Andi, I'm just a boy, so I can't entirely see things from the point of view of a transwoman (and, of course, there is no one way to look at it anyway). But I have to say that I'm wary of locking myself into a binary-inspired role. There are many ways to be a woman and many ways to be a man.
I will likely be quite androgynous even after I'm fully transitioned, and I'm okay with that. I don't plan to intentionally suppress or change my current mannerisms. I know that this attitude might change after some time, but for now, this is the way I see things.
Of course, it probably helps that I am gay. Post-transition, any or all of my effeminate mannerisms might be seen as a manifestation of my gayness.
I am well aware that such mannerisms may make me more of a target for bashing. Self-preservation may well inspire me to begin acting more outwardly masculine, but in a way, I hope not. I just want to be comfortable with myself.
However, I have gotten the DISTINCT impression that it's probably much more imperative for transwomen than for transmen to eradicate the most obvious traces of their birth-assigned gender.
This brings me to a question for you--a few questions, actually. Exactly why do you want to let go of the old habits and mannerisms? Because your therapist says that you should? Because you want to be "all" female? Because in the future you want to be as stealth as possible, and therefore safer?
Are there some mannerisms/habits that you have always disliked about yourself? Are there any that you really want to hold onto?
If I were you, I would systematically analyze my presentation. Dismantle yourself. What mannerisms and habits do you indulge in, which do you like and dislike, and why? Write it all down. Make a pro-con list if you like. Maybe discuss it with your therapist.
I strongly feel that the drive to change must come from within, and I have found that it's usually best to proceed in stages and break things into bite-size chunks. Very few of us can do an instant makeover. So find a mannerism that you especially dislike about yourself and would love to change. Work on that one thing. Then find something else. It will take time.
My two cents' worth. Feel free to ignore it.
