Conversations with a Rattlesnake: Raw and Honest Reflections on Healing and Trauma

Following the release of his mind-blowing first book, Playing with Fire, Theo Fleury joins forces with world-renowned therapist Kim Barthel in a new book,Conversations with a Rattlesnake, coming out November 2014. The book is a raw and honest conversation, loaded with personal insights and cutting-edge information about healing from trauma and abuse.

Fleury calls Barthel the “Wayne Gretzky of therapy” and within their emotionally safe relationship he bares his soul so that others can learn from his mistakes, triumphs and new learnings. Fleury’s story will inspire not only those overcoming their own trauma but friends, parents, teachers, coaches, therapists and health practitioners—anyone who is in the critical position of supporting someone who needs to share their own story.

Co-author Kim Barthel provides an in-depth explanation of early childhood attachment and addiction that ties into the reasoning behind our behaviours and the science of how our brains work. Barthel explains how understanding groundbreaking scientific and psychological research can eliminate the unnecessary and damaging shame that so often accompanies abuse and trauma. Her dialogue with Fleury illuminates self-awareness, mindfulness and the power of relationships. Fleury’s life experiences and Barthel’s informed interpretation combine to provide a unique look at the healing process that is easy to read, entertaining and transformational.

Theo Fleury is perhaps best known for his time on the ice: NHL Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic Gold Medal in 2002, World Junior Champion, countless contests, tournaments, goals scored and games won. In 2009 Theo wrote the best-selling novel, “Playing With Fire” in which he tells his story of a troubled home life, years of sexual abuse, coping with pain through drugs and alcohol, overcoming addiction, as well as his meteoric rise and descent in the NHL. Fleury now defines himself as a Victor over abuse and addiction, and helper to those still trying to find their way.

Barthel is a world-renowned teacher and therapist, most active in the fields of relational trauma and sensory processing.  Her revolutionary process reinforces the importance of blending the art of intuitive inquiry with cutting edge developments in neuroscience. She travels extensively worldwide developing services for children with developmental disabilities and trauma. Barthel was the instructor in attachment theory and treatment through the Aulneau Centre in Winnipeg, the Canadian Restitution Centre for healing residential school trauma. She is the Author of “Evidence and Art."