♦ Clarity ♦ Perspective ♦ Decide ♦ Proceed ♦
When You Need Clarity About What Comes Next
Many doctoral students and candidates encounter periods when progress becomes unclear.
You may be uncertain about expectations, overwhelmed by the scope of the work, questioning your direction, or simply unsure how to move forward. Sometimes the challenge is not a lack of effort. Sometimes the challenge is understanding where you are, what has already been accomplished, what still needs attention, and what comes next.
The Doctoral Decision & Strategy Session (DDSS) is a focused 45-minute one-on-one session designed to help you step back, clear the fog, take stock, and gain perspective on your situation.
45 minutes | $247
DDSS applies The Finished Dissertation framework to help candidates move from feeling stuck to clarity and strategy.
When DDSS May Be Helpful
A DDSS may be helpful if you:
- Feel stuck or uncertain about how to move forward
- Are struggling to define or manage the scope of your project
- Need clarity about expectations or program requirements
- Are preparing for a significant milestone or decision point
- Are returning to doctoral work after a break
- Feel overwhelmed by competing priorities or conflicting advice
- Want a clearer understanding of your options before taking action
- Sense that something is off but cannot identify exactly what it is
What Happens During a DDSS?
During the session, we explore your current situation, discuss the challenges you are facing, and identify the decisions, expectations, dynamics, or circumstances that may be influencing progress.
Together, we take stock of where you are in the process, what has already been accomplished, what still needs attention, and what the doctoral process may be signaling.
The conversation is structured, focused, and tailored to your specific circumstances.
What You Will Leave With
While every situation is unique, you may leave with:
- A clearer understanding of where you are in the doctoral process
- Greater perspective on what has already been accomplished
- A clearer picture of what still needs attention
- Strategies for addressing key challenges, decisions, or obstacles
- Possible next steps for moving forward
The goal is not to provide generic advice.
The goal is to help you develop the clarity and perspective needed to make informed decisions and move forward in ways that reflect your circumstances and goals.
“I was struggling to complete my dissertation when Dr. Kane offered her assistance. Working with Dr. Kane was a transformative experience. Her insights, guidance, and ability to help me clarify my path forward enabled me to regain momentum, rebuild my self-confidence, and finish my work.”
Cynthia D. Armster, Ed.D.
Thought Partner and Life Coach
Nubian Royalties LLC
“I requested your assistance to critique my graduate thesis question. Your feedback was instrumental in helping me graduate. Thank you once again.”
Valerie Benjamin
Michigan State University
Grounded in a Proven Framework
The DDSS is grounded in the framework presented in The Finished Dissertation.
The framework provides context and perspective for understanding the doctoral journey. It recognizes that doctoral work progresses through identifiable stages and that different challenges emerge at different points in the process.
The DDSS helps you apply that context and perspective to your own situation.
Explore the Framework in Greater Depth.
Those who wish to explore the framework in greater depth may find The Finished Dissertation a useful companion to the DDSS. The book provides additional context and perspective on the doctoral process and the challenges that commonly emerge along the way. You do not need to read the book before scheduling a DDSS. The session is designed to meet you where you are.
Learn More About The Finished Dissertation →
Why Work with Dr. Jacqueline A. Kane?
For many years, I worked within New York’s higher education system, helping colleges and universities navigate academic program approval, registration, and review processes.
That work provided a unique perspective on how institutions, policies, requirements, and decision points influence academic progress.
Today, I apply that same interpretive approach to doctoral progress.
My work is centered on helping people understand their situation, gain perspective, and decide what comes next.
If your doctoral progress has slowed, stalled, or become unclear, a Doctoral Decision & Strategy Session can help you take stock, gain perspective, and determine your next productive move.