Course Overview

Course Overview

This 6–8 week course uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to help you manage the mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges of completing a dissertation.

You will learn to:

• Identify unhelpful thinking patterns
  
  

• Use CBT tools to correct distortions
  
  

• Build a sustainable writing habit
  
  

• Manage stress, anxiety, and impostor feelings
  
  

• Increase confidence and motivation
  
  

• Make measurable progress on your dissertation
  
  

Weekly Structure

Each week includes:

• A 60-minute lesson
  
  

• A worksheet packet
  
  

• A cognitive distortion to target
  
  

• A CBT tool to practice
  
  

• A writing habit strategy
  
  

• A reflection exercise
  
  

Weekly Topics

Week 1 — Awareness of Thinking Patterns
Week 2 — Challenging Cognitive Distortions
Week 3 — Perfectionism & Productivity
Week 4 — Motivation, Avoidance & Task Activation
Week 5 — Impostor Syndrome & Feedback Anxiety
Week 6 — Writing Momentum & Long-Term Planning

(Optional Weeks 7–8: Advanced CBT Tools & Writing Mastery)

Week 7 - Building Resilience Through Self-Talk

Week 8 - Integration and Long-Term Habits