Frequently asked questions about research coaching

What's the difference between academic research coaching and research supervision?

Coaching and research supervision are both important roles in helping postgraduate students succeed, but they have different goals and approaches.

The table below summarizes the key differences between research coaching and research supervision:

Here are some examples of how coaching and research supervision can be used together:

• You might work with a coach to develop your research skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
• You will work with a university appointed research supervisor to develop a research plan and collect data.

Both coaching and research supervision can be valuable resources for postgraduate students. The best way to decide which approach is right for you depends on your individual needs and goals. It is important to note that an academic research coach is not a replacement for a research supervisor. A research supervisor is typically a university faculty member who is responsible for overseeing your research project. A research coach, on the other hand, is a professional who can

How do I know if I need an academic research coach?

It might be difficult to know if you might need the help of an academic coach.

Regardless of where you are in your research journey a coach as add value to your experience. Even if your research supervisor is supportive, you may still experience difficulties such as lack of confidence, clarity, and feeling overwhelmed. Having an empowerment coach will help you navigate through these experiences whilst still developing your high value research skills. 

Click the link below to take a quick screen to find out if you can benefit from academic research coaching. Alternatively, feel free to book a free 30-minute coaching session to discuss whether you can benefit from academic research empowerment coaching. 

 What are the benefits of coaching?

• Increased productivity: academic coaching can help researchers and postgraduate students to be more productive by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in conducting and writing up their research.
• Improved research skills: academic research coaching can help researchers to develop their research skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: coaching can help to reduce stress by providing you with a supportive and encouraging environment.
• Increased confidence: Research-specific coaching can help to increase your confidence in your research abilities.
• Replacing limiting beliefs with empowering mindsets: one of the most powerful skills to learn during coaching is challenging your limiting beliefs and replacing them with more helpful and empowering mindsets to carry you through your research journey and future academic career.
• Clarity: gain insight and better clarity about your writing and how your topic fits into the current body of literature. This helps to you to more clearly define the impact and contribution of your research to the world. 

 I have various coaching packages available for short and long-term support. Payment options are also available. 

How is coaching different from therapy?

Coaching and therapy are both forms of professional help that can be beneficial for people who are looking to improve their lives but, there are some key differences.

Coaching is typically focused on helping individuals achieve a specific goal, such as finishing their research thesis or developing their research skills. Coaches typically work with individuals one-on-one or in a group to provide support, guidance, and feedback. The goal of coaching is to help individuals develop their skills and achieve their goals. Once the individual achieves their goals the coaching relationship comes to a natural conclusion.

Therapy is typically focused on helping individuals address specific or clinical mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapists typically work with individuals one-on-one, providing support, with a focus on treatment. The goal of therapy is to help individuals understand and manage their mental health issues. Therapy is a long-term commitment and can continue even after certain aspects of mental health are managed.

Engaging in coaching AND therapy can really provide you with the best support you need to venture through your postgraduate thesis, and maintain your mental health. 

Coaching + therapy = Winning!