Remarkable lives: Rachel Taylor in conversation with Jerome Carson

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Rachel Taylor.

Design/methodology/approach

Rachel provides a short biographical account and is then interviewed by Jerome. In the biography the search for happiness and belonging is discussed.

Findings

Rachel talks about focusing on what we are good at, what we love and how discovery can light that spark of hope that there can be better than what has gone before.

Research limitations/implications

Rachel’s story shows the potential that lies not just within some of us, but all of us. It is but one story, but its message is sure to touch many.

Practical implications

How do services promote hope and build resilience and wellbeing? While another service user said recovery was about “coping with your illness and having a meaningful life” (McManus et al., 2009), services have perhaps focused too much on symptom reduction and not enough on helping people find meaning and purpose.

Social implications

Rachel asks the question is Positive Psychology a movement for all or is it just for the elite?

Originality/value

Rachel is someone who has discovered for herself the benefits of Positive Psychology. Hopefully Rachel’s own discovery will lead to bringing this promising approach to people with mental health problems.

Citation

Taylor, R. and Carson, J. (2015), "Remarkable lives: Rachel Taylor in conversation with Jerome Carson", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 73-77. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-01-2015-0002