About Dr. Denise Taylor
Reimagining later life with purpose, joy, and reflection
I guide, I inspire, I help people thrive
Born in 1957, I’ve learned that age is just a number. Life’s adventures don’t stop at retirement – they evolve and deepen.
I work with people who want more: fulfilment, meaning, and the courage to shape life on their own terms.
My work now spans consultancy with organisations, transformative experiences in nature, and one-to-one sessions with individuals: from short, focused conversations online to longer, deeper days at the Wood.
Key life events
At 60
I made the bold decision to end my marriage and sell my dream house.
At 61
I completed my first Vision Quest – a life-changing rite of passage involving 4 days and nights alone in nature.
At 62
I embarked on my doctoral studies.
At 63
I bought a private wood, deepening my connection with nature.
At 64
I became Dr. Denise Taylor – a significant achievement for someone who left school at 15 with 4 O levels.
At 65
I signed a contract to write "Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing."
At 66
I spent two weeks living with a Maasai tribe, immersing myself in indigenous culture.
At 67
I ran my first 2 nature retreats on my own land and spent 2 weeks in South Africa developing skills in tracks and signs to help in tracking animals.
At 68
I decided to end my career coaching service and focus more on writing, nature-based work in my woodland, and the publication of my ninth book, ThriveSpan.
My expertise
With over three decades as a Chartered Psychologist, my focus is on helping people thrive in later life. My doctoral research explored how individuals find meaning after full-time work, and I bring this together with lived experience to guide people and organisations through change.
I specialise in:
Later life transitions and conscious choices
Helping people navigate change with clarity and purpose.
Nature connection and deep reflection
From woodland days to Vision Quests, creating space for renewal and growth.
Credentials and background
Educational excellence
Holder of a doctorate in Psychology, research focus was finding meaning in life after full-time work, two master’s degrees in Occupational Psychology and Business Administration (MBA), and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Denise also has qualifications in counselling, and is qualified to use all major assessments.
Life-long learner
Participant in Mastery University with Anthony Robbins and numerous workshops with world class professionals such as Gerard Egan, Deepak Chopra and Stephen Jenkinson.
Professional recognition
Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), Registered Career Development Professional (RCDP), Fellow of the Career Development Institute, and qualified Vision Quest (Rites of Passage) Guide.
Adventurer at heart
A lover of wild camping, bushcraft, and nature-based explorations.
My approach
I combine academic rigour with a deep connection to nature and personal experience.
My own life transitions – from ending a long-term marriage to undertaking spiritual quests – have enriched my empathy and understanding, making me a relatable and effective guide.
Why choose me?
Academic credentials
Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, MBA, MSc in Occupational Psychology, and more.
Diverse training
Mastery University with Anthony Robbins, Modern Elder Academy, studies with Gerard Egan and Deepak Chopra, and apprenticeship as a Vision Quest Guide.
Published author
Seven books including "Find Work at 50+" and "Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing".
Awards and recognition
Two-time National Career Awards winner (2007 and 2009) and 2024 recipient of the UK Career Development Award for research on post-retirement life.
Personal passions
Travel
From backpacking in India to living with a Maasai tribe, I love immersing myself in different cultures.
Nature
As owner of a private wood, I'm passionate about bushcraft, wild camping and have a deep connection to nature.
Continuous growth
Always seeking new challenges, like completing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb at 60 despite my fear of heights, completion of three Vision Quests and completing the three-year training in Deep Imagery.
Award winner
Dr. Denise received the 2024 UK Career Development Awards’ Research by a Career Development Professional Award for her study on post-retirement life. Her work explored how individuals find meaning after full-time employment and identified psychological factors contributing to a fulfilling retirement.
Ready to begin your journey?
Book a 30-minute session to explore how I can support you.
Whether you’re navigating a transition, seeking deeper purpose, or drawn to nature for renewal, this is a space to begin. Together we’ll look at what matters now and how to shape the next stage of your life with clarity and intention.