vds-ecology-evolution

PhD Well-Being

Psychological Support for PhD Candidates

Feeling tired, isolated and stressed? Problems with your supervisor? Working 24/7 but not getting many things done? Feeling stuck? Feeling guilty for taking a day off?

These are all common experiences in early research careers. A PhD can be demanding, both professionally and personally. Seeking support is a constructive step if you feel overwhelmed or stuck.

VDSEE offers free, confidential psychological support in English and German with psychotherapist Dr. Markus Böckle, who is familiar with academic structures and challenges. Dr. Böckle does not report to the Doctoral School or anybody else at the university.

PhD Well-Being Group Coaching

While the life of a PhD candidate is not always easy, it can be easier with group coaching on hand. Academic work is a creative process which takes a great deal of self‐motivation and often it is quite a solitary activity which requires a lot of discipline and persistence. This can make you feel insecure and lose motivation. Group coaching is an opportunity to reach the goal of a successful career with a focus on your personal well-being.

Target Group: VDSEE PhD candidates in any phase of their project who would like to monitor their own progress or discuss any obstacles they are encountering within a group of PhD candidates supervised by a trained psychotherapist and coach, Dr. Markus Böckle (www.praxis-boeckle.at).

Location: Magdalenenstraße 21/7, 1060 Vienna

Registration: Please register directly via https://calendly.com/markus-boeckle/group_coaching_dk_cobene_phanuspo_vdsee

Schedule: 

Summer Break until September

Psychological support for individual PhD candidates

Aside from semester-based group sessions with PhD peers, support offered by VDSEE includes one individual session free of charge with Dr. Böckle per PhD, and mediation if needed. The offer is open to all VDSEE members.

To access individual support, please contact Antonia Vogel via e-mail and briefly state your situation; this is strictly confidential and no details regarding why you need the session are required. 

Online Talk

How to keep your sanity? Mental Health & Well-Being in Academia


Who: Dr Markus Böckle
When: 12. Oct 2026, 15:00 - 16:00
Where: online

In this one hour seminar organised by VDSEE and VDS CoBeNe, psychotherapist Dr Markus Böckle will share insights into navigating mental health challenges that may come with doing a PhD. 

You can find more info and register for this talk via u:rise.

Further resources and conflict management at the university

To top