Email: contact@souliology.com
GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER - A COUPLES RETREAT LED BY
TONI HERBINE-BLANK IN PORTUGAL
About "Getting to the heart of the matter" retreat.
Getting to the heart of the Matter is a relationship retreat open to ANY intimate couple.
Whether in an intimate relationship or not, we have all been hurt in connection with others and we all have healing to do. The more we protect ourselves from further hurt, the less we can receive the love that is available.
In a safe and relaxed environment, this retreat will offer time and space to explore the U-turn question "who am I in relationship?"
There will be presentations, group experiential exercises: done individually or with your partner, and group discussions. Facilitators are present but not intrusive.
The retreat will offer opportunities to explore:
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The energetic connection between your mind and heart.
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Protective impulses that keep you from the connection you want.
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Basic human needs for contact, love and safety.
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Tools for regulating the body and mind.
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How learning to change your conversations will change your relationships, inside and out.
Experiences include:
- Meditation,
- Movement
- Time in nature
- Self-reflection
- Journaling
- Sharing and experimenting with new behaviour
- Laughter and play
For more about Toni Herbine-Blank, check out her website at
Retreat Leader
Toni Herbine Blank
Toni Herbine-Blank MS RN is a senior trainer for The Centre for Self Leadership. Her expertise is in the use of IFS with couples and has developed trainings and retreats presenting these nationally and internationally. She is an experienced group leader with a reputation for being compassionate and empowering.
Her website: www.toniherbineblank.com
Facilitator
Shelley Hartz
Shelley Hartz, RN, MSN, CS is a psychotherapist in private practice in Littleton, MA. Her practice of IFS over the past 15 years includes assisting with many IFS and IFIO trainings. She also co-facilitated the IFS Women's Retreats. Shelley's passion for healing and self-nourishment draw on the support of the natural world, music, play and the capacity of the human heart to love.
Our retreat experience was outstanding! Ciara from Souliology was masterful at taking care of the details so that the group could be fully present with the content. Toni, the retreat leader, was so excellent, I really don't have good enough words to describe. Far above and beyond our expectations, and we came away deeply nourished and enriched. Simply wonderful! - Eleanor, Seattle, WA, USA
Souliology - You did a great job putting together this retreat and then taking such good care of all of us. You made me in particular feel very comfortable and glad to be part of this experience. A heartfelt thank you!
What a wonderful experience for my spouse and I to be in retreat with Souliology. The space created was lovely and the healing between us was tender, authentic and deeply meaningful. Thank you Toni for offering us your IFIO teachings that supported our journey along the way. This was a wonderful way to bring my spouse into the IFS community :-)
“Susan creates a sacred container for our embodied learning that allows me to be in Self energy—it is in my spiritual as well as “somatic” memory. I am returning with a renewed sense of my own strength, a new awareness of ways in which I diminish my strength and a much stronger sense of my own light and the Source.”
We greatly appreciated all the time, attention and care Souliology put into the retreat and helping us get a taste of Ireland. And the workshop with Toni Herbine-Blank was incredibly rich and moving - we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
This was a wonderful, deepening experience and it helped us tune in to each other and listen in a different way. Slowing down, getting away and investing this time in each other is priceless!!! Highly recommend! Faye & Nate ~ Hawaii, USA
What the couples from our previous retreat had to say
The Retreat Location
The Retreat will take place in Sesimbra, Portugal.
Sesimbra, a hidden gem just a stone's throw from Lisbon! This charming town, beloved by locals, offers an authentic slice of Portuguese life, far from the hustle of mass tourism.
Sesimbra is beautifully situated next to Arrábida National Park, where you'll find stunning hills covered in Mediterranean vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and untouched beaches. From here, you can easily reach Capo Espichel, known for its famous sanctuary where dinosaur footprints were discovered.
The town offers a variety of activities, including excursions, scenic walks, and water sports. The sandy bay is flanked by high cliffs to the west and a fishing port to the east, with the municipal beach charmingly split in two by a historic fort. Nearby, the pristine beaches of Arrábida Natural Park, such as the famous Praia do Figueirinha, entice visitors with their calm, crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to "The Castle," perched on a 200-meter cliff. Built by the Moors and later contested in the 12th century by Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and Dom Sancho I, this historic site offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. The castle's main attraction is the Igreja Santa Maria do Castelo, a small white church beautifully decorated with traditional blue and white azulejos.
