The Jack-in-the-Box: How Dylan Strome Found His Place in Washington
Written by Emily Vasseur, LCPC
In our first blog post, we explored how the Washington Capitals have created an environment where players like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Logan Thompson can find a home and thrive. We examined how the team’s culture, combined with principles of sports psychology — belonging, confidence, and identity — helps players perform at their best both on and off the ice. Next, we turn our attention to Dylan Strome, who we will explore as the Jack-in-the-Box of the Capitals’ roster. His journey shows how the right environment can unlock untapped potential and turn early uncertainty into breakout performance.
The Jack-in-the-Box in the Island of Misfit Toys was perfectly functional. Despite this, everyone in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) considered him either useless, broken, or a misfit. He wanted to be something different, a dentist, which the other toys believed was impossible or silly. The story demonstrates that he is not a broken toy, but rather needed a place where he was valued, accepted, and encouraged to be the best he could be. This aligns with Dylan Strome’s career. He was often misjudged early in his NHL journey, but in Washington, he has finally found a place where he can thrive, given the right environment and role.
Dylan Strome was born on March 7, 1997, in Ontario. He played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Erie Otters, where he played alongside Connor McDavid. Drafted 3rd overall in 2015 by the Arizona Coyotes, he made his NHL debut in 2016-17, playing seven games. Over the next several seasons with both Arizona and Chicago, Strome struggled with consistency and fitting into team systems, with media describing him as a “bust” or “struggling to find traction” (NHLPA, 2019). His move to Chicago in 2018 marked a turning point; production increased, but his path to consistent performance remained uneven. As Strome reflects, “Just less than a year later, I was traded to Chicago, and it’s amazing how a change of scenery can change everything… all those feelings of being a bust just went away. I was just me again” (Strome, 2025).
Enter Washington. At the time of his signing, many were unsure if Strome would live up to expectations. One columnist admitted, “At this time last season I was not sold on the Washington Capitals signing Dylan Strome… I was not that convinced Strome was even that good of a player” (Stars and Sticks, 2023). Yet a year later, opinions shifted: “Well, how time can change things… Strome’s new, much bigger contract could actually be one heck of a contract for the Washington Capitals” (Stars and Sticks, 2023). This evolution reflects more than just points and goals; it illustrates a key concept from sports psychology: when athletes feel supported, included, and trusted, their confidence and performance can surge (Carron & Eys, 2012). In Washington, Strome finally found an environment where he is trusted, valued, and encouraged to play confidently, unlocking both his performance and his sense of self. As he reflects, “I’m so thankful to be here in Washington, to be a part of the Capitals family… I don’t take any of this for granted” (Strome, 2025).
Since joining the Capitals, Strome’s confidence has translated directly to his on-ice performance. With a clear role as a first-line center and the support of his teammates and coaching staff, he has increased his scoring output and playmaking impact, demonstrating how a positive environment fosters measurable success. Sports psychology research shows that when athletes feel included, trusted, and valued, their motivation and focus improve, often leading to stronger performance outcomes (Carron & Eys, 2012). Strome’s growth illustrates this principle: the right combination of team culture, leadership, and personal support allows players to reach their full potential, turning early doubts into tangible achievements.
The Jack-in-the-Box in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer wasn’t defective; he simply wanted to be something different than what the world expected of him. Similarly, Dylan Strome faced enormous expectations growing up — playing alongside Connor McDavid and being drafted 3rd overall — and didn’t always fit the mold the hockey world had set. In Washington, he finally found an environment where he is trusted, valued, and encouraged to play confidently, unlocking both his performance and his sense of self. His journey highlights the Capitals’ culture of belonging, patience, and support, showing how the right environment can turn early uncertainty into growth and success.
This story of redemption and confidence is just one example from the Capitals’ “Island of Misfit Toys.” In future articles, we’ll explore how other players, as well as Coach Carberry and the team’s leadership, cultivate this culture, helping athletes of all backgrounds find their place and perform at their best.
References
Carron, A. V., & Eys, M. A. (2012). Group dynamics in sport (4th ed.). Fitness Information Technology.
