Jo Byron-Russell
Trapped in Painful Relationship Patterns?
So this is where you end up:
One of the biggest challenges my clients face is that they desperately want to heal and improve their relationships but find themselves repeating the same painful patterns over and over again.
It’s not that they lack awareness—they often see these patterns clearly and feel the frustration of being unable to change them. They come to me feeling stuck, as if they're locked in a cycle where every attempt to move forward only brings them back to the same place.
You’ve tried communication techniques, and you’ve possibly even gone through couples therapy, but somehow, it hasn’t worked. Despite your best efforts, what were meant to be antidotes to your conflict have turned into weapons in your fights. The very scripts and formats designed to foster understanding are now wielded in moments of frustration, often leaving both of you feeling more misunderstood and disconnected than before.
It’s incredibly disheartening when you realize that even your most well-intentioned attempts at communication are being twisted by the same old patterns. You’ve likely had moments where a conversation starts with the hope of clarity and connection, only to devolve into an argument that feels all too familiar. Instead of creating safety and intimacy, these tools may have inadvertently deepened the divide, leaving you both feeling more alone in your relationship.
THE PAINFUL PATTERNS PERSIST
These patterns manifest in ways that can feel almost unbearable:
Emotional Overwhelm During Conflict:
When tensions rise, protective mechanisms often push partners further apart instead of bridging the divide. What was meant to protect deepens the wounds, leaving them wondering how things spiralled so quickly out of control.
Withdrawal and Numbing:
Others feel overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation and try to escape rather than engage. They might shut down emotionally, become numb, or physically leave the room. This withdrawal, meant to protect, feels like abandonment to their partner, who then escalates their efforts to "fix things" through more arguments. The attempts to repair only seem to push the partner further away.
Fear of Vulnerability:
Many of my clients—if I’m honest, it’s all of them—carry wounds from past experiences where opening up led to pain, rejection, or misunderstanding. These scars make it terrifying to express true needs, ask for what they really want, or assert their boundaries. The fear of vulnerability leading to more hurt often leaves them silent, trapped in a cycle of unspoken fears and unmet needs.
The result is often a sense of emotional disconnection, where intimacy feels out of reach, and doubt about the future of the relationship begins to take hold. Guilt, shame and resentment from past mistakes can linger, making it even harder to rebuild trust and connection. Despite their best efforts, my clients often find themselves questioning whether true change is possible.
But here’s the truth: change is possible, and it begins with inner work. The patterns that hold us back are deeply rooted in our internal responses, shaped by past experiences and fears. By focusing on understanding and healing these internal drivers, we can start to shift how we relate to ourselves and others. This is where the real transformation happens—when we move from a place of reaction to a place of intention and authenticity.
In the Inner Work Collective, we create a space for this transformation. It’s about more than just managing conflicts or navigating stress; it’s about fundamentally changing how you engage with your emotions, your needs, and your relationships. Through compassionate self-exploration and the development of new relational skills, you can break free from the old patterns and start building the kind of connection you’ve always desired—one that is grounded, authentic, and deeply fulfilling.
When you commit to deep inner work, you begin to experience a profound shift in how you relate to yourself and others.
You wake up each morning with a greater sense of peace and clarity, feeling more centred and connected to who you truly are.
Life’s inevitable challenges no longer overwhelm you as they once did; instead, you approach them with a calm confidence that stems from understanding and honouring your own needs and desires.
As you cultivate inner resilience, your interactions, including those with your partner, begin to shift. Communication flows more easily, you feel more seen and heard, and genuine connection deepens.
Conflicts, while still present, become opportunities for growth. You find yourself handling difficult moments with greater compassion and clarity, which can help reduce the emotional distance that may have once felt insurmountable.
This newfound sense of self-worth and confidence begins to ripple out into all areas of your life. You carry yourself with a quiet assurance, knowing that you can set healthy boundaries while remaining compassionate and empathetic towards others.
The balance between self-care and your responsibilities no longer feels like a struggle, but rather a harmonious dance where you support your own growth and well-being. Through this inner work, love becomes more than just an emotion—it becomes a way of being, deeply rooted in authenticity and self-respect.
I know what I deeply want, but
how do we get there?
What if there was a way to gently untangle those deeper, internal patterns that keep you stuck, while being supported by a community that understands your journey?
This 12-week program integrates mind, body, and spirit, helping you explore and heal the parts of yourself that react from pain, fear, or old wounds.
Through a combination of personal exploration and supportive group work, you’ll begin to notice how these internal dynamics play out in your relationships and how you can start to shift them.
Our sessions are designed to help you reconnect with your true self—cultivating emotional resilience, fostering deeper self-understanding, and learning to communicate your needs with clarity and compassion.
We don’t just focus on insight; we also tap into the wisdom of the body, helping you to notice and respond to the physical sensations and emotions that arise during conflict, allowing you to approach these moments with greater calm and presence.
As you do this work, you’ll start to feel more grounded in who you are, more able to set healthy boundaries, and more capable of navigating the complexities of relationships with grace.
