Next workshop (for new and returning couples)

Our next workshop is scheduled for March 19th and 20th at Angela Center in Santa Rosa, CA. We have openings for this workshop and encourage all interested couples to consider attending.

We have been approached by couples who have taken the workshop from us in the past that wish to attend again. We offer discounts to returning couples. Please contact us via email at info@sonomacouplesworkshops.com or by phone (707-758-1147 or 707-235-3423) for details. We also encourage couples who have already taken our workshop in the past to consider another workshop offered by our colleagues with the Gottman Institute, Andy Greendorfer and Mirabai Wahbe, called Deepening the Gottman Method. This workshop is offered in Seattle, WA. For more information visit: http://deepeningthegottmanmethod.com.

Mike Basta interviewed by Dr. David Pittle

Recently Mike Basta was interviewed by Dr. David Pittle about Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Here is a link to his website and a podcast of the interview:

http://drdavidpittle.podbean.com/2011/01/25/the-gottman-method-michael-basta/

Valentine's Day at Safari West

Dr. John Gottman tells a story about studying at the Kinsey Institute (Indiana University) which is dedicated to the study of human sexuality. In order to help students overcome their inhibitions about talking about sex the institute showed films of every known mammal having sex (giraffes, mice, elephants, etc...). John was impressed by the practices of the porcupine. Before sex the male porcupine faces the female and soothingly rubs her face until she decides to lower her rear quills. The male would be in big trouble if he thoughtlessly started a sex act while his partner's sharp quills were raised defensively. Dr. Gottman proposes that we humans have a lot to learn from porcupines.

Last Saturday, my wife, Robynne, and I participated in an annual event at Safari West in the hills east of Santa Rosa. Safari West is a 400 acre park that is home to over 400 species of exotic animals. Once a year they host an event titled "Wild Jungle Love" in celebration of Valentine's Day. The event starts with wine and chocolate in the afternoon as a prelude to a guided tour of the facility on four wheel drive vehicles complete with enlightening and entertaining on the spot lectures about the reproductive habits of various animals. The day is then capped off with dinner and dancing in the Elephant Room, which is a showcase for some examples of the woodcraft of Safari West owner/creator, Peter Lang.

Robynne and I strongly recommend a visit to Safari West (http://www.safariwest.com/home/), and think that many couples would really like "Wild Jungle Love". By the way, we did get a glimpse of some African Porcupines, but the male seemed to lack patience and it did not look like a lucky Valentine's Day for him.

Mike Basta