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.

Big same. That’s why I built this differently. One group attendee said, "I was picturing the sad basement group therapy from Fight Club. This was way better than that!"

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), and I'm a clinical social worker, coach, mediator, facilitator, speaker, writer, mom, and wife. I'm 45, perimenopausal, frequently full of rage at the machine, introverted (although I fake it well), 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. All are welcome.

photo by Jenna Grissom (jelizabethphotos.com)

Learn more about Amy

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 group work arm of my life + relationship coaching practice Roots & Keys Coaching. I have always enjoyed group work, but after the pandemic, folks are still reporting feeling disconnected and lacking social connections.

This is an attempt to mitigate that: everything is designed specifically for regular people who want honest conversation, real tools, and a comfortable, informal space to learn (without the weird group therapy vibes). It's in the same location; the suite next door to my office holds up to 20 people comfortably.

These small groups, free community gatherings, and skill-building workshops are for anyone who desires better relationships, more effective communication, and overall happier and easier lives.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with me—or you’ve been a client in the past—this is an extension of that same work: clear, grounded, and bullshit-free. Just with other humans in the room.

The added bonus is that group work is considerably more affordable than 1:1 or couples work, which in the ... shall we say, "current state of the world" is often a consideration, I know. You can obviously still book 1:1 and relationship sessions with me, as well, and use group stuff to complement the work we're doing there. Whatever works for your life + your budget.

You can learn more about my coaching practice for couples and individuals (and leaders, nonprofits, etc) by clicking the button below.

Go to Roots & Keys

CURRENT PROGRAMS

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

Getting Better at Being Human

Classes and other stuff

These programs provide tools and insights to navigate life transitions and challenges effectively, to communicate well, to establish and hold boundaries. .

This includes classes, processing groups, and multi-session closed groups.

Current offerings:

Men's Group: Show Up Once (next session July 16)

Relationship Summer School cohort begins July 19

Class: INFJ "Peel the Onion" (July 26)

New Series: Monday Night Office Hours

One-off, low cost, topical discussion groups

Monday Night Office Hours is a live, small-group coaching series for people who want to do the deep work of being human — with a little more honesty and a lot less perfectionism.

Each session tackles a different theme around relationships, identity, and emotional growth, with real talk, thoughtful questions, and zero pressure to have it all figured out. Come to one or all four summer sessions: June 23, July7, July 21, August 4, 6-730pm ($35/session)

Full program description here

Free Stuff

For Community + Friendship

Making friends as an adult is hard af—especially in a city like STL where social circles can feel locked in since high school.

This free, in-person event is like speed-dating, but for friendship: short, guided 1:1 conversations, mutual “matches,” and zero pressure. I promise it won't be awkward!!!!

#FriendRequest: Come meet new people, practice your social skills, and maybe even leave with a few real connections.

June 22: More info + register here (limited to 12 people)

Workshops

Interactive Intensive Learning Experiences

Come do the work—with support.
Our workshops are practical, interactive spaces where you can learn new skills, build insight, and try things out in real time.

You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to be willing to show up. We’ll meet you there.

Current offerings:

"How To Raise Awesome Kids (Without Losing Your Whole Sh*t) - August 4

"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)

****

"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)