This isn’t about forcing change; it’s about allowing transformation to unfold naturally as you integrate these different aspects of yourself.
You’ll find that the negative cycles begin to lose their grip, replaced by a growing sense of connection—to yourself and to others.
WHY I CREATED THE INNER WORK COLLECTIVE
hi, I'm Jo
I’ve been there—despite years of training and experience, I felt stuck in the same painful patterns, longing for change but feeling helpless to achieve it.
No matter how expertly I applied a tool from my toolbox, it didn’t seem to work. Why? Because it’s not just about the technique itself, but the “me” that’s using it and the intention that “me” holds.
I was trying to solve our issues while I was activated in my survival strategies and protective mechanisms. These parts of me—though excellent at protecting me from perceived threats—are terrible at cultivating connection, repair, and loving commitment.
I realised that I needed to tend to these inner wounded parts before I could truly tend to the relationship I desperately wanted to save. I realised that true, lasting change starts from within.
That’s why I created the Inner Work Collective—a space where the foundations of the love we crave are found in deep, transformative growth and inner wholeness.
In my years of working with couples, I’ve seen progress stall when partners repeatedly trigger each other. Rather than focusing on healing and co-creating a beautiful relationship, sessions often get side-tracked by defensive reactions.
Realising that addressing these triggers individually, without the partner present, was far more effective, I began integrating a period of one-to-one work for each partner before addressing the relationship as a whole.
The Inner Work Collective was born from this approach. It offers the same foundational inner work that I’ve seen transform individual lives, but without the costly price tag of ongoing individual sessions. This programme gives you the opportunity to do the deep work necessary to cultivate inner stability and wholeness. Whether this work alone leads to the changes you’re seeking, or it lays the groundwork for more effective couples therapy, the impact is profound. You’ll be better equipped to approach your relationships with clarity, compassion, and a sense of inner peace.
What makes this journey truly special for me is witnessing those moments when a client fully relaxes into their own Self, their own body, discovering a sense of safety and clarity that isn’t dependent on someone else—and realising that real change is within reach. It’s a raw, beautiful, and deeply inspiring moment.
The Inner Work Collective offers a brave space to explore your inner world, building the inner steadiness and self-worth you need for authentic, loving relationships. Join us for weekly sessions where you’ll not only learn and grow, but also transform into the best version of yourself—grounded, compassionate, and whole.
Here are some examples of people who would benefit from joining:
Laura has worked hard to stop people-pleasing and start setting boundaries, but she often finds herself stuck in anger and resentment towards her partner. She’s in a tricky place where her boundaries feel too harsh, and she struggles to balance self-compassion with compassion for her partner.
Tom feels deeply misunderstood by his partner, who often sees him as the "bad guy" in their relationship. He’s trying his best to serve, protect, and love, but his attempts seem to fall short, leaving him feeling overlooked and deeply triggered.
Anna often experiences a strong, protective anger that flares up in response to feeling vulnerable. When conflict arises, this angry part of her takes over, pushing her to react in ways that she later regrets.
David struggles to stay present when his partner expresses strong emotions. The intensity often causes him to shut down internally, as a way to protect himself from the overwhelming feelings that surface during these moments.
Sophie experienced a traumatic event, such as a difficult birth, and has unconsciously connected her partner to that trauma. As a result, she reacts to her partner as if they were the threat, even though she hasn’t fully explored the event that caused her pain.
Mark feels unseen in his relationship. He tries to show his true self, but parts of him that fear rejection get in the way, leading to unclear communication and a sense of isolation.
The kind of things they might achieve as part of Inner Work Collective:
Discovering a self-awareness that leads to clarity and compassion for self and others
Building a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence in their relationships.
Developing greater emotional resilience to manage stress and navigate triggers more effectively.
Cultivating a deeper understanding of themselves to enhance their compassion towards others.
Improving their ability to set and maintain healthy boundaries without compromising their needs.
Transforming primitive protective mechanisms into wise, compassionate adult responses.
Creating more meaningful connections by fostering transparent communication and emotional intimacy.
Do any of these scenarios resonate with you or someone you know? If so, the Inner Work Collective could be exactly what you need to break free from negative cycles and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Complete a detailed form before the course to receive a tailored growth plan and journal with weekly prompts and guidance.
OUTCOME:
A clear, personalized roadmap for your journey.
OUTCOME:
Build resilience and emotional intelligence together.
Learn key frameworks and practices that empower lasting personal growth beyond the program, understand how wholeness in cultivated.
OUTCOME:
Gain insights and tools for continuous development.
OUTCOME: Enhance emotional intelligence & meaningful interactions.
OUTCOME: Master essential skills for trust and transparency.
OUTCOME: Achieve personal breakthroughs with focused insight.
Outcome: Achieve a deeper level of personal understanding and transformation with tailored guidance.
GUIDED MEDITATIONS
Outcome: Deepen your practice with calming, focused meditations that support your emotional growth.
EXTENDED ACCESS
Enjoy extended access to all course materials and recorded learning sections for an additional six months after the program ends.
Outcome: Continue your learning and reflection at your own pace, reinforcing the progress you’ve made.
