Shifting Language to Empower Choice
In Ava’s therapy, one recurring theme involved feeling burdened by specific transition-related tasks, such as practicing her voice, making phone calls to providers, navigating healthcare insurance, and disclosing her identity. Ava often framed these tasks as things she “had” to do, which made them feel emotionally draining and overwhelming. For example, she might think, “I have to practice my voice, but it takes so much effort,” or “I can’t make this phone call because I’m too anxious.”