The Therapeutic Pause

Pause. Reflect. Rest. Reconnect.
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Guided reflections and restorative practices inspired by counselling psychology, mindfulness, and humanistic values. A space to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. counselling.substack.com

  1. 6d ago

    On Becoming a Therapist 6: Trusting the Process

    Episode Description Therapeutic work can sometimes feel slower than we expect. There are moments when we hope to see change, progress, or understanding emerge more clearly. Sometimes those moments arrive. At other times the work appears quieter, unfolding through small shifts that can be difficult to recognise while they are happening. This sixth episode in the On Becoming a Therapist series explores the challenge of trusting processes that often move more gradually than we might like. It reflects on patience, uncertainty, the uneven nature of change, and the value of noticing growth that may only become visible when we look back. Both clients and therapists are continually developing in ways that are not always obvious in the moment. Sometimes the work asks us not only to be active and engaged, but also to trust that meaningful change can emerge through relationship, attention, and time. What you may find helpful A quiet and comfortable space A few uninterrupted minutes A willingness to reflect on growth and change Curiosity about what may already be unfolding About This Series This episode concludes the first On Becoming a Therapist collection. Together, the six recordings explore some of the questions, uncertainties, transitions, and experiences that often accompany a life in therapeutic practice. While each reflection can be listened to on its own, they were created as a collection that recognises becoming a therapist as an ongoing process rather than a destination. All episodes in the series can be found in the On Becoming a Therapist collection archive. About on Becoming a Therapist On Becoming a Therapist is a collection within The Therapeutic Pause exploring the ongoing experience of developing as a therapist. Rather than focusing on techniques, competencies, or professional milestones, the series reflects on some of the questions, uncertainties, transitions, and experiences that can accompany a life in therapy. The recordings are intended as reflective companions rather than teaching sessions, creating a little space to think about experiences that many therapists encounter throughout their working lives. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as reflective resources and are not a substitute for supervision, training, healthcare, or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention. Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Oct 17

    Guided Imagery 5: The Old Library

    Episode Description Beyond an old wooden door lies a library. A place of warm light, quiet corners, tall shelves, and books that have rested patiently for many years. Here, there is no need to search for answers, complete tasks, or make decisions. Instead, this guided imagery offers an opportunity to spend time within a calm and welcoming space, simply noticing what is around you. This recording invites you to wander through an old library, settle beside a window, and spend time in an environment shaped by stillness, curiosity, and quiet presence. Part of the Guided Imagery collection within The Therapeutic Pause, a series of longer recordings offering opportunities for rest, reflection, and gentle exploration through imagination. What You May Find Helpful A quiet and comfortable space A few uninterrupted minutes Headphones if preferred A willingness to spend time in an imagined place About Guided Imagery The Guided Imagery collection contains longer-form recordings that invite listeners to spend time in carefully imagined environments. Rather than focusing on goals, outcomes, or solutions, these recordings encourage slowing down, noticing, and exploring places that offer opportunities for rest, reflection, and restoration. Each recording creates space to pause from the demands of everyday life and spend time somewhere a little different. About The Therapeutic Pause The Therapeutic Pause is a collection of guided reflections and restorative practices created by Terry Hanley. These recordings offer opportunities to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. Collections explore ongoing experiences, life transitions, professional development, everyday moments, self-compassion, uncertainty, rest, and the challenges of everyday life. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as guided reflections and restorative practices and are not a substitute for healthcare or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention. Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Oct 10

