A story from Distortion Detective

Alex texted his friend 3 hours ago asking if they want to hang out this weekend. They still haven't replied.
“They're ignoring me on purpose. They probably don't want to be my friend anymore.”

In the game
Which thinking trap caught Alex? Name the trap, then check whether the thought holds up.
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
Maya: picked last for a group project
Thought Forge
Maya got picked last for a group project in class. Everyone else already had partners.
Carlos: friends went to the movies without him
Story Splitter
Carlos found out his three friends went to the movies this weekend without inviting him.
River: first day at a new school
Emotion Engine
River just moved to a new school in the middle of the year. It's lunchtime on his first day, and everyone already has their friend groups. He's standing in the cafeteria holding a tray, looking for somewhere to sit.