What we’re about
Welcome to our no-cost, online meetup focused on recovery from relationship loss. Our meetup consists of a series of eight sessions that repeat throughout the year. Our discussions are based on the book, "Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends" by Bruce Fisher and Robert Alberti. While the Zoom room is sponsored by Miller Avenue Church in Mill Valley, CA, the group is not religious.
THIS IS A PEER-RUN SUPPORT GROUP. We are not therapists. Our mission is to provide a safe place to talk about what's happening around your relationship loss and discuss tools to deal with it.
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND: This is NOT a dating group. While we encourage friendships within the group, we appreciate that all participants respect that we are here to focus on recovery.
We welcome past/return participants for life regardless of what is happening in their lives
FOR SECURITY REASONS, TO RECEIVE OUR MEETING LINKS, YOU MUST RSVP FOR EACH MEETING. ALSO, THE MEETING WILL CLOSE AT 7:15PM. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED TO ARRIVE AFTER 7:15PM.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE YOUR CAMERA ON UPON ARRIVAL AND KEEP IT ON DURING THE MEETING. WE UNDERSTAND THE OCCASIONAL NEED TO TURN YOUR CAMERA OFF.
Our History
This is our 143rd Series!!! (See, you really are NOT alone.) The group is hosted and sometimes led by Pastor Kent Philpott and his wife Katie Philpott of Miller Avenue Baptist Church. Mary Keydash—past participant and facilitator since 2008—is a co-facilitator/organizer.
Testimonials:
“Kent said, ‘You will recover!’ You said it to all of us, maybe even in passing, but I hold on to that even now. The atmosphere that you and Katie create allows an unsure and confused being to feel comfortable knowing they’re in a place of trust. The format that you use to take us on a week by week discovery allows us to steer away from blame and closer to acceptance. The small groups were helpful in expressing thoughts, and listening to each other’s stories somehow made me not feel isolated and alone. In conclusion, I would recommend this workshop to all divorced couples, and I intend to follow up, since a lifetime membership is included (love that).” - April
“When I was in my lowest place, unsure that I would ever be able to deal with the fact that I was now single with two kids, I could come to the Divorce Recovery group and be in good company. Not only could I share and cry with those who were going through similar things, but I also benefitted from the structure of the readings and weekly topics. This structure showed a trajectory of growth and acceptance and eventual healing." - Ann
“Divorce Recovery Workshop was a life ring for me, thrown mercifully within days after my sudden and unexpected break-up. There I found so many people, both women and men, who shared the same reactions as I had. Divorce is a painful tragedy, but since it is so very common in our society, most people who haven't been through it see it quite casually. I went through the eight-week sessions no less than three times, at low cost. When your life gets turned upside down, it is extremely helpful and comforting to feel that you are not alone. The format of small discussion groups with no therapist experts, just led by those whose experience is a little more in the past, is very freeing. Thank you for existing!!” - Claire
“My experience with the divorce recovery group was excellent. First off, as a struggling single mom I could not afford any expensive divorce support group, so Miller Ave Church was perfect, as it was only a donation, and if you couldn't afford that, no problem, no one is ever turned away. As for the group...it was a life saver. Warm facilitators who had been through divorce themselves, comfy surroundings, and most important, sound support and advice...and non-religious so no worries if you are not Christian...religion is never discussed. I can't stress more, what a lovely and supportive group this was for me. Thank you!” - Nanette
“I just want to say that the workshop for people going through marital separations is a warm and non-threatening atmosphere to share concerns and get feedback from people in varied stages of impending divorce and recovery.” - Bonnie
“When I was struggling, this group saved me. Literally. It was a safe zone to know I wasn't alone in what I was feeling. And sometimes feelings were brought up I didn't even know about. I didn't know anyone going through a divorce at the time, and it was comforting to have a group of people there for me week after week. And me for them. Without judgment and all confidential. And they're still there whenever I need. Got more out of it than my individual therapy. A rare find indeed.” – Debra
"After coming to the conclusion that I had exhausted all my available resources to keep my marriage together, I took the unusual step of attending Kent's Divorce Recovery Workshop before starting divorce proceedings. It helped me to better understand the implications of the course of action I was embarking upon, and led to a better outcome for all involved." - Jeff
“The leaders are wonderfully welcoming, wise, and compassionate! They listen from their hearts and skillfully guide each session, guiding each participant toward healing and wholeness. I had been divorced several years when a friend recommended them, and I'd never heard of a divorce recovery workshop before. Their guidance helped me come to important insights and gave me the tools I needed to heal and move forward with balance and positivity. Thank you, Kent and Katie!!” –Marti
The divorce recovery workshop saved my life after my divorce. The love and kindness I received from Kent and Katie as well as the other participants made all the difference. I am now enjoying life, dating when and how I feel like it and continuing on my healing journey with self knowledge and love like I never had before I got married. -Elliott F.
I’m so glad that the concept of community is returning. People suffer so significantly, and there's nothing like the human camaraderie as support, a group in person... not online where the support is 1/100th of what could be experienced. I don't even know of an online course, and those people who want to self-navigate everything now, do so to their own detriment. –Laurie
“I was skeptical at first because the workshop was held at a church. It’s not about religion; it was simply a safe place where I was given the tools to survive one of the most painful times in my life.” —Bob H.
“I was so distraught when I got to the first meeting, I wouldn’t even make eye contact with anyone. But there was never any pressure; only warm welcomes, acceptance, understanding, and support. I quickly realized that these people were just like me.” Raymond F.
“What a relief to finally get that my “ex” didn’t have to be my ‘one and only.’ This workshop helped me realize that I have the power and freedom to heal from this loss and move forward into better, healthier relationships” — Mary K.