Developing Mindfulness and Taking Value-Aligned Steps
In therapy with Ava, we worked on developing mindfulness and awareness through daily check-ins. Over time, she became more aware of her muscle tension and grew better at noticing her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This helped her identify and address her emotional and physical reactions during challenging situations. Gradually, she began taking steps aligned with her values, such as practicing her voice in therapy, making phone calls to medical providers, and informing family and loved ones about her gender identity. These actions were essential milestones in her transition.