To date, there is no article that addresses the dissertation process in the vocative case to demystify doctoral expectations. This article provides guidance to doctoral students, within accredited doctoral counselor education and supervision programs, who face paralyzing emotions as they navigate through degree attainment processes. Herein, the authors instigate discussion among seasoned academics to better equip doctoral candidates as they culminate their studies. This presentation is within an historical context of the evolution of the counseling profession and concludes with reflections on current events that contribute to the evolving nature of American culture and academia. (Contains 3 figures.)