look around and get inspired, or get a kick in the butt -- whichever you need to make your next move to a healthier relationship.

If you want time for personalized input with a "Marriage Friendly Therapists" approved couples' counselor, AKA your Relationship Gardener, you can do so

1.  electronically by secured online chat so that you can be anywhere in the world and get the support you need.  Find me on www.mytherapynet.com for online real time access by the minute.  Search for Shannon Batts.

OR

2. Portland, Oregon is where you can meet me one on one, or in a group setting.  Fun and engaging seminars are offered and can be arranged for your group, party, religious group, or organization. 

Couples have access to newer video methods I use to tape you in session and play it back for some big eye openers in the first few sessions.  This saves you time and money as couples who see themselves in action with a gentle and educated Relationship Gardener learn to steer quickly in the best direction.

There are also many tools that we have gleaned from the master's of happy relationships to bring to you in a way that you can use in session or at home.

All About Me (little narcisism joke there)

Speaking of education, after my Bachelor's in Child Development, I earned my Master's  in Counseling with Marriage and Family emphasis, and I have 2 licenses.  For Californians, I have a Marriage and Family Therapy license (LMFT MFC34477), and for Oregonians, I have a Professional Counselor's license (LPC C2379).

The exciting part came after school though -- receiving training by Dr. John Gottman with the Gottman Relationship Institute, from which I learned all the cool research-related stuff that makes a HUGE difference in making marriage work. I received Level 1 training back in 2000 when it was a combination of 2 levels.  In 2010 I took part in the first ever Science of Trust in Seattle-the Gottmans spending the day with professionals like me to reveal their findings on affairs, betrayals, porn addiction and rebuilding trust.  In 2011, I received Level II Advanced Training in Gottman Method Couples' Therapy: Assessments, Interventions and Co-Morbidities. 

According to Dr. Bill Dougherty, 80% of therapists surveyed said they treat couples and almost none of them had any training.  This is dangerous to couples to consult with a professional who is flying by the seat of their pants.  Seek out counselors who have training.  Ask about it: what it is-what was the gist of it, how does it stand apart as useful to relationships. 

I figured-why mess around with the lives, hearts, time, trust of couples by just doing whatever?  I look to the leader in expert knowledge on couples-The Gottman Institute and learn from the best.

I have also had cognitive (looking at how thoughts drive moods) therapy training by Christine Padesky, of the Newport Beach Cognitive Therapy Institute back in the 90's.  Dr Padesky authored a practical book (among many others) to help depression and anxiety states, Mind Over Mood.

Licensed therapists and counselors are required to keep up with their education by acquiring dozens of continuing education units on an ongoing basis.  I stay focused on sharpening my skills and knowledge for couples to make what I offer highly relevant.

Personally, yes I do have an all organic garden -- an edible veggie garden, and chickens, as well as a labyrinth garden.  I am a straight (and gay affirmative), homeschooling mom, married for 16 years to my Dreamboat fellow.  Every time I turn around, someone I know is divorcing.  I would like to reduce the divorce rate in Portland where I live.  Why not?  The kids will thank you, your health will be better, and basically, we will all benefit.

I think the road not taken, if I had noticed as a youngster,  would have been art and performance, as I was active in theatre as a teen and young adult.  You will see that influence on my presentations -- they are fun, sometimes filled with acting or improv, and other creativity.

My wacky sense of humor I am sure is born from being raised by a pack of wild alcoholics.  I became familiar with 12-step programs from the age of 6 when my grandmother took me with her to AA back in the 60s.  Amazing free self help is tucked away in those meetings.  Adult Children of Alcoholics, and Codependents Anonymous helped me through my 20s.  I worked at many CD hospitals and recovery programs while in college.  I spent a few years working intensely as a county social worker with families that have a drug exposed newborn, who are involved in court and often foster care, and doing what they can to learn to parent in sobriety.  People in recovery are always welcome to Relationship Gardening.

That's a few things about me-now what about you? 

Is it time for you to get some Relationship Gardening and have good things

Take Root, Grow and Bloom?

Here is a link to my appt book if you are ready now: 

http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Relationship_Gardening/Couple's_or_Individual's_Appts