Managing Challenges during the Doctorate - Together / 26-11-ST-4

Doing a doctorate can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also involve challenging periods. Difficulties with your research project, supervision, motivation, uncertainties, or personal circumstances can sometimes become difficult to manage on your own.

This group coaching provides a confidential and supportive space for doctoral researchers who are currently facing challenges, feel stuck in a difficult situation, or simply wish to have the support of a group during demanding times. 

In each session, participants are invited to bring in topics and situations that are currently relevant to them. Together, we will reflect on these challenges, explore different perspectives, identify individual resources and possible ways forward, and benefit from the experiences and support of the group.

There is no predefined sequence of topics. The sessions are guided by the current needs and concerns of the participants. You do not need to be experiencing a major problem to join. The group is also open to doctoral researchers who would simply appreciate regular exchange, reflection and mutual support throughout the ups and downs of the doctoral journey.

Confidentiality is an essential requirement for this group. Participants are expected to treat everything shared or discussed during the sessions as strictly confidential. Personal experiences, information about other participants and the content of group discussions must not be shared outside the group. Joining the group therefore means committing to respecting the privacy and confidentiality of all participants.

 

• Reflect on current challenges in a supportive setting
• Gain new perspectives on difficult or stressful situations
• Explore possible ways of dealing with situations in which you feel stuck
• Identify your own resources and room for action
• Exchange experiences with other doctoral researchers
• Give and receive peer support
• Experience that challenges during the doctorate do not always have to be dealt with alone

 

No preparation is required.

 

The group is open to doctoral researchers of all disciplines at Freie Universität Berlin.

This is an open group format. Registration and joining are possible at any time, so you do not need to commit to the group from the first session onwards but you have to register. Whether you are seeking support with a particular challenge, are going through a difficult phase of your doctorate, or simply wish to have a supportive group alongside you during demanding times, you are welcome to join.

Please make sure that you can attend for the entire duration before booking a workshop to receive a certificate. Check our terms and conditions. 

 

Cancellations are possible up to 14 days in advance by following these steps: 

• Log into your DRS account on our booking platform www.drs.fu-berlin.de 
• Click on "My course list" 
• Choose the workshop in question and go to "course details"   
• Finally click on "cancel booking".  

 

• 8 work units equal 0.5 credit points.  
• For shorter workshops, credits are calculated proportionally based on the work units.  
• Credit transfer requires the accumulation of a sufficient number of work units.