Find your silver lining: How to deal with academic setbacks?

Paper rejected? Failed experiments? A conflict with colleagues? Writer's block? Feeling isolated or misunderstood? At times, being a researcher can be quite challenging. In this session by Rosanne Ceuppens (Doctoral Schools UHasselt) you will get an introduction to the six core processes of ACT, which will support you to build psychological flexibility.

The ACT model (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) will be used as a theoretical framework to help accept difficult emotions and thoughts rather than struggling against them, and commit to actions aligned with your values. By integrating ACT principles you will be able to adapt to challenges and setbacks without being overwhelmed. This way, you will hopefully be able to navigate the complexities of doctoral studies with greater resilience, focus, and a stronger sense of purpose. 

This workshop is part of the initiative ‘Wellbeing inside-out’. During this wellbeing programme from November 16 until 20 the Doctoral Schools join forces with the HR department & team Vitality. 'Wellbeing inside-out' consists of various sessions focusing on mental, physical and social wellbeing, since these 3 are inextricably linked. The entire extensive offer will be published online soon. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, you will have:

• gained insight into your own coping mechanisms.
• developed a practical, introductory understanding of the ACT model.
• discovered new ways to deal with setbacks.

Methods

This session is a interactive, hands-on workshop. We use small group, paired and whole group discussions to review a range of focused, structured activities and reflective exercises. Please come along ready to reflect, to contribute and to practice.

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

Intellectual competences: 

• Personal effectiveness:
  • self-development
  • stress management
  • responsiveness to change
• Interpersonal competences:
  • assertiveness

For whom?

• PhD students & postdocs -  14 places available

When & where?

• November 17, 09:30-12:30 
• Campus Hasselt, Yellow room

Registration?

• Registration is possible via this link until November 3.
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email after the registration deadline has passed.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: career management & personal development: session aimed at personal development
• DS ST: career & Personal Development: course/session about career or personal development
• DS HLS: compulsory elective transferable skills courses - half of a transferable skills course