Breaking Free from People Pleasing with The Wheel of Consent

Sian Johnson, Certified Wheel of Consent Trainer
With Derek Sankar and Fra Panella

A one-day workshop at Wheel of Consent intro level but with a specific focus on the ‘going along with’, ‘second guessing’, and ‘people pleasing’.

Based on the teachings of The Wheel of Consent by Betty Martin, and the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges, this is an opportunity to experiment with the theory and practice of noticing who is doing what, who it is for, and how you can make more choices that feel right for you. 

I define ‘going along with’ as when we agree to things without truly wanting to, ‘second guessing’ refers to doubting our own needs or choices and instead try to figure out what it is the other person(s) is really saying or wanting, and ‘people pleasing’ is when we prioritise the needs of others desires over our own. Together, these patterns can be exhausting for us and can undermine relationships where our needs are not respected or met.

In this workshop, there is no blame or judgement around any of these, on the contrary, because we have learned these behaviours to protect ourselves from harm or because we want to be loved, valued and appreciated.

Instead, you will gain clarity around what you want and how to find your way into the kind of communication and patterns that support respectful and clearer agreements that honour you and them and can lead to deeper and more authentic and boundary-respecting relationships in all areas of your life.

As a recovering people pleaser myself, I bring a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to ways of gently easing out of the ‘going along with’ and move into more personal empowerment; for yourself and in relationship with others around you.

What to expect:

In this workshop we will explore non-sexual, fully clothed, platonic touch of the hands as the route into accessing your innate body wisdom, the parts of you that truly knows what is right for you in each present moment. There will be some theory too, to help support your learning and bring body, mind and soul together in situations where you might often feel disempowered or you usually follow old patterns that no longer serve you.

You will leave this workshop with:

• A cognitive (mind based) awareness of how and why ‘going along with’, ‘second guessing’ and ‘people pleasing’ begins.
• Clearer access to your own somatic (body based) based intelligence, including how to notice and navigate your nervous system survival responses like feelings of panic or anxiety or avoidance of conflict.
• How to express and assert your needs with (soul based) kindness and compassion.
• The ability to navigate your fears of rejection and abandonment and get comfortable in hearing a no.
• An understanding of who is doing what, and who it is for, so that you can navigate difficult decisions and situations with greater ease and clarity.
• An awareness of how to notice what you want, to trust your needs, to value them and yourself, and find compassionate ways to communicate these so that other people can hear and respect them.
• Negotiating skills that empower you and others around you to be in less conflict and more choice

This workshop is suitable for explorers at the beginning of their journey, as well as people with some experience of the Wheel of Consent.

We are a diverse team of experienced facilitators and welcome individuals, couples, thruples of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship status and styles. Whether you are new to the concept of people pleasing or consent or have previous experience, this workshop will provide you with deeper insights and practical tools to enhance your relationships and your life.

Suitable for folks new to the world of personal development, the more experienced as well as practitioners, talk therapists, coaches, touch therapists and other professionals.

We welcome all richness, flavours and tastes; those who choose labels and those who don’t — all open hearted people over 18 are welcome in this space of navigating the nuances of boundaries, limits and consent. By connecting as people and exploring consent together, we create stronger communities.

Venue

BodyMind Agency
Town Street Mews, Chapel Allerton
Leeds
LS7 4PD

Date & Timings

Saturday 23rd November
Doors open at 9:45am
Doors close at 10:05 (Latecomers not admitted)
Run times 10am to 6pm

Pricing

£125 per person.

There are a number of concessionary places available for people who belongs to one or more of the following underrepresented or marginalised communities:

• LGBTQI+ community including trans and nonbinary humans
• Global majority (non white) humans
• Humans with physical disability or living with chronic illness
• Single parent households
• AND who would otherwise not be able to financially afford this event.

Please apply by email to [email protected] stating which community or communities (if more than one) from the list you belong to.

Fair use: We won’t be checking your financial circumstances, but please only apply for a concessionary place if you belong to one of the communities mentioned and are experiencing financial hardship. Thank you

Registration

Register Now

Feedback From Previous Events

“Sian is an excellent facilitator and a good communicator, using humour, irreverence, self-deprecation and years of insight and learning of her own lived experience, as well as from teachers like Betty Martin. It’s fun, useful and you are welcome to participate as much or as little as you wish. Thank you, Sian and the other team members.”

