Permission to Pause

It's the holiday season, and everything is encouraging us to go, go, go. Today's episode is about taking a few moments to yourself, reflecting on what holiday practices you actually want to put energy into, and a useful DBT skill that can help you be less reactive this month. I hope it helps you survive this busy time of the year with a bit more calm and intention. See you in the New Year!

Do you ever catch yourself saying “yes” before you even know what you want? In today’s episode, we explore the simple but powerful practice of pausing before responding. Taking a mindful moment that creates space between reaction and choice. We’ll talk about how learning to pause can help you honor your limits, values, and energy. You’ll leave with practical strategies to check in with yourself, n...

In this episode of Permission to Pause , Maggie sits down with therapist and mindfulness guide Mary Anna Sharp, MA, LPC to explore the healing power of rituals —the small, intentional acts that help us slow down, find meaning, and reconnect with ourselves. Together, they discuss how ritual can serve as a form of mindfulness and self-soothing , especially in seasons of transition or overwhelm. Mary...

Maggie's back after a short break - or rather, a pause . Today's episode explores Belonging. Belonging is one of our deepest human needs, yet is surprisingly hard to navigate. In this episode, we explore the tender balance between our yearning to be seen and known, and our instinct to protect ourselves from judgment, rejection, or hurt. Together, we’ll reflect on how fear, anxiety, and sha...

What if two things that seem opposite can both be true? In this episode of Permission to Pause , we explore the concept of dialectical thinking —a core skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that helps us move beyond black-and-white thinking. You’ll learn: What dialectical thinking is Why it can help ease anxiety, improve relationships, and reduce inner conflict Practical examples of using...

Permission to Feel: Making Space for Emotions Most of us were never taught how to feel our emotions—only how to avoid, judge, or push them away. But what if your feelings aren’t problems to solve, but rather messengers to listen to? In this episode of Permission to Pause , we explore what it means to make space for your emotions without judgment. You’ll be guided through a practice called Soften,...

What if, in moments of stress or self-doubt, you could offer yourself kindness instead of criticism? In this episode of Permission to Pause , Maggie offers a gentle introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion , a powerful approach developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer. You’ll be guided through two foundational practices—the Self-Compassion Break and Soothing Self-Touch —designed to help y...

We often think of rest as just sleep or time off—but what if the reason you're still exhausted after a full night's sleep is because you're not getting the right kind of rest? In this episode of Permission to Pause , I explore the 7 types of rest popularized by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, who identified seven distinct areas where we can feel depleted: Physical Mental Emotional Social Sen...

In this first full episode of Permission to Pause , we’re talking about what it really means to slow down—and why it can feel like so unattainable. If you’re used to rushing, pushing, or performing your way through life, this episode offers a gentle invitation to come back to yourself. This episode includes a guided practice at the end. Learn more about Maggie: https://rosebudpsychotherapy.com/abo...

Welcome to Permission to Pause —a podcast for sensitive, stressed-out women who are trying to do it all and struggle to slow down. Hosted by therapist Maggie Malone, LCSW, this space offers gentle reminders that your worth isn’t measured by your productivity, perfection, or how much you take care of everyone else. In this trailer episode, you’ll hear what Permission to Pause is all about, who it’s...