    On Becoming a Therapist 5: Carrying Difficult Stories

    Episode Description Therapeutic work often brings us into contact with experiences that are painful, complicated, and deeply human. Stories of loss, fear, shame, anger, loneliness, survival, and hope can stay with us long after a session has ended. While being affected by these stories is often part of listening with care, many therapists eventually face a difficult question: how do we remain open to the work without carrying it entirely alone? This fifth episode in the On Becoming a Therapist series explores what it means to be touched by the stories we hear in therapy. It reflects on the difference between caring and carrying, the importance of supervision and support, and the wider holding that sustains therapeutic work. Rather than seeking distance from difficult stories, the episode considers how therapists might stay connected to the work whilst remaining connected to themselves. Many therapists encounter this challenge throughout their careers, whatever setting they work in and whatever stage of professional life they happen to be inhabiting. What you may find helpful A quiet and comfortable space A few uninterrupted minutes A willingness to reflect on how therapeutic work affects you Curiosity about the ways you carry the work About On Becoming a Therapist On Becoming a Therapist is a collection within The Therapeutic Pause exploring the ongoing experience of developing as a therapist. Rather than focusing on techniques, competencies, or professional milestones, the series reflects on some of the questions, uncertainties, transitions, and experiences that can accompany a life in therapy. The recordings are intended as reflective companions rather than teaching sessions, creating a little space to think about experiences that many therapists encounter throughout their working lives. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as reflective resources and are not a substitute for supervision, training, healthcare, or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention. Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Oct 3

    Five Minute Hugs 5: A Quiet Evening

    Episode Description Evenings arrive whether or not the day unfolded as planned. Some days end with a satisfying sense of completion. Others leave behind unanswered emails, unfinished tasks, lingering thoughts, and things that will need to wait until tomorrow. Yet evening arrives all the same, bringing an opportunity to pause before the next day begins. This Five Minute Hug reflects on the ordinary experience of reaching the end of a day. It offers a gentle reminder that rest does not always depend upon everything being completed, resolved, or neatly tied up. Sometimes enough has been done, even when there is more still to do. Part of the Five Minute Hugs collection, a series of brief recordings offering warmth, steadiness, and a little room to breathe. About The Therapeutic Pause The Therapeutic Pause is a collection of guided reflections and restorative practices created by Terry Hanley.These recordings offer opportunities to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. Collections explore ongoing experiences, life transitions, professional development, everyday moments, self-compassion, uncertainty, rest, and the challenges of everyday life. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as reflective resources and are not a substitute for supervision, training, healthcare, or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention. Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

    Five Minute Hugs 5: A Quiet Evening

  5. Sep 26

    On Becoming a Therapist 4: After a Difficult Session

    Episode Description Most therapists can probably think of a session that stayed with them after it had ended. A comment, a feeling, a silence, or a question can sometimes continue to occupy our attention long after the client has left. At such moments, it can be tempting to move quickly into judgement, replaying the session and wondering what might have been done differently. Yet judgement and reflection are not quite the same thing. This fourth episode in the On Becoming a Therapist series explores what it means to sit alongside difficult sessions with curiosity rather than self-criticism. It reflects on the value of supervision, the learning that can emerge from uncertainty, and the way challenging encounters often continue teaching us long after they are over. Difficult sessions are rarely the ones we would choose, but they can become important companions in the ongoing process of becoming a therapist. What you may find helpful A quiet and comfortable space A few uninterrupted minutes A willingness to reflect on your own therapeutic work About The Therapeutic Pause The Therapeutic Pause is a collection of guided reflections and restorative practices created by Terry Hanley.These recordings offer opportunities to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. Collections explore ongoing experiences, life transitions, professional development, everyday moments, self-compassion, uncertainty, rest, and the challenges of everyday life. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as reflective resources and are not a substitute for supervision, training, healthcare, or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention. Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

    On Becoming a Therapist 4: After a Difficult Session

  6. Sep 19

    Everyday Noticing 4: Moss

    Episode Description Moss has a habit of appearing in places that are easy to overlook. It grows on walls, roofs, tree trunks, and between paving stones, often becoming part of the background of everyday life. Yet a closer look reveals miniature landscapes, ancient plant life, and countless small details that are easy to miss when we are passing by. This reflection considers moss as one of the quieter companions of the natural world, surviving in unexpected places and reminding us how much can remain unnoticed even in the most familiar surroundings. Part of the Everyday Noticing collection, a series of brief reflections inspired by the richness of ordinary life. What you may find helpful * A few uninterrupted minutes * Curiosity rather than concentration * A willingness to spend time with something ordinary About The Therapeutic Pause The Therapeutic Pause is a collection of guided reflections and restorative practices created by Terry Hanley.These recordings offer opportunities to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. Collections explore ongoing experiences, life transitions, professional development, everyday moments, self-compassion, uncertainty, rest, and the challenges of everyday life. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as guided reflections and restorative practices and are not a substitute for healthcare or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Sep 9