NHLPA. (2019, March 19). Out of the desert: Strome excelling with Blackhawks following trade from Coyotes. NHLPA. https://www.nhlpa.com/news/2-11952/strome-excelling-with-blackhawks-following-trade-from-coyotes?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Stars and Sticks. (2023, September 14). Dylan Strome’s contract could be a steal for the Capitals. StarsAndSticks.com. https://starsandsticks.com/2023/09/14/dylan-stomes-contract-could-be-a-steal-for-the-capitals/
Strome, D. (2025, April 22). For Washington. The Players’ Tribune.https://www.theplayerstribune.com/dylan-strome-nhl-hockey-washington-capitals
From Overlooked to Unstoppable: The Capitals’ Culture of Second Chances
Written by Emily Vasseur, LCPC
Almost everyone knows the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It’s a story of a young reindeer born with a glowing red nose. He’s different, teased relentlessly, and often made to feel as if he is an outsider. Rudolph's journey begins when he leaves home and encounters other “misfits” like him. Rudolph and his new friends start to realize that they aren’t broken, they were just living in a world where no one took the time to truly understand them. Here, they start to embrace what makes them unique, find belonging, and also redeem themselves through acceptance.
The Island of Misfit Toys is both a magical and a lonely place where broken or unwanted toys end up. I remember watching Rudolph and feeling empathy for the cowboy who rides an ostrich, the train with square wheels, a bird that swims instead of flies, a doll that no one picks, and a Jack-in-the-Box named Charlie. As a child, I felt their sadness and confusion with ending up in this place. They call themselves misfits because they don’t fit the exact mold that the world set out for them. This is how I see the Washington Capitals.
Dylan Strome, a center/forward, played in Arizona and Chicago before finding his home at the Capitals. When Strome was first drafted third overall in 2015, there were so many high expectations: become an elite first-line center and potentially franchise altering among them. Years later, he found himself bouncing between the AHL and NHL, often struggling to stay consistent. One of his coaches, Rick Tocchet, once said, “The talent is there, but it’s about consistency. He needs to bring it every night.” Strome himself, in an article by the Player’s Tribune, once said, “I was sent down to the AHL…three years into my career…I wasn’t there yet. It was impossible not to hear all that noise. I listened to people call me a bust.” Since signing with Washington, he has been anything but.
I’d be remiss if I did not mention the stats when referring to Dylan, who has often reported getting a lot of enjoyment from knowing the numbers from around the league. Prior to his time in Washington, Dylan scored 67 goals and completed 103 assists in his first six NHL seasons. In his first full season with Washington in 2022, he scored 65 points (23 goals, 42 assists). In the next, he scored 67 (27 goals, 40 assists). This means that since arriving in Washington, Dylan Strome has more than doubled his production — scoring 124% more goals per season and 139% more assists per season compared to his first six years in the NHL. In the same article, written by Strome himself, he mentioned never knowing if he would ever “be on a team like this, in a city like this.” Strome signed a one-year contract with Washington, and it did not take long for him to show that he deserved an extension. More so than that, he was a misfit no more. He went from doubt and disposability to belonging and stability in a short time. With some bias, this writer feels that he has one of the highest hockey IQs in the league and has shown how a “misfit” with the right fit can easily become a contender.
Pierre-Luc Dubois was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2024. He’s been moved around from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Winnipeg Jets, and Los Angeles Kings. He’s what I would describe as the misfit toy of unsettled talent. Moving amongst that many teams (while somewhat normal in the NHL) does not allow someone to truly settle and get used to the system. On previous teams, he was once described as inconsistent. That changed in a very short time when he was traded to the Capitals. In an article written by reporter Sammi Silber, Coach Carbery stated, “I was confident that [Dubois] was going to be a good player for us, but you never know. I mean, you hope that he’ll succeed. I was just so impressed with him, the whole package.” Dubois himself said, “This is the most fun I’ve had playing hockey. This group, the enthusiasm, the fun we have, is contagious and it bleeds onto the ice…I couldn’t have asked for more. I couldn’t have asked for better.” Though currently injured, it’s clear that after earning stability with the Capitals, he has flourished.
