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.

Dotti teaches the following classes (all held in the SO Lounge; preliminary and subject to some change):

Is it really possible to not only enjoy yourself, but flourish, as one-half of a transgender couple? Engage the pathway toward direct, unmediated, heart-to-heart connection with yourself, and you will discover how to enjoy the "two worlds" of being with a transgender person. Whether a first-timer or long-timer at this conference, come with your insights and questions. This group can offer the possibility of self expansion, moving you toward a greater understanding of yourself and your trans partner.

Tuesday 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Nourishing the Transgender Couple Relationship (for couples)

Are you ready to engage in new ways? Is being emotionally present and fully human in front of another possible? Can you truly cut through your personal differences to find common ground? Are you interested in learning to dissolve, rather than resolve, differences in order to live a liberated life? This group will offer a way to shift your current relationship. Come join us if this entices you!

Wednesday 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Sexual Intimacy...Creating Icing for Your Cake (for couples)

What creates sexual intimacy? Are you willing to talk about your desires, and what you want in your relationship? What stops you in having greater sexual intimacy? The intention of this group is to offer a safe environment for you to explore your deeper sexual desires, for yourself, as well as your partner.

Wednesday 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sexual Intimacy as a Couple...Moving beyond what you have known (for couples)

Cultural and gender stereotypes can inhibit the sexual intimacy of a transgender couple. How do you move beyond what is stopping you? Has your sexual intimacy disappeared, or is it simply in hibernation? Come to a safe environment where you can discover together where that "next level" in sexual intimacy is hiding.

Pass go and collect $200. Well, it's not monopoly, but it is the game of life. How are you moving in yours? Are you being present to the moments, or caught up in your partner's life?

SO group for those who have been in a relationship where you have known about your transgender partner for 5+ years. Make this group what you want it to be. Bring questions and insights about your relationship. Think about how/where you want your relationship to evolve. This is for YOU!

Couples can get stuck. Like chess, if no one is willing to make a move, you are stuck and can't begin the game. This game is the game of Life. Don't miss yours as a couple! To be successful, you have to be willing to make a move, creating an opening for the other person to make a move. The difference in the game of life is that no one has to lose. Both can flourish. Come discover how.

Boundaries: what are they? Why do we need them? How do we set them and respect them? Join us for an in-depth discussion of this essential part of a couple's life. If time permits, discussion can continue on other relationship issues.