If you love the great outdoors, Arrábida National Park is a must-visit. This protected mountain area, stretching behind the town, is one of Portugal's most picturesque green spaces. With numerous hiking paths suitable for both trekking and mountain biking, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
There is plenty to do on your afternoon off, whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the sea, Sesimbra offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness in an enchanting corner of Portugal!
Here is a link to help you explore more about the locality:
Retreat particulars
Please be advised that this is not a formal training about couples therapy and is not intended as a training on how to guide this work for other couples. This is strictly a retreat for your personal growth and well-being.
The retreat will take place over 5 days starting on Monday evening, May 5th, 2025 and concluding Saturday morning May 10th after our morning session.
Retreat cost: €4,500 (EURO) PER COUPLE
The retreat cost includes the retreat itself with Toni Herbine Blank, 5 nights ensuite accommodation in a beautiful beachside hotel in a charming fishing town in Portugal and 3 delicious meals a day Tuesday - Friday. An evening meal is included on Monday night, the first night of the retreat and a full breakfast is included on Saturday morning, the last morning of the retreat. The retreat cost assumes couples will be sharing the same room. If separate rooms are required, you will need to pay an additional charge for a separate room. Please advise on the registration form.
There is an afternoon off on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 to allow participants to process, rest and relax in the leisure centre, explore the local town or for those who seek a little bit of adventure, venturing into Lisbon City for the afternoon. Any excursions you take will incur additional costs.
This retreat is limited to 18 couples. If you are interested in participating, please register your interest. You will then be seamlessly directed to a registration form for completion. Only applicants who complete a full registration form will be considered for this retreat. Once your registration is approved we will advise you formally and it is only at this point that we will request a €1,500 (EURO) non-refundable deposit per couple to secure your place.
Any travel costs to the retreat location in Sesimbra, Portugal, is the sole responsibility of the participants.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information on Covid, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to Covid or in the unlikely event the retreat leader is not in a position to attend. The FAQS page also provides further general information which you may find useful when planning your trip. If after reading the FAQS page you have any further information, please feel free to email us at contact@souliology.com.
Retreat Schedule:
Five Day Retreat Schedule – This is a broad outline of what the schedule for the week will look like but it is subject to change at Toni’s discretion.
Monday May 5th – Saturday May 10th, 2025
Monday, May 5th
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday,
Thursday
3pm or later
6.30pm
7.30pm – 9.00pm
9am – 10am
10am – 1.30pm
1.30pm
1.30pm – 4.30pm
4.30pm – 6.30pm
6.30pm
Check in
Dinner
Opening Session
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Rest, Relax, Process
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Saturday
8am – 9am – Breakfast
9am – 1.30pm – morning session
1.30pm - Lunch
Thursday afternoon – Time off to do as you please – rest, relax, process, enjoy the spa or sightsee.
7.30am – 8.30am – Breakfast
8.30am – 10.30am – Final session and time for goodbyes and retreat close.
11am check out
Please note we will serve teas/coffees and refreshments during our morning break which will usually be at 11.30am.
Your Investment:
Retreat Payment Schedule:
Total Retreat Cost: - €4,500 per Couple (based on Double room occupancy).
The retreat cost includes the 5-day retreat itself with Toni Herbine Blank, 5 nights private ensuite accommodation in a beautiful beachfront hotel and 3 delicious meals a day to include a full breakfast, a light lunch and a delicious evening meal. Our retreat location can also cater to a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerance. You can indicate your dietary requirements and preferences on the registration form.
Retreat Payment Schedule: We are delighted to offer flexibility with our payment options. You have two choices: you can make full payment now of €4,500 (EURO) or you can opt for our convenient payment plan. The payment plan breaks down the retreat cost into 3 convenient payments as follows:
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Payment 1: €1,500 (Euro) per couple non-refundable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: €1,500 (Euro) per couple due by the 5th November, 2024. (This amount will be refundable until 5th February 2025 should you decide to cancel.
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Payment 3: €1,500 Final instalment per couple must be paid by the 5th February, 2025.
Please note: There is no refund of fees paid over and above your non-refundable deposit for withdrawal for any reason after 5th February, 2025.
If you register for the retreat after the specified payment deadlines outlined above, the existing payment schedule will no longer apply. Your payment schedule will either be adjusted to align with the existing payment plan, provided the payment deadlines allow, or you will be required to pay for the retreat in full.
Possible additional charges -:
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An additional €100 (Euro) per person late fee for payments received after 5th November, 2024 and 5th February, 2025.
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An additional €50 (Euro) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
