Dotti Berry of IMPACT Communications

Through IMPACT Communications, Dotti Berry has offered seminars and workshops in diversity/sexuality/non-violence for a variety of clients since 1985. As well, she offers one-on-one transformation/relationship coaching.

Her passion for the "reawakening" of our soul self through the integration of our sexuality/spirituality has evolved into her various workshops involving such topics as sexual confidence for women. As well, she has developed a process called Shift2Relate, which helps people to understand that their own transformation is the key to opening up the space for others to shift and change. Dotti encourages people to evolve from the "inside/out" and this takes courage, a word that literally means "of the heart." Therefore, the energy we direct every single day moves through the heart, transforming and empowering not only ourselves, but also society as a whole. It allows us to move from "RelationShip" with ourselves and with others into "RelationShift™" transforming us from "caterpillars of possibility" into "butterflies in flight!"

Dotti is currently working on her doctorate in Human Sexuality at Widener University. She also serves as part of the national leadership team for Soulforce and is a certified Self-Talk Trainer and Life Coach with the Life Coach Institute. Dotti has studied Touch Drawing with Deborah Koff-Chapin and teaches and utilizes Touch Drawing in various workshops to help participants develop from the inside/out. Dotti received a BS.Ed. from Georgia Southern College in 1974 and a M.Ed. from Georgia State University in 1975. Dotti lived in Lexington, Kentucky for 22 years before moving in August of 2002 to Blaine, Washington.

Tuesday 9:00-11:00
Watch me Roar...Whether Man or Woman SO
For SO's Only. For the Significant Other of the transgender partner, whether you are male, female, or questioning.

It is a strong man or woman who chooses to attend Esprit in support of his/her transgender partner for the first time. That same person continues his/her journey and often discovers much about self during this mutual journey. Both voices are needed, so no matter where you are on the journey with your trans partner, please come and share our perspective and your knowledge or lack of knowledge, but most importantly, your keen wisdom. You don't have to edit. Besides, that takes too long and keeps you from being present. Come and share whatever is comfortable for you in the moment. We need and treasure your voice!

Tuesday 11: 30-1:00
SO Luncheon
For SO's Only. For the Significant Other of the transgender partner, whether you are male, female, or questioning.

Tuesday 1:30-3:30
Shared Aha Moments
For transgender couples (both must attend)

Exploring issues and differences can be challenging for any couple. For the transgender couple, these encounters offer a unique and rare opportunity to dive deep, supplying a never-ending richness and depth often never experienced by other couples. On the other hand, it doesn't just "happen." It requires the utmost emotional integrity of both to achieve this high level of engaging and connecting with one another. You will receive a rare opportunity to bring your honest questions and sharing to these personal discussions in a confidential and supportive group setting. Please join us for what could prove to be a "once in a lifetime" opportunity with your partner.

Wednesday 9:00-11:00
Life's a journey...Hang on for the Ride!
For SO's Only. For the Significant Other of the transgender partner, whether you are male, female, or questioning.

How High Can You JUMP? Have you ever felt that more is being asked of you than you feel you can possibly accommodate? The non transgender partner develops creativity, strength and capabilities beyond his/her wildest imagination. You may not believe that if you are just beginning your journey, but just ask a few of the "wiser" ones who have been down the path you are beginning. YOUR JOURNEY? Yes, you also embark on a journey...sometimes kicking and screaming, sometimes sullen and angry, and/or sometimes accepting and challenged. And these are only a few of the characteristics. Many people begin at one stage, such as accepting and challenged, only to find themselves kicking, screaming, sullen, angry and crying...sometimes at the same time...and sometimes in the middle of this group. You may rotate from one state to the other, with feelings sometimes overlapping. "Don't Worry...Be Happy" just doesn't seem to cut it. What you will discover in this group is the opportunity to let it all hang out in a safe and supportive atmosphere where you will not be judged for how you feel about YOUR situation. We are all here to learn from one another, as we maneuver how we are going to approach our families, our friends and our transgender partners in our intimate relationships.

Wednesday 1:30-3:30
Ancora Imparo (I'm Still Learning)
For transgender couples (both must attend)

In what area are you holding back? After asking yourself whether you are, and discovering a "Yes," the bigger question is "WHY?" What Fear/s ( False Elements Appear Real) are holding you back from deeper intimacy? Are you willing to move beyond your preconceived ideas about relationship? Come engage in two hours of exploration together, with a commitment for "allowing" and discovering new ways for opening doors to a richer relationship.

Thursday 9:00-11:00
But What about Our Children, Friends & Family?
For SO's Only. For the Significant Other of the transgender partner, whether you are male, female, or questioning.

Oh, wouldn't it be great if you existed in a bubble once you made your initial discovery about your partner being transgender? At least you would be able to deal with it easier if there weren't so many tentacles hanging out everywhere, touching your life in ways you would rather ignore. Ahhhhhhhhh! Why ME, you ask? Why not YOU? We will explore the frustrations, the excitement, the journey, and the acceptance that come with dealing with both your partner and all aspects of what make up this magnificent journey we call "LIFE!" Yes, LIFE...Living Is For Everyone! And that means YOU, even when YOU don't feel like it. Engage in Life anyway, and Nirvana would happen!

Friday 9:00-11:00
It's Fall Apart Friday Night!
For SO's Only. For the Significant Other of the transgender partner, whether you are male, female, or questioning.

Ok, face it. You've done pretty well all week, keeping that smile on your face MOST of the time. You may also feel as if your face is going to crack, afraid you will never put it back together if you let go. So, yes, you've probably shed some tears. Ok, you may have shed LOTS of tears. But you have probably also had some genuine fun. And...sometimes this all feels REAL and HOPEFUL, and sometimes it feels like your worst nightmare, and you find yourself wondering when you are going to wake up. This, too, shall pass. Hey, Life is a Stage, and it also happens in Stages. Come share the ups and downs thus far in your week. We are here for one another, and you are a part of that group. Just trust and know that Friday evening is going to be special, and maybe even one you will never forget with your transgender partner.

How do you reclaim the "Look of Love"...that intimacy you experienced in the beginning with your partner, especially after you discover that the Apples you thought you were getting turn out to be Oranges, or the Oranges turn out to be Apples? You have probably experienced at least ONCE that feeling of "This is NOT what I signed up for!" And yet, the person inside whatever skin or look is the same person you fell in love with. Challenge yourself...come and commit to discussing and discovering new ways to engage in intimacy. As they say, "Try It...You'll Like It!" Treat tonight as if it is your First Date. What have you got to lose as you dance the evening away and gaze into one another's eyes? Ok, so you will both be looking (and maybe even crying) through mascara! Relationship truly evolves when you are willing to do "Whatever It Takes!"

Saturday 9:00-11:00
WHO Needs a Compass? YOU do!
For transgender couples (both must attend)

You've fallen and you can't get up? Let's have a general discussion of where you are and where you are going. How do you navigate these sometimes treacherous, sometimes calm waters? Do either of you find yourself hanging onto the side of the bank, fearful of letting go and floating downstream? Or have you numbed yourself out to the point that you are floating along unconsciously, unaware that you are getting ready to drop over the falls? How can you make conscious choices that empower both YOU and your relationship? Bring it all to the table and let's get ready to tango! (especially since the BIG PARTY is tonight!) You will find that when one partner is willing to change their dance step, the other has to respond in order to remain in the dance. Trust me, try it on the dance floor tonight...the same holds true in your relationship. The saying is true...it does indeed "Take Two to Tango!"