PhD Reflection Group

PhD workshop

Dates and Registration

  • PhD Sessions: Cultivating Awareness to manage Stress and Anxiety - 26th May 2022, 9:30-10:30am UK Register via Zoom

  • PhD Sessions: Developing self-compassion to overcome Imposter Syndrome - 23rd June 2022, 12:00-13:00pm UK Register via Zoom

How does it work? 

Reflective practice is about taking time to explore an event or theme, for example, managing time, group dynamics, or motivation. Each person has time to look at their own challenges and opportunities. This is done with other research students. You will be able to hear how other people are approaching similar concerns. 

Each session has a theme that we explore together. Please see specific themes, dates and registration link on the right side of this page.

As Multi-Faith Chaplains, we find PhD students often want to talk about similar themes, like 

  • how do I make the best use of my time?
  • how to prioritise?
  • how to work well with my supervisor?
  • the ups and downs of working in teams
  • dealing with ‘the unknown’ and going ‘where no one has gone before’
  • the need for good communications –  in the research group, with supervisors, with friends and family
  • how to look after myself and get the research done on time
 

 Who is it for?

  • PhD students
  • who want to talk about their experience of doing research
  • who would like to hear about how others are handling the issues.

 

Some testimonials from previous attendees

"A great way to meet PhDs from other departments and find out you have more in common than you think."

"PhD can be intellectually lonely and talking to people helps. It's really good to find people with common issues/feelings."

"A nice way to look back at events in our day to day life and have a different perspectives to get over them."

"It's worthwhile to shut off from work and reflect on your experiences over time."

"It is valuable for all PhD students to have a chance to talk things through."

"It is a way of thinking/being integral to surviving a PhD which isn't taught anywhere."

"A safe space to talk about my problems with someone from outside, that's not related to it."

"Writing things down helped me"

"I found it useful to have time window assigned entirely for oneself to speak and be listened to."

"It is a useful platform for discussing my situation and receiving constructive feedback and course of action from the group."

 

One to one conversation available

In addition to our group sessions of Reflective Practice we are offering one to one support to PhD students wanting to explore personal and work related issues arising while doing research. These often include making the best use of time, managing priorities, working well with supervisors and in teams, coping with uncertainty, or taking time for leisure and health.  We listen and offer feedback, or coaching style questions to help you reflect on issues you are facing.  The sessions are confidential and will compliment other sources of college support.  To arrange a one to one conversation please contact Chaplaincy.