Purpose 🎯

Help clients explore the function and cost of masking without assuming that all social adaptation is harmful.

Let’s Talk About It 🗣️

Choose one behavior and discuss:

• Why do I do this?
• What does it help me accomplish?
• How much effort does it require?
• What happens afterward?
• Do I have a choice about doing it?
• Where could I communicate or behave more authentically?

Ask:

• What would change if you felt less pressure to perform for other people?
• Where do you feel most able to be yourself?
• What parts of masking feel protective, exhausting, or both?

If the Conversation Gets Stuck 💡

• What do you do to avoid being misunderstood?
• What takes energy in social situations?
• What would feel safer if others understood your needs better?

Telehealth / Whiteboard Version ⚖️

Create a cost-benefit chart with columns for behavior, purpose, benefit, cost, choice, and authenticity.

Why This Works 🌱

This activity helps clients understand masking as a strategy that may have benefits and costs while supporting choice, self-awareness, and authentic self-expression.

Clinical Pearl 🧠

Avoid pressuring clients to “unmask” in unsafe environments. Focus on autonomy, consent, and identifying where authenticity can be supported.

Documentation Language 📝

Therapist utilized a masking exploration intervention to assist client in identifying adaptive functions, emotional costs, and opportunities for authentic communication or behavior.

Clinical Focus: Masking, Authenticity, Self-Awareness