About Dr Denise

Dr Denise Taylor

Elder, Adventurer, Vision Quest Guide, Award-Winning Coach and Author

I guide, I inspire, I coach

Born in 1957, I’ve learned that age is just a number. My journey has taught me that life’s adventures don’t stop at retirement – they evolve and become even more exciting.

I work with people with the energy and passion to want more, to feel fulfilled and to have the life they want. It doesn’t have to be a traditional path. You could plan for a life without paid work, whatever works best for you. And no choice is forever, we can change at any time.

 

I’ve gained a strong reputation for working with people in mid to later life. I’m the Author of Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing, and Find Work at 50+ I’m regularly featured in the press (e.g., Saga Magazine) writing on issues including retirement, later life, careers, goal setting and healthy living.

I’m here to inspire and guide you, whether you’re planning your retirement journey or seeking a deeper connection with nature. Let’s work together to make your next life stage your most fulfilling yet.

Now I’m Dr Taylor, I’m seen as an expert in the field of meaningful ageing and life after full time work. I can work with you to move through a transition and into a satisfying and fulfilling life. My latest book, Rethinking Retirement was published on 8 November 2023. 

I have a deep connection to nature. Balance is important in my life and to the work I do with clients.  and now offer nature awareness days, nature retreats and support people through a Vision Quest. I also help people to fully understand who they using deep imagery. 

Why Choose Me?

Academic Credentials: Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, MBA, MSc in Occupational Psychology, and more.

Awards and Recognition: Two-time National Career Awards winner (2007 and 2009) and in 2024 I 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.

Diverse Training: This included Mastery University with Anthony Robbins, Modern Elder Academy, Gerard Egan Deepak Chopra, and many more.

Experienced Vision Quest Guide. I was in apprenticeship to David Wendl-Berry and continue to support him in his work.

Published Author: Six career books including “Find Work at 50+” and “Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing”

Rethinking Retirement   

Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing is a practical guide that shows you how to make retirement successful, based on the most up-to-date research available. It encourages a deeper and wider view of retirement and reveals how retirement can be a time of transition, renewal, and re-imagination.

Written by career coach Dr Denise Taylor, it considers the psychological factors that impact a successful adjustment to retirement and offers a deeper analysis of how people can find meaning and purpose after full-time work. It examines retirement as an event that often brings about great changes in a person’s personal and social life, and how to move forward with meaning in life. Illustrated with interviews, activities, and case studies, and with exercises and questions for reflection, it covers key topics including identity, health, well-being, finances, and relationships.

This insightful guidebook is for all prospective and current retirees as well as employers, careers professionals, and counsellors who want to help people reflect on their approaches to retirement. 

My Other Books

Other books include:

Find Work at 50+

The complete guide to finding work for anyone aged 50 and over. Helping readers to refocus and build confidence in the job market, the contents include getting in the right mind set, establishing clear goals, social media, networking, CV writing, interviews, stereotypes and how to deal with them, and self-employment

Find Your Dream Job

This supports you through all the stages of finding your perfect job – from organisation and preparation to the different ways to implement a job search campaign. In a challenging job market you need to create a resumé that will sell you, and to be well prepared for interview.

My Journey

  • 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 found love again and 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.

 

My Expertise

With over three decades of experience as a Chartered Psychologist, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people understand themselves better and create more joyful lives. My doctoral research focused on how people make successful transitions to retirement, making me uniquely qualified to guide you through this exciting life stage.

I specialise in:

  1. Later Life Transitions: Helping you navigate the complexities of retirement and find fulfilment in your next chapter.
  2. Nature Connection: Offering nature awareness days and retreats in our private wood, as well as guiding Vision Quests for those seeking deeper personal insights.

My Approach

I combine academic rigor 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 coach.

This is me, solo traveller in Nepal. Loving meeting local people. 

I love spending time in the wood, wild camping, bushcraft …

I love to travel I want to properly experience different cultures and create lasting memories. Turning 60 I faced my fears and did the Harbour Bridge Climb.  Turning 50 I backpacked in India over both Christmases and did a camping safari in Namibia for my birthday adventure.

Arrange an initial consultation

 You know you can make better progress with professional support. Don’t wish things were different. We are where we are – let’s live a life without regret. We can’t change the past, but we can create a fabulous future.