These are just two examples of how the Washington Capitals appear to have some sort of magic in the ice, not dissimilar from the magic integrated into the Island of Misfit Toys. The island symbolizes second chances, acceptance, and finding a place where one can finally fit in. According to valuable research in Sports Psychology from Naomi Eisenberger, PhD, when players feel a sense of belonging, it helps calm the part of the brain that signals that there is a threat and allows the reward centers to be activated. When a player feels supported in their environment, their amygdala quiets down, their prefrontal cortex is sharpened (much like ice skates), and their decision-making skills improve. The ventral striatum, where our reward center lies, lights up when we feel like we are part of a team. Though no brain scans of current Capitals players were reviewed for this article, I would suspect that their ventral striatum is lit up like Rudolph’s nose.
Other notable players that seem to have the Island of Misfit Toys effect would be players like Evgeny Kuznetsov, T.J. Oshie, Jakub Vrana, and Braden Holtby. Kuznetsov was often viewed as inconsistent, immature, and potentially a risky prospect. He’s now quickly associated with his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2018. T.J. Oshie, while always a fan favorite, was reported to have finally reached his full potential when he was traded to the Capitals and grew into the emotional heartbeat of the team. Vrana, seen as potentially underdeveloped, grew speed and agility with the Caps. Holtby’s Vezina Trophy-worthy winning save is renowned league-wide.
As a therapist who specializes in trauma, I’ve done extensive research and studied how our brain copes with change and stress. Our nervous system plays a key role in how we regulate, connect with others, and perform - whether on the ice or in our everyday life. It manages whether we're bracing for impact (like a check) or learning what it feels like to belong. Whether it was Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, T.J. Oshie, or some of the other players mentioned, the Washington Capitals have a pattern of finding players who are underperforming and giving them a second chance at belonging within the organization, much like the Island of Misfit Toys gave Rudolph.
Don’t believe in magic? Perhaps what we are seeing can be credited to supportive coaching enabling players to build psychological safety. It may be due to the team culture, in which their reportedly strong family-like atmosphere enhances the players’ decision-making skills and social reward activation. Or it may be that these athletes have built strong and supportive roots within their community in the DMV area, thus supporting their athletic confidence in line with Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory. All these themes will be explored in further articles.
Special shoutouts to articles from Sammi Silber, DC Backcheck, Player’s Tribune, and the Washington Post for their direct quotes from the players.
References
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Eisenberger, N. I., & Lieberman, M. D. (2004). Why rejection hurts: A common neural alarm system for physical and social pain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 8(7), 294–300.
Sammi Silber. “Dubois Opens Up About What’s Made Capitals The ‘Perfect Fit’.” DC Backcheck, May 24, 2025.
Stars and Sticks. “Dylan Strome Did Not Need Kane and DeBrincat to Contribute With the Capitals.” StarsAndSticks.com, May 4, 2023.
Strome, D. (2025, April 22). For Washington. The Players’ Tribune.
What is EMDR?
Written by Emily Vasseur, LCPC
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Initially used for individuals suffering from trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since gained recognition as a therapeutic technique for various mental health conditions. In this blog post, we will explore what EMDR is, how it works, and why it’s considered an effective treatment for trauma and other emotional difficulties.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process and heal from disturbing memories and experiences. The core principle behind EMDR is that when people experience trauma, the brain may have difficulty processing these memories in a healthy way. As a result, the memories and associated emotions become “stuck,” causing ongoing distress. EMDR works to unlock these stuck memories by using bilateral stimulation (often in the form of guided eye movements) to help the brain reprocess the memories.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR involves eight distinct phases that guide the therapy process. These phases are designed to prepare the individual, identify the traumatic memories, and help them reprocess those memories so they no longer cause distress.
History Taking and Treatment Planning: In this phase, the therapist and the client discuss the client’s history, the specific trauma or difficulties they wish to address, and the goals of therapy.
Preparation: The therapist prepares the client by explaining the EMDR process and building a sense of trust and safety.
Assessment: The therapist helps the client identify specific memories or images that trigger distress, including the emotions and negative beliefs associated with those memories.
Desensitization: This phase involves the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, to help the brain process the traumatic memories. The client focuses on the memory while the therapist guides the eye movements, allowing the brain to reprocess the memory in a healthier way.
