When Therapy Can Help

Hockey is more than just a game. It’s where kids build confidence, friendships, and resilience. But… it can also be where bullying, pressure, and “politics” creep in.

It is the internalized hurt that can cause long-term repercussions. The stories that kids create around the maltreatment and bullying is harmful when they begin to believe the negative.

We often address bullying and maltreatment as a one time fix, apply some sort of remediation or redirection and then it is over. This works in some cases, but not in others.

Identify the cognitive abilities based on developmental levels before deciding if a strategy will work. Be explicit when teaching ways to cope that works for the child's age. Find a balance between processing the negative stories and focusing on positives to redirect from further damage.

That’s where counselors and therapists can help. They will work with you and/or your child and develop short-term goals for long-term gains.

✨ Safe space for kids who’ve been bullied to share and let go of internalized hurts.

✨ Tools for parents to cope with their expectations and angst over what's happening.

✨ Growth mindset & resilience strategies

✨ Confidence that lasts beyond the rink.

Hockey should never break a child’s spirit. It should build it.

Let’s make the game safer, stronger, and more supportive—together. Protect the hearts behind the helmuts - listen to Youth Voice and protect the hearts behind the helmuts.

#PuckOffToBullying #HockeyParents #MentalHealth #YouthSports #Resilience