A story from Distortion Detective

Sam: cut from the basketball team

gym scene

Sam didn't make the basketball team after trying out. He practiced all summer to prepare.

“I wasted my entire summer. I'm never going to be good at anything athletic. My life is over.”

sam character

In the game

Which thinking trap caught Sam? Name the trap, then check whether the thought holds up.

Spotting thinking traps (cognitive distortions)SportsAges 10–16Solo or with a Guide

Free. Kids never need an account. Therapists and parents can guide from their own screen.

🖨️ Print the take-home sheet · the story, three questions to talk over, free

About Distortion Detective

Noticing a thought like "Nobody likes me" or "I always mess up." Naming the trap behind it, then checking whether the thought holds up.

Helpful for: negative self-talk, assuming the worst, black-and-white thinking, jumping to conclusions. More in the glossary