Mental and Emotion Coaching
Individual Coaching
Why coaching?
As a scientist, you don’t need anyone to tell you how to do something. You can find this information yourself, and probably more quickly and comprehensively than if you relied on others. But knowing how something works or why something is the way it is (e.g. why do I still react to rejections with sadness and self-doubt, even though I know that this is part of everyday research?) does not necessarily mean that we can change anything about it.
This usually works much better, faster and more comprehensively if you have support. This is the true value of coaching: as your coach, I am your sparring partner, feedback provider, accountability partner, challenger, reflection partner and much more – depending on what you need at the time. And this will reliably take you beyond mere knowledge and into realisation.
Is coaching suitable for you as a researcher?
Coaching is particularly suitable for scientists. It focuses entirely on your own needs and goals. This helps you to develop your individual skills and potential in a targeted manner. For this reason, coaching is especially well suited to people who are used to looking at issues from different perspectives and making their own decisions. Coaching is therefore often considered the supreme discipline for supporting development and learning processes.
What is special about mental and emotional coaching?
In my work I combine current approaches from mental and emotional coaching (esp. emTrace®). Both have long been used in elite sport, high level management and other areas where excellence is required. These approaches have a clear advantage over other coaching approaches in that they go straight to the root of most problems: our own thoughts and feelings.
Everything we experience is automatically processed emotionally, so emotions and feelings always influence our thoughts and actions – but we are often unaware of it!
Coaching makes us aware of deep-rooted thought patterns and emotions so that we can recognise how they influence our behaviour and then change the disruptive behaviour in a targeted, long-term and sustainable way.
What You Can Expect From Me
👉 I believe that every researcher is – or can become – excellent. What often holds people back are not a lack of skills, but self-doubt, emotional strain, structural hurdles, and the absence of honest encouragement. I’m here to support, clarify, and guide you in those moments.
👉 I don’t follow a standard formula. I work with what emerges in the conversation: your questions, your themes, your inner logic. My coaching is person-centered, flexible, and focused on real inner change – not just quick external solutions.
👉 I use methods such as emotional work (e.g. with emTrace®), systemic questioning, or the reflection of entrenched thought and behavior patterns – always adapted to your situation. What matters is not the technique, but that you gain deeper insight into yourself and shape your academic work with greater clarity and self-trust.
👉 Appreciation, respect, and clarity are the foundation of my coaching. I believe you have more agency than you might currently see – and that you’re capable of achieving what you’ve set out to do (and perhaps even more).
👉 And most importantly: Everything you share in our sessions is treated with strict confidentiality. Coaching is a protected space – built on trust, resonance, and real presence.
👉 In our conversations, I’ll be your sparring partner, mirror, and source of new impulses. And sometimes, the one who dares to touch a sore spot – because I believe in your potential, even when you’re doubting it.
Not sure yet?
Then let’s just have a chat.
My coaching is the right choice for you if
- You don’t want to be presented with “ready-made knowledge”, but are looking for tailor-made solutions and strategies.
- You want to develop your individual background, resources and strengths and learn how to use them in a goal- and solution-oriented way.
- You are ready to actively work on yourself and take responsibility for yourself and your emotional well-being.
- You want to feel joy and satisfaction (again) when you think about your work.
[O]ur brains are literally hardwired to perform at their best not when they are negative or even neutral, but when they are positive.
– Shawn Achor
What can I do to help you?
Coping with stress
Stress, uncertainty and frustration are part of the everyday working life of scientists. Emotional and mental coaching can help you to identify and regulate your stressors and stress reactions. In this way, you can protect your mental health and improve your performance.
Dealing with pressure and overwhelm
Grant proposals, paper deadlines, teaching, supervision – everything at once? You’re exhausted, but you keep going. Coaching helps you identify what’s really draining your energy and how to manage it in a way that protects your focus and well-being. For more clarity in your head – and more calm in your day.
Making decisions when everything feels uncertain
You know how academia works – but you’re not sure whether you want to stay. University, non-academic, tenure track, or something else? All options feel too risky or too final. Coaching gives you the space to sort through what actually fits you – beyond pressure, expectations, and endless loops of doubt.
Getting back into thinking, writing, and researching
Your paper is stuck. Your thoughts spiral. You’re blocked – even though you know what you want to say. Often, it’s not the text that’s the problem, but the pressure in your head. Coaching helps you uncover what’s holding you back – and how to reconnect with your own flow of thinking and working.
Working with others – without losing yourself
You’re part of a team, but something’s off: unclear roles, passive-aggressive dynamics, awkward silence? Or you just don’t feel like you belong – even though you’re qualified and involved? Coaching helps you reflect on what’s really going on – and how to bring clarity and confidence into collaboration, without compromising yourself.
Want to know more?
Take the first step
If you are curious about how I can help you on your scientific journey, I would like to invite you to a personal introductory meeting. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other better, discuss your goals and see how my coaching expertise can help you take the next step.
Erfolgscoaching für Wissenschaftler:Innen
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Über Dr. Julia Schmidt