The Power of Presence, Love, and Intimacy - The Story of Gorana Radetić

This is based on an interview with the participant, incorporating her personal reflections, memories, and experiences. Her perspective has been carefully adapted and written in the third person while preserving the authenticity of her voice as part of the In Their Element project.

Over the past year, Gorana has shifted the focus of her professional work. After many years as a psychotherapist, she noticed a recurring pattern among her clients. Following long-term psychotherapy, many eventually found themselves confronting issues related to intimacy and unresolved trauma that prevented them from experiencing eros and deep connection.

She realized that relatively few professionals in the region specialize in this field, which inspired her to dedicate herself to helping people strengthen intimacy and develop a healthier, more loving relationship with their bodies.

As Gorana explains, many of us are raised to put ourselves second, while work, responsibilities, and daily obligations take priority. Over time, people often lose touch with what self-love truly means.

Gorana is a body-oriented psychotherapist who also incorporates Gestalt psychotherapy into her work, having previously completed formal training in this therapeutic approach. She explains that our deepest emotional wounds are often connected to our relationship with our bodies. If, during early childhood—particularly in infancy—we do not receive enough warmth, closeness, and nurturing touch, those experiences can become deeply embedded within us, later affecting our sense of safety, connection, and emotional regulation. According to her experience, these early patterns may contribute to anxiety and various other psychological difficulties.

Through individual sessions, she guides clients in recognizing the long-term effects of emotional deprivation, cultivating a healthier relationship with themselves, and finding ways to process and heal their past traumas.

Gorana also works with couples facing challenges in intimacy and sexuality. As part of this work, she has created a five-day retreat for couples who wish to deepen their relationship and reconnect with one another.

She believes that many couples gradually stop communicating because of demanding careers, raising children, and the fast pace of everyday life. They forget to ask one another simple but meaningful questions such as, "How are you?", "What feels good for you?", and "What do you enjoy?" Her goal is to help couples rebuild healthy communication, strengthen cooperation, and create relationships where both partners can become the best versions of themselves and of their partnership.

The couples' retreat will take place in Rogoznica from September 5th to September 10th. Each morning will begin with yoga, meditation, and gentle movement, while the rest of the day will include workshops and lectures on communication, collaboration, and intimacy.

Gorana emphasizes that society often equates intimacy solely with sexuality. In her view, however, intimacy is fundamentally about emotional closeness, vulnerability, and the willingness to share one's inner world with another person. Through practical exercises and educational sessions, participants will receive tools and techniques to express their needs more openly and build deeper, healthier relationships.

Although she has recently devoted much of her work to intimacy, Gorana continues to support individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. She also occasionally organizes personal development workshops and leads her School of Personal Development.

The School of Personal Development offers participants the opportunity to learn how to regulate their nervous system, build a healthier relationship with themselves, develop greater self-awareness, and take responsibility for their lives and the goals they wish to achieve.

For many years, Gorana practiced yoga and meditation and taught yoga classes to others. Among her many interests and hobbies, her newest passion has become beekeeping. After receiving two beehives as a gift, she is now learning how to care for her bees.

Together with her husband, she is moving to the village of Darda, where she is already developing new business ideas and future projects. For now, those plans remain a surprise, and more will be revealed when the time is right.

To conclude, Gorana shares one final message:

"Be present with yourself. Be present in whatever you are doing. It is within that presence that genuine connection—with yourself and with others—begins."

If you are interested in Gorana's work and would like to learn more about her approach to psychotherapy, intimacy, and personal development, be sure to follow her on social media using the links below.