Why Now?
Theo is not a psychotherapist, and he doesn’t pretend to be, but he wants to help people get to where they want to go. When you enlist Theo Fleury as your personal coach, he can help you improve your game, unravel a problem, find direction, and/or even find clarity to understand a bit more about in why you do what you do.
Each time Theo shares his message, he invests himself unreservedly for one single purpose: to help. Theo’s talks inspire leadership, teamwork and resilience, and they are never short on entertainment value as well. It is never too late for positive reinvention, and Theo’s dynamic storytelling might be just the inspiration you need to finally confront life’s challenges head on.
What is Relational Trauma?
Relational trauma is defined as harm done to one person by another in a marital/primary relationship through any form of abuse, be it emotional physical or sexual. A form of PTSD, it is important to recognize that relational trauma can deeply affect you and people close to you, but also that overcoming these experiences is possible.
Testimonials
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As an expat, I have followed Theo Fleury from his NHL draft to his retirement. I brought my love of hockey from my home in Canada, to my new home in the US, and when I received an opportunity to put together and host a Mental Health Awareness event, I knew right away that the guest had to be Theo. His journey may not be everyone's journey, but it is a testament to how trauma in a developing child can alter their life's path. His candid and poignant story is revealing and done in such a humble manner. The audience was captivated by his honesty. The purpose of having our Mental Health Awareness event was to bring light to and help others tear down the stigma of mental illness, as well as the child sex abuse/human trafficking pandemic. Due to that, Theo was without a doubt the best choice to bring further awareness to this pandemic and the future ripple effect of those without a voice. Having Theo helped bring further conversation to our college and neighboring community, so much so, that we are already looking at future dates to bring him back in person.
Carolina Simmons, Psychology Instructor, James Sprunt Community College
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Every year we put on an event for Bell Let’s Talk, where we encourage conversations to take place regarding mental health. We aim to break down the stigma associated with mental illness and to let people know it is ok and helpful to talk about it, and seek help. This year, with COVID, we decided to switch things up and use a keynote speaker for a virtual event. I do not think our event could have gone any better. Theo was inspirational and was able to relay the message that we wanted our audience to receive, which was that no matter what trauma someone is dealing with, they must be able to reach out and be willing to talk about it in order to truly start the healing process.
Nathaniel Smith, Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services
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Theo's presentation was honest, well-spoken, and encouraging. He engaged well with the audience and answered their questions without hesitation. His personal history of abuse was a touchstone to provide background about his path to where he is now, as he provided encouragement for those who are experiencing or know someone who is struggling with substance use. Some of our directors (planning committee) had either heard Theo speak, read one of his books or knew someone who had. When Theo’s name was on the list of potential presenters the decision was easy. Dawn and Theo made the planning process simple and stress-free and represented well during the webinar.
Annette Williams, Focus Disability Network Society
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As a long-time admirer of Theo’s work on behalf of survivors, and being familiar with his personal story of overcoming addiction, I knew that the power of his story would resonate with our team. I wanted the team to experience the personal side of addiction understanding that pain, loss, and struggle can happen to anyone. Theo made us feel like he was sitting in our living room, sharing the details of his struggles and how he overcame them. He answered all of our questions with honesty and patience. This really was an amazing experience especially considering that we held the entire event virtually. After the event, our team felt inspired and empowered to better serve health care workers in Saskatchewan. Theo was even better than I could have anticipated. He is just so down to earth and his passion for helping others shines through. It is a day my team will never forget!
Alana Shearer-Kleefeld Director, Employee Benefits
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Theo was an exceptional speaker, and you could have heard a pin drop throughout his entire keynote. He really, really resonated with our audience.
Kate Udel, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
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To me, Theo is a hero for Aboriginal kids and adults alike because his story of courage, resilience and healing in the face of trauma, abandonment, substance abuse, family violence, suicide ideation, sexual abuse and poverty resonates amongst First Nations peoples across Canada. Nobody got up and left, everybody stayed to the end and he got a standing ovation at the end of his talk. He’s everybody’s hero on and off the ice.
Gerard Gregoire, Akisqnuk First Nation Community Wellness Facilitator
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The words hero, inspirational, real, and compassionate come to mind when thinking of Theo. He was more than just a guest speaker to us. He was a therapist, motivator, and an inspiration to all of us. All of his hockey accolades and accomplishments are great, but what he is doing now, making people feel like they belong like they have self-worth and something to fight for, that their life really matters, that is the true accomplishment.
Daniel Morrison, River East Transcona Educational Assistants Association
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After hearing Theo tell his story with so much passion and honesty, students were captivated listeners. They were inspired to ask some amazingly insightful questions and comments. His message really seemed to resonate for everyone in the gym and he made an impact towards our goals of opening up mental health as something we all experience in different way. Students have since felt like they have an entry point in discussing their feelings and emotions, which has contributed to them feeling more supported in our school.
John Pezel (School Counsellor, Desert Sands Community School)
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His raw honesty moved the audience members and touched each of us still to this day. It gave such a feeling of hope as the youth were held totally engaged by what he shared... a wonderful being – a truly strong soul – he is a survivor!
Jennifer Belhumeur (Self Help Facilitator & Public Relations Coordinator, CMHA Parkland)
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Theo was truly amazing! When he spoke (without any notes!) he had the room’s full attention. I stood at the back of the room and watched. I was amazed that no one left early or checked their phones. I know there were a few people in the room that Theo connected with on a very deep & personal level and was proud to think that inviting Theo to speak at our event might have helped them move forward in some way.
Janine Belzak (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation)