My Choices Remain Mine — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore my choices remain mine using an ordinary or fictional example? We can adapt it, observe, or stop." Ask what the person wants from the conversation.

Elicit before teaching

Ask: "How does this show up, if at all, in your own words?" Offer this idea tentatively: Recovery does not require reconciliation, separation, or forgiveness on a deadline. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

List decisions that can wait, decisions needing practical attention, and support for making them voluntarily. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Lee feels pressure from others to make an immediate relationship choice.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: Which decision needs more time or independent support? Avoid assigning motives or interpreting silence as agreement.

Respond to a mismatch

If the person rejects the frame, say: "Thank you for correcting it. What would be more useful?" Return to their language or choose a different approach.

Close with agency

Ask which observation, question, or support request the person wants to keep. Confirm a manageable ending and appropriate follow-up; do not turn a tentative possibility into a homework obligation.

Prompts for this resource

1. Readiness, permission, cultural context, and access needs to check:
2. Which decision needs more time or independent support?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?