Blooming Relationships

08/29/2025

“We went into the weekend hoping to get a little reset for our relationship, and we came out with so much more. Ivana created such a genuine, supportive space that made it easy to share, laugh, and grow together.”
B and L ❤️

“I would highly recommend attending a Goettman event with Ivana. Brietenbush Hot Springs is a whole restorative experience on its own. The workshop gently touched on some tough to navigate and common conversations while maintaining an uplifting and positive focus on the relationship you bring. Ivana was a great facilitator. Enjoy!“
E and D ❤️

“We very much enjoyed this workshop led by Ivana - she was professional and warm and welcoming of questions and feedback! Her frequent smiles exuded warmth and confident optimism, made us feel comfortable and safe, and she reassured us we are relationships in progress and not always able to perfectly apply the skills.”
A and K ❤️



❤️

08/25/2025

What a beautiful weekend at Breitenbush Hot Springs hosting our Couples Retreat based on the Gottman Method! ✨

I feel so honored to have spent this time with such an amazing, interactive, and loving group of 11 couples. 💕

🌿 my next Couples Workshops are coming up:
📍 Breitenbush Hot Springs – January 2026
📍 Orca Island (Deo Bay) – April 2026

Stay tuned for more details—and let’s keep love growing! ❤️❤️❤️
The Gottman Institute
Breintenbush Hot Springs

08/09/2025

Fighting Right: Turning Conflict into Connection

Did you know that, according to Drs. John & Julie Gottman, 69% of relationship problems aren’t actually “solvable”?
The goal isn’t to “win” an argument, but to understand each other’s perspectives and what’s behind defensiveness or criticism.

When handled with care, a fight can actually be an opportunity to connect and reach mutual understanding — strengthening the relationship instead of tearing it down.

🎧 Want to learn more? Listen to the Gottmans discuss how to fight right in this podcast episode:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2h9jriF8v1nMCruOaVaG15?si=eGtEaDUGTR-AUttg2m5TBg&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A1CfW319UkBMVhCXfei8huv

10% Happier with Dan Harris · Episode

08/08/2025

Most fights in relationships aren’t really about the dishes, the phone, or even the plans you didn’t make. They’re about something deeper—old wounds, fears, and patterns that get triggered in the moment. When your partner doesn’t look up from their iPad, it might stir a buried feeling of neglect. When they prioritize a tennis game over date night, it might tap into insecurity about your value to them. Over time, these triggers build a lens through which you see every interaction—either confirming love and care, or feeding doubt and distance.

As Esther Perel explains, many conflicts fall into three hidden dimensions: Power & Control, Care & Closeness, and Respect & Recognition. Recognizing which one is at play helps couples shift from arguing about “what happened” to exploring why it matters. Instead of spiraling, we can create new patterns—small, intentional steps like saying, “I’m feeling something here, can we talk about it?” or “I’m going out tonight, but I’d love to plan something special tomorrow.” In this way, every fight can become less about winning and more about understanding—and that’s where real connection grows The Gottman Institute

03/27/2025

Couples, this one’s for you ❤️
Join me this May (5/30-6/1) at the stunning Society Hotel in Bingen for a Gottman Couples Workshop designed to help you feel more connected, communicate better, and navigate conflict with more ease.

🛁 Soak in hot tubs
🍽️ Enjoy a gourmet dinner
🌲 Hike the Gorge
🛏️ Stay in beautiful rooms & cozy cabins

All while learning powerful tools to strengthen your relationship—in a setting that feels more like a retreat than a workshop.

Spots are limited.
https://bloomingrelationship.com/the-society-hotel-retreat/

The Gottman Institute

03/10/2025

Exciting news!
I’m returning to Breitenbush Hot Springs this August to host another Love That Lasts Couples Workshop! Based on Dr. Gottman’s research, this retreat helps you strengthen your bond, feel more connected, and deepen your relationship. Plus, enjoy the beautiful natural hot springs—no cell phones, just quality time! 💕
The January retreat filled up quickly, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Space is limited to just 10 couples!
Please share with others who might be interested.

https://breitenbush.secure.retreat.guru/program/gottman-couples-workshop/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI8Vq5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHctX7zrdogdxO3ddZ7xMBJP2QKd5zVa2FT3SkXnZvGbHij8vToGzynkMIg_aem_4ig2Uf2Mt-r-zk1rCU8Wzw

Imagine deepening your connection with your partner in the serene beauty of Breitenbush Hot Springs, surrounded by nature’s tranquility, with no distract...

03/10/2025

Exciting news!
I’m returning to Breitenbush Hot Springs this August to host another Love That Lasts Couples Workshop! Based on Dr. Gottman’s research, this retreat helps you strengthen your bond, feel more connected, and deepen your relationship. Plus, enjoy the beautiful natural hot springs—no cell phones, just quality time! 💕
The January retreat filled up quickly, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Space is limited to just 10 couples!
Please share with others who might be interested.

https://breitenbush.secure.retreat.guru/.../gottman.../

03/05/2025

Keep your eyes open for more details about our upcoming Gottman Couples Retreat the last weekend of May at the beautiful Society Hotel in Bingen, WA!
This will be an amazing experience designed to help you connect with your partner, strengthen your relationship, and recharge. Enjoy a relaxing spa, yoga sessions with .yoga and expert-led relationship workshops in a stunning setting.
The Gottman Institute

03/01/2025

Are You Supporting Your Partner’s Dreams?

Conflict in relationships often stems from unfulfilled dreams. When our hopes and goals for the future aren't respected, frustration and resentment build.

Want to strengthen your connection? Start by understanding each other’s dreams. Ask:
✨ What’s the story behind this dream?
✨ How can I support you in making it a reality?
✨ Do we truly listen to each other?

Support can be as simple as showing empathy, offering encouragement, or even joining in. When you honor each other’s aspirations, you create a deeper, more fulfilling bond. 💙

How do you and your partner support each other’s dreams? The Gottman Institute

02/28/2025

According to Dr. John Gottman, humor is one of the most powerful tools to deepen connection—not just in romantic relationships but in friendships too! Whether it’s inside jokes, playful banter, or laughing until your stomach hurts, sharing joy with the people you love strengthens your bond and brings you closer.

Look for the fun – Be intentional about creating joyful moments! Plan a spontaneous adventure, start a silly tradition, or simply embrace the little moments of laughter in everyday life. Go cold dipping with your friends in the cold river :)

Laugh often – What makes your best friend laugh until they cry? A favorite comedian? A Lean into it and keep the laughter going!

Make the choice – Even ordinary moments can turn into unforgettable memories.

Friendship and love thrive on laughter, playfulness, and shared joy. So surround yourself with people who bring out your happiest, silliest self! 💕The Gottman Institute

12/29/2024

✨ Breitenbush Love That Lasts Couples Workshop is FULL! ✨

I’m so excited to spend the weekend with 10 amazing couples, supporting them as they strengthen their relationships and deepen their connection. 💕

Stay tuned for more workshops coming in 2025! If you're interested, let me know—I’d love to keep you in the loop.

I’m also planning to host another workshop this spring in the Portland area. 🌸 Let me know if that’s something you'd like to join!

05/13/2024

Looking for a cozy office space for your weekend work sessions? I have a cute office available for rent on the 3rd floor at 45th and Belmont. Located in a super cool building filled with friendly faces, mostly fellow mental health therapists. Enjoy shared amenities like a lobby, kitchen, high-speed wifi, and cleaning services. Contact me for more details