You can find below a selection of helpful resources.
Please note that whilst we hope that these resources are useful, the Counselling Service does not endorse the opinions expressed by other parties.
UCS LEAFLETS
- A CBT Guide to Concentration
- Coping with Exams
- Intermitting
- Procrastination
- Perfectionism - a CBT Approach
WEBSITES
SUPPORT
Spacefinder - The UCL's Guide to Spaces for Work
Student Advice - CUSU and GU Student Advice Service
Writing Groups at the University of Cambridge - Cambridge PhD Student Writing Groups, venues, dates and times.
OTHER RESOURCES
The Centre for Clinical Interventions Workbooks
Put off Procrastination!
Perfectionism in Perspective
ommwriter - distraction free writing environment app
Freedom - website blocker app for Windows and Mac
Forest - stay focused, be present, build a forest app
Self Control - free blocker app for Mac
BOOKS
Disclaimer
The descriptions given are intended to provide a summary of the contents but should not be taken to imply that the Counselling Service endorses the opinions expressed.
The Essential Digital Detox Plan
Orianna Fielding-Banks, 2017
Through self-help assessments, step-by-step programmes and rebalancing techniques, this essential guide shows you how technology can still play a useful and rewarding role in your life but not at the expense of personal relationships, and provides tools to enable you to create a healthy balance between the two.
The Procrastinator's Guide to Getting Things Done
Monica Ramirea Basco, 2010
Expressly designed for people who want to make changes but would be easily daunted by an elaborate self-help program, this concise, motivating guide is packed with highly practical tips and suggestions. Cognitive-behavioural therapy expert Monica Ramirez Basco offers easy-to-relate-to examples from "recovering procrastinators" - including herself.
When Perfect Isn't Good Enough
M Antony & R Swinson, New Harbinger, 2009
Perfectionism becomes a problem when it interferes with completing a task, impairs relationships or otherwise interferes with life. This book explores the causes and offers cognitive behavioural strategies for overcoming it and helps to challenge unrealistic expectations.
Present Perfect
Pavel Somov, PH.D, 2010
A mindfulness approach to letting go of perfectionism and the need for control. Filled with exercises and meditations.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Brene Brown PH.D, 2010
A leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living - a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.
The Will Power Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why it Matters and What You Can do to Get More of it
Kelly McGonigal, 2013
The author brings together the latest research findings in neuroscience and social psychology. She is a health psychologist at Stanford School of Medicine where she teaches a course called "The Science of Willpower". The book's 10 chapters relect her 10-week course, written in an interesting and easy style.
Successful Study For Degrees
Rob Barnes, Routledge, 2004
A guide seeking to show how to study more effectively at first and higher degree levels. Aimed at students looking for more than just a basic study skills book, it is structured so that topics such as basic essay writing feed into chapters on dissertation preparation and writing.
How to Research
Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes and Malcolm Tight, Open University Press, 4th edition, 2010
Discusses the practice and experience of doing research in the social sciences as well as in related subjects such as education, business studies, and health and social care.
Writing At University: A Guide for Students
Phyllis Creme and Mary R. Lea, Open University Press 3rd edition, 2008
This guide aims to help students to tackle writing assignments more confidently and competently. Suggests strategies and techniques that can be used to gain more control over their own writing.
Isn't It About Time?: How to Overcome Procrastination and Get on with Your Life
Andrea Perry, Worth, 2002
Groundbreaking work on a subject that affects us all from a top British professional. More than half the book is devoted to detailed and practical suggestions on how to become more effective and creative.
Overcoming Perfectionism
Roz Shafran, Sarah Egan and Tracey Wade, Robinson, 2010
A CBT self-help book describing techniques to help you overcome your problematic perfectionism.
Use Your Head
Tony Buzan, BBC Consumer Publishing, 2010
Presents a range of techniques that are intended to teach the reader how to think effectively.
Self-Motivation
Gael Lindenfield, Harper Collins, 2000
A self-help guide attempting to reveal what it is, how exactly it can help us and why it is so often elusive. Aimed at encouraging the reader not to procrastinate.
How to Get a PhD, A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors
Estelle M. Phillips and Derek S. Pugh, Open University Press, 6th Edition, 2015
A handbook for PhD students seeking to provide an understanding of the processes of doing research for a doctorate. Includes time management and communication with supervisors.