    On Becoming a Therapist 3: Finding Your Therapeutic Voice

    Episode Description Most therapists begin surrounded by other voices. The voices of trainers, supervisors, authors, colleagues, and approaches that help make sense of the work. These influences can be invaluable, yet there often comes a point where another question emerges: what does it mean to find your own way of being a therapist? This third episode in the On Becoming a Therapist series reflects on the gradual process of finding a therapeutic voice. It considers the experience of borrowing ideas, trying things out, discovering what fits, and recognising that authenticity is rarely something that arrives all at once. Instead, it often develops gradually through experience, reflection, and relationships with clients. The episode explores what it might mean to become less concerned with sounding like a therapist and more interested in being present with another person. For many practitioners, that process continues throughout their working lives. What you may find helpful * A quiet and comfortable space * A few uninterrupted minutes * A willingness to reflect on your own journey as a practitioner * Curiosity about where you find yourself right now About On Becoming a Therapist On Becoming a Therapist is a collection within The Therapeutic Pause exploring the ongoing experience of developing as a therapist. Rather than focusing on techniques, competencies, or professional milestones, the series reflects on some of the questions, uncertainties, transitions, and experiences that can accompany a life in therapy. The recordings are intended as reflective companions rather than teaching sessions, creating a little space to think about experiences that many therapists encounter throughout their working lives. About The Therapeutic Pause The Therapeutic Pause is a collection of guided reflections and restorative practices created by Terry Hanley. These recordings offer opportunities to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. Collections explore ongoing experiences, life transitions, professional development, everyday moments, self-compassion, uncertainty, rest, and the challenges of everyday life. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as reflective resources and are not a substitute for supervision, training, healthcare, or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention. Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Sep 9

    On Becoming a Therapist 2: The Feeling of Not Knowing

    Episode Description Not knowing can be an uncomfortable experience. A client says something and its meaning isn’t immediately clear. A silence lingers. A session ends and questions remain. It can be tempting to assume that uncertainty is something that gradually disappears with experience. Yet therapeutic work often suggests otherwise. This second episode in the On Becoming a Therapist series explores the experience of not knowing and the role it can play within therapy. It reflects on uncertainty, curiosity, and the challenge of staying alongside experiences that have not yet fully revealed themselves. Rather than treating not knowing as a problem to be solved, the episode considers what can become possible when understanding is allowed to emerge in its own time. Many therapists encounter these moments throughout their working lives, whatever stage of practice they find themselves in. What you may find helpful * A quiet and comfortable space * A few uninterrupted minutes * A willingness to reflect on your own journey as a practitioner * Curiosity about where you find yourself right now About On Becoming a Therapist On Becoming a Therapist is a collection within The Therapeutic Pause exploring the ongoing experience of developing as a therapist. Rather than focusing on techniques, competencies, or professional milestones, the series reflects on some of the questions, uncertainties, transitions, and experiences that can accompany a life in therapy. The recordings are intended as reflective companions rather than teaching sessions, creating a little space to think about experiences that many therapists encounter throughout their working lives. About The Therapeutic Pause The Therapeutic Pause is a collection of guided reflections and restorative practices created by Terry Hanley. These recordings offer opportunities to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. Collections explore ongoing experiences, life transitions, professional development, everyday moments, self-compassion, uncertainty, rest, and the challenges of everyday life. About Terry Hanley Terry Hanley is a Professor at the University of Manchester, a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist, and a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Further resources, writing, and information can be found at: https://www.terryhanleypsychology.co.uk https://counselling.substack.com Important Note These recordings are intended as reflective resources and are not a substitute for supervision, training, healthcare, or psychological support. Please listen when you are somewhere safe and able to give the recording your attention. Get full access to Counselling and Psychotherapy Stuff at counselling.substack.com/subscribe

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Guided reflections and restorative practices inspired by counselling psychology, mindfulness, and humanistic values. A space to pause, reflect, rest, and reconnect with yourself. counselling.substack.com

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  • Creator
    Pause. Reflect. Rest. Reconnect.
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Terry Hanley
  • Show Website
    The Therapeutic Pause