Professional Bio
Dr. Darlene Rona Taylor is a professor of psychology and communications. She has a breadth of knowledge and practical experience. She draws from a wide variety of empowerment tools using a diversity of disciplines, from Eastern philosophy, to modern, tangible techniques. She helps her clients address their issues on a behavioral level with external changes, or on a deeper level with unconscious awareness.
Darlene was born in 1957 and holds a Ph.D. in Human Behavior, an M.S. in Counseling Studies, and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. She is a Substance Abuse Counselor and is a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She is also a Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, an NLP Health Practitioner, and a Reiki Master.
Darlene is currently a professor of psychology and communications. She has had success as a professional platform speaker, corporate trainer, business/life coach, and was a fitness professional, club director, and also taught aerobics for 22 years.
She has been a professional singer, published two songs, and is an Amazon Best selling author of self-help books and one mystery novel.
With boundless energy and a true joy for life, she has raised five successful children, she has 13 grandchildren with more on the way. Darlene currently has a private practice in Utah meeting with clients in person, over the phone, and on Zoom.
On a personal note, Darlene graduated in 1975 from Skyline High School in Utah, then known as Darlene Taylor her maiden name. Additionally, Darlene is also known to have composed music under the name of Darlene Rona, with her ex-husband, John Rona. In May of 2009 John, an accomplished concert pianist, passed away from a tragic motorcycle accident. She re-married with the name of Braden.
My Story...
In 1998 I started my private practice and a lot has happened since then. That’s for sure. Let me share it with you.
This following read may seem dreary, but I want you to know that crushing sadness tried to get me. I have had such violent pain, and loss so deep my soul could not hide.
I have cried so long I could no longer produce tears... I’ve now been single for 7 years and that is hard after 38 years of marriage! I get sadness. I get loss. I know!
Because life is real, and we can’t get out alive, (ha) I have honed my skills against all the challenges life has given me. The full range of emotional and physical pains I have experienced are things I never want to deal with again.
But I know that I can, because I lost my best friend when I was 18 in a fatal car accident and broke my back and collarbone. I broke my arm by getting bucked off a horse. Slipped on ice out of my hot tub and totally shattered my wrist-in two pieces, and I have had foot surgery and 2 total hip replacements at age 55.
My body had been through the wringer. The amount of mental work I had to go through to overcome the physical pain was difficult, but nowhere near as heart-wrenching as the rest of what life had in store for me.
Two divorces (that’s a long story for another time), my children's father being killed in a tragic motorcycle accident, losing my my sister a few years ago, and losing my hero-my dad last year. One of the worst losses was my DOG. oh gosh.
I have had tragic relationships that ended in bankruptcy both emotionally and monetarily and unsuspectedly entered into a relationship that evolved into the Cycle of Abuse. I was able to get out intact, but I lost my home, cars and all I had. Boy did I learn a thing or two.
And then the story gets worse. Ha. Just laughing because this sounds so awful.
Ok, here it is... I just found out I have cancer! stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer in my liver! Six weeks after finally marrying the man of my life. Really? But, I am on treatments now, but let me tell you, it was the WORST thing to think I was going to die, like my sister did.
I'm 6 months past diagnosis, and moving past, sick-sick-sick, and life is looking beautiful. SO many learnings. Check out the details and my HUGE spiritual awareness, and life changing shifts, under ARTICLES on the top bar. Learn why I can finally say, "Thank you cancer. "
"I named my tumor Alice."
Lessons Learned
I never imagined that I would learn what I have in the ways I had to learn them, but I did and now I am here to share them with you. I know that my trials are no worse than yours.
I know that you can overcome your trials too, because all trials are basically the same. They are all either emotional or physical pain, loss or fear. When we understand, it can become simple.
Importantly I thank my parents for a solid upbringing that was filled with love, morals and acceptance. What a blessing my family has been. Life is mingled with pain and joy.
My happiest memories were when I was raising 5 amazing children, when I became a top aerobics instructor and director for 25 years. Furthering my formal education and my alternative healing and hypnosis certifications. Writing books, running my business, running two half marathons, becoming an avid road biker, and TODAY landing in a place I turned into the most perfect, cozy, dream home. A home where my heart lives and beats for a full, happy life.
Life is still happening, but oh how I love the skills I have gained and I love sharing them.
I use my skills. I do my very best to walk my talk and practice what I preach. I love the life I have created for myself up to this point. And now in my 60’s, (just barely, ha) I have such a flourishing life I don’t know how to be more grateful! These are truly the BEST years of my life!
Darlene currently has a national private practice helping clients in person, with Zoom, or over the phone. She is also the host for The Best Years Podcast.
