PhD Thriving and Mindtraining for Life
If you think that you or other students at your university are not thriving right now, feel free to get in touch and find out more about our work. We charge for our services, but we also freely share knowledge and resources whenever possible.
PhD Thriving is a standalone programme provided by Mindtraining for Life. It shares the core values of all our Mindtraining projects: ‘to empower people to reach their goals and boost their happiness, wellbeing and success.’ Dr Morris has 25 years of experience in sharing mind training techniques drawn from both psychology and other reliable knowledge systems, such as nondual Buddhism. He works with higher education students on a daily basis as a specialist academic mentor, as well as in a private mindtraining practice.
“Having recently completed my own PhD journey, I’ve seen that the wellbeing and happiness of PhD candidates can be neglected areas of university life. This is a point I’ve raised in formal consultations and informal meetings with different stakeholders. I am advised that things are changing, and I have seen pockets of excellence in some institutions. However, evidence suggests that many PhD students still ‘survive’ the PhD journey rather than thrive. A PhD is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our aim is to support people to fulfill their potential and get the most from the experience.”
It’s estimated that only 1% to 2% of adults in OECD countries hold a valid PhD. Many of these fortunate people play a leading role in shaping our futures, not just in academia or research, but in every area of society. Being a PhD candidate is a brilliant opportunity on many different levels. However, the reality is that the journey is much more problematic than it needs to be due to a range of factors. Recent research indicated that 70% of PhD candidates reported symptoms of depression ranging from mild to acute. And we estimate that over 30% of post-graduate students experience serious levels of anxiety. With such significant concerns about wellbeing added to worries about future prospects and day-to-day finances, it is little wonder that many of our best and brightest are not fulfilling their potential.
If PhD candidates spend prolonged periods in survival states, then they will likely end up on a treadmill where every day is a struggle. This way of living is not only corrosive to our happiness, wellbeing and quality of life, but it also limits our performance as academics and researchers. PhD Thriving is not focused on removing challenges; research is about overcoming and solving problems. However, without a thriving mindset, the resilience, mental energy, and know-how necessary for success may be in short supply or even exhausted. By creating and sustaining the thriving approach, we can not only cope with challenges but also develop the capacity to maintain healthy boundaries essential for growth and success.
One of the main differences between psychological sciences and mindtraining is the focus of mindtraining on holistic, person-centred solutions, rather than generalised practices. Each of us is different, and the trajectory to PhD thriving varies from individual to individual. Our approach is to harness the best of available theory and practice, and combine this with the students’ and neuropsychologists’ lived experience to achieve credible and sustainable progress.
Some of the specific mind training techniques we utilise are linked to:
Procrastination – Planning – Performance
We are experts in supporting PhD students in managing and overcoming dysfunctional levels of procrastination, establishing mental and physical presence, planning for success, and achieving their personal and academic goals.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
The progress of significant numbers of PhD candidates is limited by high levels of stress and anxiety. We train our clients to understand the mechanisms leading to stress and anxiety. Humans have been designed to cope with ‘normal’ levels of stress; we explain how destructive emotions can be regulated. If your anxiety is leading to burnout, it is limiting your quality of life and academic performance.
Confidence, Happiness and Success
The paradox is that being a PhD student makes a powerful statement about your ability and potential; it should increase your confidence and self-efficacy. However, unhappiness and crippling self-doubt are common among PhD students. Mindtraining is designed to boost motivation, compassion for self and others, leading to greater happiness, wellbeing and success.
Some of our techniques are specifically designed for neurodivergent students, but many can be adapted to meet the individual needs of all students. Mindtraining is not a magical solution; it reflects the best practices we have in supporting PhD candidates. However, our approach is to build upon the pre-existing qualities of individuals and enable them to move towards thriving. This is what we mean by empowerment.
Mindtraining for Life 