Every journey is unique, and whether you’re looking to focus on your personal growth or share this transformative experience with your partner, the Inner Work Collective offers a path tailored to your needs. You have the flexibility to join as an individual or as a couple, with both options designed to foster deep personal insight and lasting relational change. Below, you’ll find the details for each route, so you can choose the one that resonates most with where you and your partner are at.
Individual Participation
The investment for this 12-week journey is £1199. This includes:
Personalised growth plans tailored to your unique needs
Weekly group sessions for deep exploration and connection
One-on-one integration time to support your progress
Continued access to all materials for six months after the programme ends
I understand that this is a significant investment, and it’s important that you feel it’s the right choice for you. If you have any questions or concerns, I’m here to help you explore whether this programme aligns with your needs and goals.
If you’re feeling ready to take this step towards a brighter, more connected future, I’d be honoured to support you on this journey. If you’re unsure, that’s okay too—reach out, and we can discuss whether this feels like the right path for you.
The discounted fee for this 12-week journey for both of you is £1999. This includes:
The investment for both partners in this 12-week journey is £1999. This includes:
Personalised growth plans for each partner, tailored to your individual needs
Placement in separate groups to ensure focused personal growth
Weekly group sessions for each partner, fostering individual exploration
One-on-one integration time for both partners to deepen the learning
Continued access to all materials for six months after the programme ends
Even though you’ll be working in separate groups, you’ll have the opportunity to share insights and grow together outside of the sessions. If you have any questions or concerns, I’m here to help you decide if this approach is the right fit for your relationship.
If you and your partner are feeling ready to take this step towards a brighter, more connected future, I’d be honoured to support both of you on this journey. If you’re unsure, that’s okay too—reach out, and we can discuss whether this feels like the right path for your relationship.
Tuesdays at 1pm GMT
Thursdays at 4pm GMT
The Inner Work Collective is designed to help you identify and understand the deep-rooted patterns that keep you stuck. Through a combination of personalised growth plans, group work, and practical exercises, you’ll develop the awareness and tools needed to shift from these negative cycles to more constructive, loving interactions. You will learn how to personally work with Internal Family Systems Therapy, Integral Theory and Somatic Approaches, so that you can continue you bring healing to yourself and others (if they so wish!) in future.
While it’s natural to wish for both partners to engage in this kind of work, the truth is that significant change can still occur even if only one person takes part. By focusing on your own inner work, you’ll develop a greater understanding of your emotions, triggers, and relational patterns. This can lead to more conscious, compassionate responses in your interactions, which often has a positive ripple effect on the relationship as a whole.When you shift your own behaviours and responses, it can create space for different dynamics to emerge, potentially encouraging your partner to respond in new, more constructive ways. Additionally, the skills you learn—such as setting healthy boundaries, communicating effectively, and managing your emotions—will support you in navigating the relationship with greater clarity and resilience, regardless of your partner’s level of engagement.
The group sessions provide a space to explore and address the underlying causes of persistent conflicts and chronic distance. Through structured exercises, role-playing, and real-time feedback, you’ll gain insights into your relational patterns and learn how to approach conflicts with a mindset geared towards resolution and mutual understanding.
The truth is that emotional connection and intimacy is your original state. It isn't a skill that you need to learn. This programme will step by step remove the protections and blocks that you have built up over a lifetime, so that your completely innate connectivity can flow unimpeded. Nevertheless, IWC (Inner Work Collective) integrates practices such as deep listening, empathy-building exercises, and communication techniques specifically aimed at fostering emotional connection and intimacy. You’ll learn how to create a safe emotional space where both you and your partner feel seen, heard, and valued.
What is the schedule for the weekly sessions?
There are two groups per week - one at lunchtime and one in the late afternoon. This allows for couples to each go to a separate group and also cater to people with different schedules.
Tuesdays at 13:00 GMT
Thursdays at 16:00 GMT
Each session lasts approximately 2 hours. If you are unable to attend a session, recordings will be available to catch up.
In your Intake Form or our Initial Chat, you can let me know which time works best for you.
In addition to the 2-hour group session, you should plan to spend an additional 1-2 hours each week on journaling prompts, exercises, and personal reflection.
Other than that - Life itself is your sandbox - you'll be applying everything you learn in your life and interactions, making them sweeter every step of the way.
If you miss a session, don’t fret! All sessions are recorded, and you’ll have access to the recordings so you can catch up at your own pace.
However, this programme won't be as powerful if you don't show up live and take part in the transformative processes, so please make sure this largely fits with your plans. Missing one or two is fine, but the programme is not intended for self-paced.
Yes, a payment plan can be arranged to make the programme more accessible. Please contact me directly to discuss options.
Yes, for those on lower income, for any reason, I am happy to discuss a fee that makes this programme accessible. Get in touch!
If I have left anything unclear in this (admittedly loooooong) programme website, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
NAVIGATE
ABOUT ME
MY PHILOSOPHY
WORK WITH ME
CONTACT ME
COPYRIGHT © JO BYRON-RUSSELL 2024