Email: contact@souliology.com
GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER - An Intimate Partner Retreat in Portugal
with Toni Herbine Blank
MAY 16-21, 2027
Getting to the Heart of the Matter - An Intimacy from the Inside Out Intimate Partner Retreat
What to expect from this retreat....
This experiential IFIO Intimate Partner Retreat is designed for couples who want to deepen connection, strengthen communication, and develop a shared language for understanding patterns that shape your relationship. This retreat offers a supportive, relational space to explore your partnership.
Through guided experiences, reflective practices, and partner-based exploration, couples are invited to slow down, listen more deeply, and engage with one another from the heart.
During the retreat, couples will:
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Learn and practice courageous communication that supports honesty, curiosity, and emotional safety
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Learn to recognize and work with recurring patterns of conflict and protection
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Explore how emotional needs and early attachment experiences influence adult relationships
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Develop greater awareness of parts that get activated in intimacy and conflict
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Strengthen the capacity to stay present and connected during challenging conversations
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Experience structured practices that foster trust, empathy, and mutual understanding
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Engage in gentle movement and consent-based, safe touch practices to support regulation and connection
This retreat is designed for couples who are in a secure place in their relationship, are ready to deepen their conversations, and come with a foundational understanding of Internal Family Systems or Intimacy from the inside out
Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO), a trademarked relational model developed by Toni Herbine-Blank MSN
Facilitator
Shelley Hartz
Shelley Hartz, RN, MSN, CS is a psychotherapist in private practice in Littleton, MA. Her practice of IFS over the past 20 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.
Facilitator
Larry Rosenberg
Larry Rosenberg, PhD, is a psychologist in Cambridge, MA and a Lead Trainer for Intimacy from the Inside Out, teaching IFIO couple therapy in the US and France, and a supervisor at Cambridge Health Alliance / Harvard Medical School. He has been using IFS since 2004 and values this model for personal growth and positive change. Larry brings a gentle, warm, thoughtful presence to helping people learn about themselves and heal in relationships. He has particular interests in sexuality and LGBTQIA+ experience. Travel, the arts, exercise, dancing, baking desserts, and nature add color to his life’s canvas.
Activities will include:
- Meditation,
- Movement
- Nature Walks
- Self-reflection
- Journaling
- Private and Group Sharing
- Experimenting with new behaviours and most importantly
- Plenty of laughter and fun!!!
Attendance Eligibility & IFS Familiarity
This retreat is open to IFS-informed couples. No formal training in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model or Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO model )is required to attend.
That said, if you have very limited knowledge of IFS, we highly recommend reading or listening to Dr. Richard Schwartz’s book No Bad Parts prior to attending. This accessible introduction offers a grounding in the core principles of IFS, along with simple experiential exercises you can begin exploring before the retreat. Doing so may help you feel more familiar with the language and concepts of the model, allowing you to gain the very most from your retreat experience.
A little about Toni Herbine Blank
Toni Herbine-Blank is a psychotherapist, educator, author, and Senior Trainer with the IFS Institute. She is best known as the creator of Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO®), an innovative approach that applies the Internal Family Systems model to intimate relationships, helping couples cultivate greater connection, understanding, and Self-led communication.
With a background in psychiatric nursing, family therapy, trauma, and attachment work, Toni has spent decades teaching and mentoring therapists worldwide. She is the co-author of Intimacy from the Inside Out and the Internal Family Systems Couple Therapy Skills Manual, both of which have become influential resources for therapists and couples alike.
Known for her warmth, wisdom, and engaging teaching style, Toni continues to lead trainings and retreats internationally. She is also the author of the forthcoming book, The Myth of Loveability, which explores the beliefs and protective patterns that shape our sense of worthiness, belonging, and capacity for intimacy. This much awaiting book is due to be released in early 2027.
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
My partner and I truly loved Toni’s retreat! It was a beautiful, warm, and open hearted way to work together on our relationship, with other wonderful couples, and a great staff!
Ciara gives attention to every important detail, so we felt very taken care of throughout. And as an IFS/IFIO therapist, I really appreciated the opportunity for my partner to experience his first real immersion into IFS/IFIO, that felt for him, warm, safe and welcoming. Thank you again! - Jill from Boston, USA
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 :-)
I will never forget the people I met at our retreat. So many of them left a lasting imprint on my heart and to share in such an intimate experience like this will have me connected to them for a lifetime. There is nothing like being in community with others when you are going through challenging moments in your life-- this retreat reminded me that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can get through them with support and friendship.
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 retreats had to say....
The Retreat Location
The Retreat will take place in the Oceanfront Hotel 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 day off, whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, indulging in the Hotel's wonderful spa treatments 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 retreat is not a formal training and is not intended as a training on how to guide this work for other intimate partners. This is strictly a retreat for your personal growth and well-being.
The retreat will take place over 6 days starting on Sunday evening, May 16th, 2027 when we meet for dinner followed by an opening circle and concluding Friday afternoon, May 21st, 2027.
Retreat cost: €5,000 (EUR) PER COUPLE
The retreat cost includes the retreat itself with Toni Herbine Blank and her IFIO Trained Assistants - Shelley Hartz and Larry Rosenberg, 5 nights private ensuite accommodation in a stunning seafront boutique hotel in Portugal and 3 delicious meals a day during the retreat schedule to include vegetarian options. Each full day of the retreat locally sourced foods will be available for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. There will also be tea/coffee breaks with refreshments mid morning and mid afternoon during the scheduled retreat hours. Please note that we will not be offering dinner on Wednesday night May 19th as that is our half day off and therefore, you are free to do as you please on this evening.
An application form will be available to you for completion once you register your interest.
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.
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 €1,000 (EUR) non-refundable and non-transferable deposit per couple to secure your place.
Any travel costs to the retreat location in Sesimbra, Portugal is your sole responsibility. Please find more details on retreat location in the "How to get there and more" section below.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to a global shut down of any nature 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 require any further information, please feel free to email us at contact@souliology.com.
Retreat Schedule:
Six 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.
Sunday May 16th – Friday May 21st, 2027
Sunday, May 16th
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Wednesday
4pm or later
6.30pm
7.30pm – 9.00pm
9am – 10am
10am – 1.30pm
1.30pm
1.30pm – 4.30pm
4.30pm – 6.30pm
7pm
Check in
Dinner
Opening Session
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Rest, Relax, Process
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Friday
8am – 9am – Breakfast
9am – 1.30pm – morning session
1.30pm - Lunch
Wednesday afternoon – Time off to do as you please – rest, relax, process, enjoy the spa or sightsee. No dinner will be offered on this night.
7.30am – 8.30am – Breakfast
8.30am – 10.30am – Final session and time for goodbyes and retreat close.
12pm check out
Please note check in time is strictly at 4pm and check out time is strictly at 12pm. You can bring you luggage to reception if you wish to arrive early and enjoy the hotel amenities while you wait to check in.
Your Investment:
Retreat Payment Schedule:
Total Retreat Cost: - €5,000 per Couple (based on Double room occupancy).
The retreat cost includes the 6-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, lunch and a delicious evening meal. Please note, we will not be offering dinner on Wednesday night to allow you explore Sesimbra or further afield and enjoy some of the glorious restaurants closeby.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 €5,000 (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: €1,000 (Euro) per couple non-refundable and non-transferable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: €2,000 (Euro) per couple due by the 6th November, 2026. The second payment instalment, once paid, is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Payment 3: €2,000 Final instalment per couple must be paid by the 5th February, 2027. The final payment instalment, once paid, is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
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 6th November, 2026 and 5th February, 2027.
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An additional €50 (Euro) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
