Alex Shink
July 3, 2023

Akeya Kester, LPC, MSPC.

1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?

A Key To Peace focuses on building each client up as a whole. Potential clients seek clarity and understanding of their behaviors, emotions, and daily life challenges. My primary areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, cultural issues, substance abuse relationship conflict, and career counseling. Clients range in age from adolescent to late adulthood. Although each client is unique, age, race, and gender identity should not play a factor in receiving quality treatment.

2. Tell us about yourself. 

I've always known that I wanted to work with people. Initially I struggled to identify in what capacity I could be of assistance. I explored biology with hopes of majoring in pre-med. Unfortunately, Zoology was not my strong suit, lol, and was a requirement for my program. I explored other areas such as psychology and criminal justice. Learning about human behavior and how complex we are as a being drove my interest to pursue counseling. My clients dedication to their success, motivates me.

3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.

I do not have one particular client. It is an honor to establish a level of trust with someone who allows themselves to be open and honest throughout the therapeutic process. Self-work is not work that comes easy, it requires accountability and moments of being uncomfortable and vulnerable. I love to see my clients reach their "ah ha" moment. In that moment I see something click and almost simultaneously both the client and I know that positive change is coming.

4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?

It can get lonely sometimes. I've worked within organizations for many years prior to establishing my private practice and there was a camaraderie that was built among clinicians. As a solo practitioner, I no longer have those opportunities to build and have those clinical discussions as I once did before. There are various ways to create those relationships while in private practice, however it can be challenging.

5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\

Here are my three tips: 


  1. My first tip would be to establish a support network such as a mentor, supervisor, or colleague. It's important to have a foundation where you can bounce ideas.
  2. Secondly, learn as much as you can about the business side of your practice. Administrative tasks such as answering referrals, billing and notes can become overwhelming if not prepared.
  3. Lastly, trust in yourself and your skills. Be honest and authentic with each client and remember to schedule time for your own self-care.

6. Where can people find you?

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