connect with Shannon

Couples and Families of Transitioning Gender in Marriages

Spouses Group
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    Here is an option for sending a message to Shannon.  Be sure to include in comments what group, or workshop, etc you are inquiring about. Private couples consultation is available to support you through your transition and help create a plan for staying close.
Cis Spouses
of Trans Partners in person Support Group
Portland, Oregon, contact Shannon couplescoach@gmail.com, 503 348-0405 or contact form on this page. 

See video message above for spouses of trans partners or read on.   A support group for when your partner is trans or non binary, but you want a group just for you and other spouses that are looking for the way to stay in their relationship and make it work. 

Please contact Shannon to get further info on when and where we meet, and other trans partner, or trans parent supportive events, and to sign up.

​Launched in 2019!
COUPLES GROUP
  • Couples In Transition Support Group in Portland, OR.  This 4 week series is for couples that have a cis partner previously or currently attending Spouses Group and is an exclusive perk of being in Spouses and in a mutually supportive relationship.  This community building group is to grow calmer and closer as a couple and connect to others where you can be totally your true selves. Gems of Gottman relationship research and relationship success strategies are discussed as needed.

 
Other marriage building offers for when one of you is transgender:
  • Marriage Staycation One Day Portland Couples Retreats- VIT Edition (Very Important Transitions) for couples with a cisgender and a transgender or non binary spouse who are past initial reactions and focusing on what it takes to keep a happy family. Special guests to address unique transgender and partner topics like being a team regarding sexuality in transition and handling dysphoria. Portland, Oregon, contact Shannon couplescoach@gmail.com or call 503 348-0405.
  • PFLAG hundreds of chapters (contact about what trans related activities and speakers they feature and ask about trans focus in nearby chapters).


​If you have in-person resources anywhere in the United States in support of the couple with transitioning matters, and spouses who stay, please send them to Shannon Batts couplescoach@gmail.com.

Click here for the transgender relationship online support pages

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   Since our launch in 2016, Spouses' Group stays active with about 20 cisgender spouses who meet in small groups.  
   Over 20 additional spouses, prior members, who remain supportively together in their relationships have graduated and have access to Relationship Gardening special events and continued networking from within the online private group run by peers from the group. 

​   Couples groups, the 4 weeks series and the Advanced group offered for marriages with a partner who is transgender are available for members of Spouses Group and their partners.  Registration required by phone conversation with Shannon.

    The Advanced Couples Group
in Portland, OR is just for the transitioning couples who attended the 4 week couples group series.
This is a supportive and positive community that also deals with all the aspects, feelings, and concerns unique to transitioning mid relationship.
As of Feb 2020, there are 10 couples active in this unique and rare Advanced Couples Group for transgender partners and their cisgender spouses.
All groups offered by Relationship Gardening, Shannon Batts are by donation!

If you wish to make a donation to support the above services to these families, among other ways you can use the Square link https://squareup.com/store/relationship-gardening/item/donation
  

Conferences

Conferences are described as potential life changing level of affirmation and learning in the refreshing company of others like you.  
Gender Odyssey ​http://www.genderodyssey.org/  an international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender diverse youth, their loved ones, and professionals who serve them. Packed with thought-provoking workshops, professional training opportunities, discussion groups, networking, and social events, this one-of-a-kind annual gathering attracts people from all over the world for an uplifting weekend of skill sharing and community. Some years in Los Angeles, San Diego, or Seattle!