KEELEY TAVERNER
Keeley’s personal journey of growth and change began in 2000, when she reached an all-time low. In desperate need of understanding and support, she often found she was confronted with people’s judgments, opinions and criticism – which only served to deepen her isolation.
At that time, the personal matters that significantly hindered her potential concerned:
Destructive intimate relationships
An absence of self-belief
Feelings of inadequacy
Superficial lifestyle
Minimal education
Class & diversity
Low self-esteem
Recreationally, she began reading self-help books and began to challenge the limiting beliefs that had long held her back. Quite quickly, she realised that this was not merely a hobby.
In confronting her own personal problems she discovered a fascination for the human spirit and turned her attention to developing a career in the field of psychology.
Keeley has a MSc Person-Centred Psychotherapy & Applications; BSc (Hons) Psychology; Diploma in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP); Person-Centred Counselling Diploma and Certificate in Counselling Skills to name a few.
Today, Keeley is a person-centred counsellor with a private practice called Key 4 Change.
All information and links were correct at the date of original publication on
14 Apr 2013
You’ve been on quite a journey. Tell us a bit about Key 4 Change
Key 4 Change is an organisation that assists individuals and groups in realising their inner potential.
With a solid therapeutic understanding, Key 4 Change supports individuals in both traditional 1:1 counselling settings and group encounters.
With a firm focus on building self esteem and self awareness, we fundamentally believe that every individual has within themselves vast resources for self-understanding, for altering his or her self-concept, attitudes and self-directed behaviour.
It is our aim to provide a growth-promoting climate where an individual can access their inner resources; thereby enabling those we work with to question and challenge deeply ingrained beliefs and self-concepts which serve to stifle potential and self-fulfilment.
What was the catalyst that made you decide to go into business?
As an employed helping professional I encountered a range of hurdles and circumstances within the sector the stifled the support I was able to offer my clients.
Key 4 Change grew out of my desire to support people in a manner that was increasingly in-keeping with my values regarding humanity.
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What was holding you back from being an entrepreneur at the time?
What held me back in the first instance was not being a qualified counsellor, so I prolonged starting my own business until I qualified.
What was the best business advice you were given?
‘There is no failure, only feedback’. This statement frees me from self loathing & regret.
What is the most exciting thing happening in your sector right now?
I am personally excited by my entry into the counselling sector.
I believe I bring a refreshing, contemporary stance into the field of psychotherapy which in the main is dominated by white middle class females.
I have exciting ideas that draw on my diverse cultural and class experiences which will bring a contemporary freshness to the therapeutic endeavour.
What are your customers demanding more from you at the moment?
I find that my clients are increasingly interested in group encounters, where they can explore their areas of concern with other people.
It appears that people find it heart warming to realise that other people may have the same views.
In some sense, I presume it frees them from feeling isolated about their experiences.
What social media tool are you using at the moment?
I use Facebook, Twitter & BlackBerry Pin facilities. I prefer Facebook, as it is good for promoting my events and I enjoy the visual element.
What is your take on personal business failures?
The road is not for the swift, but those that can endure. Don’t give up the day job, in some instances it funds the business.
What is difference that is making the difference in business?
Having a contemporary spin and networking with individuals that are in non therapeutic fields.
Who are you following on Twitter and why?
Nas! I love his intellect and the spiritual fusion within his rhymes and his solid connection to his grass roots background.
What book would you recommend for entrepreneurs?
What is your favourite quote and how are you applying this in your business?
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
This quote enables me to keep pursuing in spite of setbacks. It connects me with my passion for supporting people and is a quote that helped me through other challenges I have encountered