Wes Woodland
Counsellor
Relational Group Therapy
Relationships shape so much of our wellbeing: how safe we feel with others, how confident we are in ourselves, and how connected we feel day to day. Yet many people go through life without ever having a space to explore how they relate, why certain patterns repeat, or how they come across to others.
Group therapy offers something unique. It’s not about diagnosing or treating “mental health problems,” but about understanding yourself in relation to others, practising communication in real time, and receiving supportive, honest feedback in a way that simply isn’t possible anywhere else.
This group is mainly about interpersonal insight—understanding your relational patterns and learning what helps or hinders connection.
In the group, you’ll have a chance to:
- Explore how you communicate and how that communication is perceived
- Understand why certain relational patterns keep showing up
- Practise expressing yourself clearly, calmly, and confidently
- Notice what you do when you feel misunderstood, unseen, or overwhelmed
- Learn how to stay connected even when emotions feel strong
- Receive and offer feedback that is kind, honest, and respectful
You don’t have to be “struggling” to join. Many people come because they’re curious, because they want healthier relationships, or because they want to understand themselves on a deeper level.
How It Can Help
Group work is powerful because it offers something we rarely experience in everyday life: a safe space to see yourself through other people’s eyes.
This means:
- You get to notice your blind spots (gently, without judgement)
- You receive feedback that helps you understand why you might be misunderstood
- You develop communication skills that will make your relationships clearer and more secure
- You gain confidence by practising new ways of relating in real time
- You experience belonging and connection with others who are also growing
For many people, group therapy becomes a place where they learn to show up more authentically. And discover that they are accepted, valued, and understood.
So you might find this group supportive if you:
- Repeatedly fall into the same roles or patterns in relationships
- Struggle to express needs, set boundaries, or speak up
- Worry about how others perceive you
- Easily feel overlooked, misunderstood, or “too much”
- Want to understand your emotional reactions more deeply
- Feel confident in some areas of life but unsure in relationships
- Are curious about self-growth and want to understand yourself better
About the Facilitators
The group (3-8 people) meets weekly and is facilitated by two trained counsellors to ensure safety, structure, and depth. Together, we focus on the “here and now”—what’s happening between group members in the moment—because that’s where real insight and growth occur.
Jo Banks
Jo has been working as a counsellor since she qualified in 2008 with a Foundation Degree in Addiction Counselling.
Group psychotherapy, based on the Yalom model, has played a major part in her work, as well as individual counselling, workshops, mindfulness, and family and relationship work. From experience, Jo believes that positive change comes from honesty, respect, and kindness. This can then enable the exploration of hidden tendencies that can hinder progress and growth. In group therapy, this can be explored in a safe environment, with others being able to identify thoughts and feelings, enabling insight and for change to happen. To Jo, this is constantly inspiring.
Wes Woodland
Wes has been facilitating therapy groups and psychoeducational lectures and workshops for 1.5 years.
He’s an accredited member of the NCPS and has an enhanced DBS check. His approach to group facilitation is grounded in creating a space that feels safe, honest, and growth-oriented. He often works in a psychoeducational way, as he believes understanding the ’why’ behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can be empowering. Within groups, he actively models open, respectful communication and encourages curiosity, accountability, and reflection.
In our work, you can expect:
- A supportive space where everyone’s experience matters
- High support and high challenge
- Exploration of both strengths and growth areas
- Opportunities to practise communication skills safely
- Encouragement to notice your emotional responses and what drives them
- Space to learn how to connect in ways that feel more balanced and authentic
Interested in Joining?
If you’re curious about whether this group is right for you, you’re welcome to book yourself in for a free 30-minute online consultation. There is no pressure or commitment at this stage. During this time, you will get to meet the facilitators and gain a better understanding of what the group involves, what you’re looking for, and see whether it feels like a good fit.
Practical information
Sessions take place weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7pm until 8.30pm in Pimperne, Dorset, at a rate of £25 per 90-minute session. The first block of 4 sessions is to be paid in full (this is to ensure continuity and stability for the group as a whole).
To book a free consultation, email: relationalgrouptherapy@gmail.com
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