A story from Distortion Detective
Morgan: a stumble during a presentation
During her class presentation, Morgan stumbled over one word and paused for a few seconds. The rest went fine.
“Everyone noticed. That pause felt like a million years. They're all going to remember how badly I messed up.”
In the game
Which thinking trap caught Morgan? 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
More stories like this
Maya: picked last for a group project
Thought Forge
Maya got picked last for a group project in class. Everyone else already had partners.
Nia: not called on in class
Story Splitter
Nia's teacher didn't call on her even though she raised her hand three times during class discussion.
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.