Psychological challenges for PhD candidates
International research (e.g. Stecker, 2004) shows a heightened risk for psychological symptoms and mental stress for PhD candidates. Also, in the VUB psychological well-being survey, several VUB PhD candidates indicated that they perceive a lot of mental stress due to their work and show a heightened risk for psychological distress. Therefore, the VUB doctoral schools developed together with BRUCC a unique program targeting psychological challenges for VUB PhD candidates.
The group therapy will be semi-structured. Some aspects will be introduced by the therapist, such as the psychological and social difficulties that might arise while working and living in a foreign country, how to cope with high demands, social isolation, stress, the pressures of deadlines, and perfectionism... The therapist will introduce these themes, but the content of the sessions can be adjusted to the specific needs of the group. During the group sessions, we will work on sharing experiences and finding tools to deal with these complex situations.
Practical
Language: English
Practical: The group therapy will take place on
- 1st session: 17/11/2023
- 2nd session: 01/12/2023
- 3rd session: 15/12/2023
- 4th session: 12/01/2024
- 5th session: 26/01/2024
- 6th session: 09/02/2024
- 7th session: 23/02/2024
- 8th session: 08/03/2024
It consists of 1 individual intake session and 8 group sessions. The process of each individual is strongly enhanced by the process of the group as a whole. It is therefore necessary to follow all sessions.
This group will physically take place in BRUCC, room C004. The VUB corona measures in force at the time will be respected.
Trainer: Geert Schelkens is a licensed clinical psychologist and supervisor at BRUCC.
After your registration, you will be contacted by the trainer to schedule an intake.