Installation: The therapist helps the client replace negative beliefs with more adaptive, positive ones (e.g., shifting from “I am powerless” to “I am in control”).
Body Scan: In this phase, the client scans their body for any residual tension or discomfort associated with the memory. If any remains, the therapist continues using bilateral stimulation to resolve it.
Closure: The therapist helps the client return to a state of calm and equilibrium, ensuring they feel stable before leaving the session.
Reevaluation: In follow-up sessions, the therapist checks in on the progress made in processing the traumatic memory and assesses whether the client needs further work on the memory or other issues.
Why Is EMDR Effective?
Accelerated Processing: Traditional talk therapy often requires clients to relive traumatic events over and over again, which can be emotionally exhausting and difficult. EMDR’s use of bilateral stimulation speeds up the brain’s processing of the memory, allowing it to integrate the experience in a healthier way.
No Need for Detailed Narration: In contrast to some therapies that ask clients to recount traumatic memories in detail, EMDR doesn’t always require that level of verbalization. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to articulate their trauma or find talking about it too painful.
Scientific Backing: Numerous studies have shown that EMDR can be highly effective in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. It has been recognized as an effective treatment by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Holistic Healing: EMDR addresses not just the cognitive aspects of trauma, but also the emotional, physical, and sensory elements, providing a more comprehensive approach to healing.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
While EMDR is often associated with trauma and PTSD treatment, it has been found to be beneficial for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Panic disorders
Grief and loss
Phobias
Chronic pain
Addictions
Additionally, EMDR can be helpful for those who have experienced various forms of trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, accidents, combat, natural disasters, or major life changes.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties, EMDR may be worth considering. It’s important to find a licensed and experienced therapist who is trained in EMDR to ensure the best possible experience and outcome.
Conclusion
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that has helped countless individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. By using bilateral stimulation to facilitate the brain’s natural healing processes, EMDR offers a unique and often effective way to overcome the emotional weight of trauma, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. If you’re looking for a way to address past wounds and move forward with a healthier mindset, EMDR might be the therapeutic approach you need.
Finding the Right Fit: How to Identify a Therapist That Meets Your Need
It all begins with an idea.
Written by Katherine Hales, LGPC
Deciding to start therapy can feel like a huge step, and finding the right therapist can often feel even harder. The process of choosing a therapist can be overwhelming, especially for those who have never been to therapy before. Knowing where to start your search and what to look for can make a big difference in narrowing down your options. By understanding what matters most to you in a therapist, you can avoid wasting time emailing or calling a long list of potential providers.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to finding a therapist who aligns with your needs. We’ll cover where to start your search, what factors to consider, and what to expect from therapy.
Where Should I Start Looking for a Therapist?
A quick online search for a "therapist near me" will likely return hundreds (if not thousands) of results. To narrow down your search, you can use online directories such as PsychologyToday.com, which allows you to filter therapists by location, specialty, insurance, and other preferences. If you plan to use insurance to cover your sessions, your insurance provider may also have an online list of in-network therapists you can browse.
Once you know where to start looking, think about what’s most important to you in therapy. Some questions to consider include:
Do I need to use insurance?
If so, focus on therapists who are "in-network" with your insurance provider. On Psychology Today and other directories, you can filter your search by insurance accepted. Your insurance provider may also have a list of in-network providers on their website. Sometimes information online is not always updated regularly, so make sure to check with the therapist directly to confirm that they will accept your insurance.
Do I have preferences regarding gender, identity, or background?
While research suggests that therapist gender or race doesn’t significantly affect therapeutic outcomes, some clients prefer to work with a therapist who shares similar identities or backgrounds. If this is important to you, look for therapists whose identities are reflected in their bios or search filters.
Am I looking for a specific type of therapy approach or for someone who specializes in a certain area?
If you’ve been to therapy before and know what type of therapy you like (or don’t like), or if you’ve never been to therapy but have a specific approach in mind that you’d like to try, it’s important to look for a therapist who advertises using that approach. Some clients also want to work with a therapist who has had experience with a specific diagnosis or concern that they are struggling with. To check if a therapist has the experience and expertise you’re looking for, you can filter your search results on some websites and you can read the therapist bio to see if they mention any specialties or areas of experience.
