Group work for people who don't like group work...

If you're anything like me, you’re not a “group person.” You’re not interested in holding hands and chanting affirmations or sitting in a circle waiting to receive the talking stick. You want to have meaningful conversations and come away better. You like learning, but you don't want to feel uncomfortable. Right? Me too.

This is group work for smart, introspective people who want to actually learn something. It’s not therapy, and it’s not just a support group. It’s processing space, sure, but also skill-building in real time, with other humans who are also here to grow and learn together. It's a way of being in community, with intention. (You might even make friends, but you don't have to.)

My name is Amy Miller (she/they): I'm a clinical social worker, coach, mediator, facilitator, speaker, writer, mom, and wife. I'm 46, perimenopausal, AuDHD, introverted (although I fake it well), frequently full of rage at the machine, and I cuss a lot. My role(s) in life are: catalyst, collector, and connector: I make change happen, I collect amazing people, and I put them together.

In my groups and classes, we focus on:

Learning how to do things differently—how to speak clearly, listen better, navigate conflict, hold boundaries, repair damage, and stay connected
Empathy, peer support, and psychological safety
Structured, thoughtful sessions that build insight and capacity
Holding space for what group members may need, but with strong facilitation to ensure balance

I promise you don’t have to love groups to get something useful out of this work. You just have to be willing to show up with curiosity and an open mind. NOTE: All are welcome, but make sure you get a feel for me before you sign up in case our values don't align....

photo by Jenna Grissom (jelizabethphotos.com)

Learn more about Amy

female person teaching diverse group, which shows how groups tend to run

What does it mean to "hold space"? Holding space means creating room for the truth—without judgment, fixing, or rushing. It’s the practice of being fully present with what’s real: the mess, the clarity, the stuck spots, the breakthroughs. It’s about listening deeply, asking better questions, and staying with someone (or yourself) through the discomfort of growth. At Roots & Keys, holding space isn’t passive. It’s intentional, active, and rooted in respect. It’s about making room for what matters—so you can hear yourself more clearly and do the work that actually changes things.

Held Space STL:
COACHING IN COMMUNITY

What is Held Space STL?

It's an extension of all my other work...

Held Space STL is the name I've given the group work arm of my life and relationship coaching practice, Roots & Keys Coaching, located in the Central West End in St. Louis. I am deeply committed to making group work a thing for regular people to do.

Because here is the reality: many people are feeling disconnected.

That's not just a post-pandemic observation; it's what I hear constantly from smart, self-aware adults who have good lives and still feel like something is missing in terms of real community and honest conversation. This is my attempt to do something about that.

Everything here is designed for regular people who want real tools, honest dialogue, and a comfortable, informal space to grow (without any weird group therapy vibes.)

Sessions happen in the suite next door to my office, which holds up to 15 people comfortably and feels nothing like a clinical setting. Think: couches and comfy chairs and the freedom to take your shoes off and chill.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to work with me, or if you've been a 1:1 client in the past, this is the same work: relatable, informative, and bullshit-free. Just with other humans in the room, which turns out to make it better, IMO.

Group work is also considerably more affordable than individual or couples coaching. One session here costs less than a single 1:1 hour, and you get the added benefit of other people's perspectives, which is at least half the value. You can use group sessions on their own or alongside individual work- whatever fits your life and your budget.

If you're on the fence still, check out some FAQs below.

More About Coaching

TL;DR: worth it

Is this therapy?

No. I'm a licensed clinical social worker, but these are coaching and facilitation groups, not therapy sessions. There's no diagnosis, no treatment plan, and no clinical relationship. (Friends + social acquaintances are welcome!) If you're looking for therapy, I can guide you in that direction.

How is this different than a support group?

Support groups are peer-led and focused on shared experience. These sessions are facilitator-led, content-driven, and skill-building. You'll leave with something usable, not just witnessed.

If I've never done group work, will I feel uncomfortable?

Probably briefly, yes, but I think that's true of most things worth doing. All of my groups are specifically designed for people who are skeptical of groups. The facilitation keeps things grounded, structured, and safe without being stiff or weird. (Read the testimonials if you need convincing- they are from real people!)

How many people come to these?

Ideally, 6-10 people. Groups that don't hit five enrolled participants are canceled and refunded. This isn't a lecture, so it only works if there are enough people in the room.

Where is your office located?

Central West End, St. Louis, Missouri. Exact address, parking details, and all other relevant info provided before event. You'll have all the information you need to feel comfortable showing up.

How much does it cost?

The fees are low on purpose (compared to individual work) because I want them to be accessible to more people, and to be low stakes to try something out. Most groups are two hours at $85 or 90 minutes at $60 or some version of this as a series.

What kind of people come to these groups?

Progressive, thoughtful St. Louis adults — mostly in their 30s, 40s, and 50s — who want to do their own work and be around others doing theirs. You don't have to share anything you don't want to, and no one will judge you. You just have to be willing to show up with some honesty and curiosity.

CURRENT PROGRAMS

(These will change as I have new ideas or lose interest in old ones!

Registration links in orange)

Getting Better at Being Human

Classes and other stuff

There is a women's group on August 1 called "The Myth of Having it All Together" and there are two spots left.

The next standalone session will be a Communication Bootcamp on August 29th.

Most people did not learn from their families of origin how to communicate in a healthy way. We have to figure it out on our own. I can help!

These communication classes are rich opportunities for anyone hoping to really sharpen your communication, conflict + repair, and boundary-setting skills. We meet for an entire afternoon and really get into the work. It's fun, challenging, and you will learn a LOT.

Sunday Sessions: Not Church

Secular Community Gatherings

CANCELED: Not Church "Deep Dive" Sessions

$325 for the series · 4 sessions · Sundays 10am–12pm

Not a support group, and not therapy, but also not church. (Or synagogue, or mosque, etc)

These sessions are facilitated dialogue on the things we don't usually get to talk about together.

Session 1 — Sun 8/9: Belonging + Connection

Session 2 — Sun 9/20: Why Not Church? Reflections on religion: personal, political, abstract

Session 3 — Sun 10/18: What Is Kindness?

Session 4 — Sun 11/22: Shame + Accountability

A Fun (Not Awkward) Workshop for Couples

Conflict + Repair Agreements: A Practical Skills Session

SOLD OUT

This is another co-facilitated session with my husband, Rodney Prather. You do not need to have attended the previous #RelationshipGoals workshop to benefit from this session. BUT if you did attend, this is the natural next step where intentions turn into skills.

The difference between relationships that grow and relationships that erode over time is not whether conflict happens, but how it’s handled and how quickly and effectively repair happens afterward.

This session is focused on giving you real, usable tools for navigating conflict without damaging trust, safety, or connection.

This session is for couples who are doing pretty well but want to level up their skills. You want fewer unresolved fights, less emotional damage, and more confidence that you can face difficult conversations while staying on the same team. We got you!

Join us on May 30 at 1p. Fees are $225 per couple.

Click here to see full calendar

"This Actually Does Not Suck"

Real clients, in their own words:

Paula O

"Amy is a natural facilitator who puts everyone at ease. As a person who doesn't get too emotional or expressive, I have been pleasantly surprised that talking about my feelings in a group can be fun. The group setting has been a great way to get to know some lovely humans, and myself, a lot better." (Paula O)

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"Amy's superpower is dismantling defensiveness and enabling vulnerability. Even among a group of perfect strangers, after one hour of facilitated discussion with Amy, you can't help but feel like you're chatting with old friends." (Scott W)