Are you struggling to finish your dissertation?
Dissertation Coaching to Help You Finally Finish Your Dissertation
When struggling with writing, having a coach makes a difference in your progress. If any of the following resonate, I can help:
If these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone—and with the right guidance, you can overcome them.
Susan Corbin – Academic Coach & Writer
Finding a dedicated dissertation coach who will guide you through the challenging final stretch of your graduate journey can be surprisingly difficult. I’m Susan Corbin, a trained dissertation coach specializing in helping graduate students successfully complete their dissertations. Whether you’re just starting or feeling stuck, I offer personalized, one-on-one coaching designed to help you advance confidently toward your goal.
I am both a writer and coach with firsthand experience—my completed book on dissertation writing reflects the knowledge and passion I bring to my coaching practice. I invest deeply in each client’s progress, keeping coaching affordable so graduate students can access the support they need without financial strain.
My Book
Dear Dissertation Writer: Stories, Strategies, & Self-Care Tips to Get Done includes stories inspired by real graduate students that illustrate strategies and self-care tips every dissertation writer needs.
In early chapters, I explain psychological issues such as procrastination and writer’s block. Later chapters address procedural issues like choosing committee members and understanding the rules for setting up defense meetings.
About Me
Hello, my name is Susan Corbin.
If completing your dissertation is your top priority for the coming academic year, I am here to support you in finishing your degree according to your desired timeline.
I am based in Austin, TX, and worked with doctoral and master’s students at the University of Texas at Austin when I was employed as a graduate coordinator. Now that I am retired, my coaching services are available to any graduate student looking for expert guidance.
What to Expect from Our Sessions
A Structured Approach to Progress
Dissertation coaching sessions focus on creating momentum through consistent, achievable milestones. Together, we establish clear weekly writing goals tailored to your schedule, academic requirements, and personal circumstances. Each session builds upon the previous one, ensuring steady advancement toward your defense date. You receive accountability without judgment—a supportive space where setbacks become learning opportunities rather than sources of shame.
Addressing the Whole Writer
Graduate students often face obstacles that extend beyond the page. Anxiety, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and life disruptions all impact writing productivity. Our work together acknowledges these realities and develops practical coping strategies alongside writing techniques.
Dissertation coaching provides tools for managing the emotional weight of this process, helping you build resilience that serves you throughout your academic career and beyond.
Practical Writing Strategies
Many graduate students receive extensive training in research methods but limited instruction in the craft of sustained academic writing. Sessions address concrete skills such as outlining chapters, synthesizing literature effectively, developing your scholarly voice, and revising drafts efficiently. You learn to work with your natural writing rhythms rather than against them, discovering approaches that fit your unique thinking and composing style.
Flexible Support Options
Coaching sessions take place via video conference, making support accessible regardless of your location. Session frequency adapts to your needs—some clients benefit from weekly check-ins while others prefer biweekly meetings during intensive writing periods. Graduate school demands flexibility, and your coaching schedule should reflect that reality.
How Does a Completed Dissertation Sound?
You’ve completed your coursework and written numerous research papers. If you feel stuck now, I commend you for seeking help. Let’s talk and turn your goal into reality.