Men approaching retirement

My coaching practice is starting to focus on men approaching retirement or transitioning into a new way of living and working after 50. This is why…

I’ve just hit 65. Two years ago, after 20 years of being a counsellor and clinical supervisor I closed my practice. The work I had loved for so long stopped feeling exciting. If I’m honest, on reflection, I was probably suffering from burn out – surprisingly hard to spot at the time, even for a counsellor.

My plan was – no plan. Just wander in the dark wood until a path appeared to take me out. I had to find a new meaning. It wasn’t easy – for me or my partner. I felt lost and directionless. Compassion fatigue made me feel I could never support anyone ever again and this felt scary, because this is what I do.

Gradually after six months I decided that I would build on the coach training I had already done and study health coaching. A subject dear to my heart – nutrition, movement, sleep, relaxation, purpose & meaning – all seemed to be very live for me as I negotiate my 60s and realigned to the subtle, but profound changes that were needed.

An exciting and tough year of study found me, in Spring 2026, about to launch a coaching business. This wasn’t new to me – I have launched businesses, enjoy the marketing side of things and even mentored other counsellors in setting up in private practice.

So, what a shock to realise that at 65, what seemed easy at 40 now felt so tough. I have a vison for the practice, but the hunger and drive feel so much harder to access.

Having coaching has really helped me move into the space that is needed in my 60s. Whether it is to retire, semi-retire, launch a business, or just realign to being an “elder”, coaching can ease the transition.

These are live issues for me that I face every single day when I wake up – but I found the way out of the dark wood – and I feel honoured now to help others find their path.

If this story resonates and you would like to chat, or know someone that is stuck in the wood, do reach out to me or pass this on.