If you're unsure whether a particular therapist is a good fit after reviewing their profile, consider reaching out for a consultation call. Many therapists offer brief phone consultations to help you get a feel for their style and approach before booking a full session.
What Makes a Good Therapist?
Research has shown that when comparing different types of therapeutic interventions, none has a significantly better outcome than another. This is called the Dodo Bird Effect, which suggests that all forms of therapy are generally effective when practiced well. While this may sound reassuring, it also means there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for finding the perfect therapist.
That said, some key factors make a therapist more likely to help you achieve positive outcomes:
The therapeutic relationship
One of the most important factors in successful therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. Research3 shows that the quality of this relationship is just as strong a predictor, if not a stronger, of success than the specific therapeutic approach used by the therapist. A therapist who listens to you, respects your perspective, and makes you feel comfortable is crucial to your progress.
Therapist qualities
While different approaches work for different people, therapists who are empathetic, non-judgmental, and collaborative tend to foster better therapeutic relationships4. Look for someone you can connect with, trust, and feel comfortable being vulnerable with.
What Can I Expect from Therapy?
If you’re new to therapy, the process can seem vague and confusing. The truth is, therapy is highly individualized—each client’s experience will be unique, depending on their needs and goals. However, there are a few common elements you can expect from most therapy sessions:
Setting Expectations
It's important to discuss expectations with your therapist early on. The process of therapy should be clearly defined, but how it unfolds will vary. A good therapist will be flexible, tailoring the therapy to your unique needs while keeping the space supportive and collaborative.
Initial sessions
The first session usually involves an introduction where the therapist will ask about your background and discuss the logistics of therapy (session length, frequency, policies on fees, confidentiality, etc.). It's also common for therapists to explain their approach and treatment style during the first meeting.
Goal setting
At some point, your therapist will likely ask about your goals for therapy, and may develop a written plan that reflects these goals (often called a treatment plan). This is usually a collaborative process between the client and the therapist. Your therapist can help work with you to set realistic goals and track progress over time.
Uneven progress
Therapy isn’t a "quick fix." While you may leave some sessions feeling lighter or clearer, other sessions might leave you feeling unresolved or emotionally heavy. This is normal, as many issues require time and ongoing work to resolve. The important thing is that your therapist is there to support you through these ups and downs.
Tips for Navigating the Therapy Process
Be honest and clear
If you know what you’re looking for in therapy, don’t be afraid to communicate that directly. Similarly, let your therapist know if something isn’t working for you. Therapists value this kind of feedback because it helps them adjust their approach to better serve you.
Look for someone who makes you feel heard and validated
Therapy is your time to explore your thoughts and emotions. You should leave sessions feeling understood and supported. If you consistently feel misunderstood, uncared for, or unsupported, it might be a sign that the therapist isn’t the right fit for you.
Don’t be afraid to "break up" with your therapist
If you don’t feel that the connection or therapy is working for you, it’s okay to look for a different provider. Ending a therapeutic relationship can be difficult, but it’s an important step in finding the right fit. If you’re comfortable, having a conversation with your therapist about why things aren’t working can also help you move forward. A good therapist will want to see you succeed, and they may even be able to refer you to someone who better matches your needs.
Conclusion
Finding the right therapist is an essential step in your mental health journey. While the process may take some time and trial and error, being clear about what you’re looking for, knowing where to start your search, and understanding what to expect can help make it a more manageable experience. Remember, therapy is meant to support your growth and healing, and the right therapist will provide a safe space for you to explore, process, and move forward.
Trust yourself in the process, and know that it's okay to ask questions, seek feedback, and change direction if needed. The right therapist is out there to help you thrive.
Sources
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American Psychological Association (2019, November 1). Better relationships with patients lead to better outcomes. APA.org. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/11/ce-corner-relationships#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAnyone%20who%20dispassionately%20looks%20at%20effect%20sizes,says%20University%20of%20Scranton%20professor%20John%20C.&text=A%20good%20relationship%2C%20the%20research%20finds%2C%20is,in%20and%20get%20the%20most%20from%20therapy.
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