Dissertation and Writing Support
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What could a dissertation coach do for you?
As your dissertation coach, I will help you set goals whether they are research goals or writing goals and be an accountability partner for your reaching those goals. I will help you discern ways around or through obstacles to those goals. You will find that your research and writing moves much more quickly when you work with me.
What is coaching?
Coaching is a collaborative relationship between a coach and clients in which clients identify goals and obstacles to those goals without concern that they will harm a relationship. Clients can tell a coach that they have writer’s block and may not want to reveal that to their advisors.
What is the difference between consulting and coaching?
In consulting, the client hires the consultant expecting that the consultant will have all the answers to a problem. In coaching, the coach believes that the client has the answers, but may need help in uncovering the best answer for the client.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching?
Therapy deals with the past to make today better. Coaching deals with today to make tomorrow great! If there are past experiences that are getting in the way of your completing your dissertation, I will recommend you speak to a therapist.
What is the difference between talking to a coach and talking to my best friend (parents, spouse, sibling)?
A coach has no other agenda for the client other than what is best for the client. While others in a client’s life may think they feel that way, they may also have other agendas for the client. For example, your spouse or your parents may just want you to finish your dissertation regardless of what shortcuts you may have to take. Your dissertation coach will discuss with you what feels right to you. Your dissertation coach fully listens to you and elicits from you how you wish to do your research and write your dissertation.
How do you work with clients?
I can meet one-on-one with clients who live in the Austin, Texas area or I can meet with clients via telephone or Zoom. One method is to meet with clients for four 30-minute visits per month. Clients are free to write me e-mails as they need throughout the month. I am open to other arrangements as they fit the client. I offer group coaching and start new groups at the beginning of every month. I encourage a one-hour complimentary, collaborative interview before clients decide whether or not to hire me. During that meeting we discuss expectations of both your and my roles in the relationship. We will discuss your project and any problems you are having with it. My goal is that you will come away from this discussion with concrete ideas of what to do next in your research or dissertation writing. You will also know by the end of that meeting whether or not the coaching relationship will be beneficial to you. Contact me and let’s talk.
Finish your dissertation!