Saskatoon·Preview

Former NHL star Theo Fleury shares intimate therapy details

Former NHL star Theo Fleury has published a book that reveals the intimate details of his healing from sexual abuse in an effort to help others.

Former Moose Jaw Warriors star has published a book detailing his therapy sessions

Former NHL hockey player Theo Fleury, who has recorded music as well, will serve as one of the judges for the Hockey Night in Canada-CBC Music competition Song Quest. (Todd Korol/Reuters)

His first book rocked the hockey world with revelations of sexual abuse. In his autobiography, former NHL player Theo Fleury detailed his abuse at the hands of former coach Graham James and the dark places it led him. 

Now, Fleury has a new book called Conversations with a Rattlesnake. In the book, Fleury reveals intimate conversations with his therapist Kim Barthel and the road to healing.

Here is an excerpt from the first chapter:

"What had kept my secrets in place all those years was caring too much about what others thought of me. I didn't want to look weak. I learned to bury my feelings. 'Suck it up.' That's what I had learned, as if it was my only option. I know that tough love was meant to keep me on the straight and narrow, but hearing, 'suck it up,' just made me feel guilty and for what I don't know. I now see how damaging this way of dealing with my feelings was to my healing process."

​Fleury is in Saskatoon on Wednesday, Nov. 26 for a reading at McNally Robinson starting at 5 p.m. CST.

​He will also speak with Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday. Tune in to 94.1 FM or listen online.