“I found the workshop empowering and although it was a lot of new information, I coped, and the team were lovely and thoughtful!”

“This was not only learning about the Wheel of Consent, but also learning about myself.”

“It’s great. You should do it! Come open minded and open hearted and remember you are in choice.”

“I was honestly a bit put off by the time commitment, but it didn’t feel like 16 hours of intense theory. I would reassure future participants that the time commitment is mostly practical exercises versus death by PowerPoint.”

“It’s deep work, but also fun, playful, healing, joyous. Thank you.”

“The subtle power that comes from practising the Wheel of Consent is life changing and creates incredibly powerful, compassionate, respectful relationships.”

“Packs a real punch. Lots covered and deeply felt in a short space of time.”

“Attracts lovely folk.”

“This work will change your life if you consent to it!”

“I now feel I have the tools to check in with what I want and who is in a power position and if I consent.”

“People’s needs are considered, it’s fun and challenging.”

“Experience of a felt yes and felt no. I’m empowered to say no with thanking. Taking time to feel safe.”

“Too many benefits to mention.”

“This work will change your life 100%.”

“It’s something we all need in our lives!”

“Authenticity – empowerment – community.”

“Learning how to accept and receive, give, to instruct and guide and to make clear boundaries between.”

“It’s relevant in every aspect of life, not only sexual.”

“I really enjoyed the day – clear welcoming – great leader and team!”

“A safe container to explore a sensitive subject.”

“It’s bloody awesome, a really safe space, friendly, plenty of opportunity for personal space.”

About Sian Johnson

Sian Johnson discovered The Wheel of Consent in 2018, and it revolutionised her approach to her work as a masseuse and sex coach. More importantly, it profoundly impacted her personal relationships, creating more understanding and grace. Sian passionately believes in the potential of The Wheel of Consent to not only enhance individual relationships but also to create a positive ripple effect in the wider world. She brings a down-to-earth, participant-led approach to her teachings, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. As a white, native English-speaking woman who identifies as neurodiverse and queer, Sian is committed to working through her own blind spots and actively welcomes participants who are often underrepresented in workshop spaces.

To learn more about consent, visit https://sianjohnson.com/consent
Or to arrange a call with Sian, book here

Sian offers one to one bespoke mentoring sessions for sexuality practitioners and innovative therapeutic Sex Coaching journeys for midlife men and couples to address sexual dissatisfaction, build sexual confidence and enhance your intimate and erotic life, for the rest of your life. Visit www.sianjohnson.com

Sian welcomes media enquiries and invitations to speak at public events, on podcasts, and teach at festivals, trainings, and events. 

About Derek Sankar

Derek is an explorer of somatic approaches to change cultures of power and privilege. Speaker, facilitator, consultant and coach, he is a passionate explorer of how Power and Privilege show up in everyday interactions, embed in culture and internalise in our bodies. He uses trauma-informed, somatic and relational approaches to dismantling Privilege, building powerful ethical individuals, communities, and organisations.

The Wheel of Consent is an essential part of his practice strengthening boundaries to dismantle Privilege and resist oppression. He has practiced the Wheel since 2020 and is trained to work with the Wheel in groups. He completes the full facilitator training in 2025.

About Fra Panella

As a migrant, single mother, and a “witch of the edges,” Fra navigates the liminal spaces between cultures, genders, and human relationships with both gentle compassion and fierce determination. Her career has spanned roles such as Art Project Manager, Belonging Coach, and Women’s Well-being Director for a small charity.

Fra excels in holding complexity, conflict, and crisis with ease, thanks in part to her deep understanding of the Wheel of Consent and the insights it offers on wants, boundaries, and human connection. This framework has profoundly influenced her approach to relationships in all areas of her life.

She dedicates her work to shifting the conversation around mental health and gender, challenging internalized patriarchy in subtle but impactful ways. In her personal life, Fra embraces “rebellious restings” as a form of resistance against capitalism & white supremacy” while also indulging in everyday pleasures as a means of accessing the dream space, self-care and restoration.