The Mindful Researcher Program
Evidence-driven masterclasses for research students to cultivate focus, balance and wellbeing.
The Mindful Researcher is a one-of-a-kind offering. Part research skills and part wellbeing training, this program focuses on the unique psychological and practical challenges faced routinely by research candidates. By bringing the principles and strategies of mindful self-awareness into conversation with everyday research practice, these masterclasses give participants a specialised toolkit to thrive in their work without compromising their wellbeing.
The program addresses:
- How to recognise and manage the pressures of the research environment
- How to train focus and work deeply
- How to establish and maintain work-life boundaries
- How to balance self-discipline with self-kindness
- How to care for your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, especially during times of stress or difficulty.
The program is delivered as a series of interactive masterclasses. In consultation with Michelle, clients are invited to curate a program of sessions that best matches the needs of their cohort.
The small-group sessions (up to 30 participants) provide a supportive space for participants to share their experiences of doing research, critically discuss course content, and reflect on issues in their work practice. By the end of each masterclass, candidates will have clearer insight into the challenges they face as individuals, and the skills to navigate these with greater awareness and emotional intelligence.
The program is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to reduce work-related stress, improve their focus, and experience greater joy, balance and engagement with their work.
Masterclass Details:
- Seven interactive sessions with an emphasis on group discussion and practice.
- 2 hours each, approx. 30 participants per session
- Includes take-home resources: session slides, practical worksheets and short readings.
Introductory Session:
- Becoming a mindful researcher: Unlocking self-awareness for success
Staying Focused Series:
- Part I – Deep work: Mastering focus and minimising distractions
- Part II – Getting to the root: Understanding and overcoming procrastination
Healthy High Achievers Series:
- Finding your pace: Sustainable strategies for managing time under pressure
- The power of a healthy mind set: Balancing discipline with kindness
Communicating with Awareness Series:
- Mindful communication: Creating and maintaining healthy supervision relationships
- Presenting with purpose: How to build confidence and embrace feedback
Who is it for?
The program is open to Honours, Masters and PhD candidates. It can also be tailored for early career researchers.
Delivery:
Live streamed via Zoom
If you are interested in offering this program at your institution, or would like further information, please email michelle@michellejamieson.com.
Testimonials for The Mindful Researcher Program
“The Mindful Researcher was one of the most significant training courses I have undertaken in the course of my PhD. Michelle creates a safe space in which to discuss the pressures and anxieties that attend HDR study and life in academia. She provides wonderful, practical suggestions for working effectively and efficiently in this high pressure environment without sacrificing your physical or emotional health. Highly recommended for any HDR student or staff member feeling the pressure.”
— 3rd year PhD candidate and staff member, 2018“This is a great course – I wish it went for another 4 weeks. The practical exercises are really helpful and Michelle is engaging and authentic. I did it at the very end of my PhD but I absolutely wish I had done it earlier.”
- 3rd year PhD candidate, 2018“Rather than being just focused on mindfulness the workshops were specifically targeted to challenges in research and writing. This is rarely the case and I think it’s important be told that they are not mutually exclusive, or incompatible in an academic setting. I discussed the workshop with my supervisor this week and she was surprised and very happy to hear that something like this was available to the HDR students. She emphasised that it is something that is very much lacking and she wished it would be available for more students and also staff.”
- 1st year PhD candidate, 2020“I found the workshops incredibly useful for taking time to address the things that might be hindering our progress as researchers. We worked on real strategies to overcome these obstacles and I still practice them on a weekly basis. The workshops reminded me that the challenges we face as students are shared by so many of us and that reaching out for support and advice are always worthwhile. I think this series is incredibly important to changing the discourse surrounding research and mental health.’
- 2nd year PhD candidate, 2018“Michelle’s workshops have helped me improve not only my research practice but also manage my stress outside of uni. I can’t emphasise enough how valuable this seminar series was for my mental health.”
— 2nd year PhD candidate, 2019