Dissertation Coaching

There is not a right way to complete a dissertation, there is your way. I can help you find your way.

If you are a qualitative dissertation student who feels stuck or needs extra support, I offer one-on-one coaching to help you reach you goals. Overcoming personal and practical barriers necessitates a holistic approach to address these challenges. Through a combination of goal setting, personality assessments, work styles, and understanding potential life challenges, I will determine a writing plan that is best for you.

Writing a dissertation is more than simply putting words on a page, it is a journey that requires navigation and help along the way.

 

The Coaching Process

1. Assess

We will conduct an assessment:

  • Examine your dissertation topic and progress
  • Discuss barriers to your writing
  • Coordinate with your chair (if you choose)
  • Complete and review strengths assessment(s)

2. Plan

We will create a plan:

  • Set a goal for an approximate dissertation defense date
  • Create a timeline of short and long-term writing goals
  • Establish a plan for the best writing times
  • Establish coaching plan

3. Begin

We will begin our work together:

  • Meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the client’s needs
  • Submit writing sections to me (where applicable)
  • Revise coaching plan as needed

my approach

Having earned my PhD while working in a high stress job and raising two small children, I know life is a balancing act and does not slow down for a dissertation. In fact, research has consistently shown that graduate students often experience psychological distress in the process of finishing their degrees. Self-care and support are critical components to one's success. A dissertation coach can offer the support that you need. For clients who are interested, I incorporate mindfulness into our work together. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of oneself in any given moment. This practice can help clients better understand potential barriers and motivations in the writing process and assist in developing an effective plan to complete their dissertations.
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common questions

Typically, I meet with clients 1-4 times a month to offer support, direction, and accountability throughout the writing process. The frequency of meeting times depends on the clients needs. Sessions are conducted over Zoom or phone. We may text or email in between sessions to address challenges that may arise.

Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes.

Monthly Package

  • Up to four individual meetings per month
  • Text and email communication between meetings
  • A review of writing submissions

Hourly Rate

  • Individual meetings as scheduled
  • Text and email communication between meetings
  • A review of writing submissions (dependent on which hourly rate)
  • Monthly Package: $480/month includes 4 individual sessions a month and a review of writing submissions
  • Hourly Rate (without writing submission review): $120/hour
  • Hourly Rate (with writing submission review): $140/hour

There are different plans depending on the client’s needs. The monthly package includes 4 meetings a month and a review of writing submissions. There is also the option to schedule sessions less frequently at an hourly rate.

Clients who need to cancel an appointment may do so 24 hours before the scheduled appointment to avoid the cost of the session. Sessions cancelled less than 24 hours before the scheduled time will incur the cost of the session. Monthly package fees are non-refundable.

I specialize in qualitative methodologies. However, I also coach clients with their introduction and review of literature chapters with any methodology.

Reviewing a writing submission is the process of me reading portions of the dissertation as they are completed to offer big-picture feedback (e.g., do your literature review topics make sense, do you have enough information about the design of your study, etc.). The review does not constitute fundamental writing instruction or formal APA (or other style) editing. I can provide resources if a client needs this kind of assistance.

Some clients find it helpful to have coaching support throughout their entire dissertation process. Others only need support for specific portions. The amount of coaching depends on the level of support that you need.

Coaching meetings take place over Zoom or phone.

Payments are made through the client portal. Monthly package clients are charged on the first of the month for that month’s services (services are pro-rated for clients beginning in the middle of a month). Hourly clients are charged the day of the session.

Call, email, or send a message to schedule a free consultation.

email: allison@allisonash.com

phone: 630-733-1917